The Power of Awe: A Simple Way to Feel Happier Every Day
Have you ever stood under a sky full of stars, looked out over a vast ocean, or listened to music so moving it gave you goosebumps? That feeling—the one that gives you chills, stops your thoughts for a moment, and fills you with wonder—is called awe. According to a growing body of research, experiencing awe isn’t just a beautiful moment; it’s a powerful way to boost happiness and improve your well-being.
What Is Awe?
Psychologists define awe as the emotion we feel when encountering something so vast or extraordinary that it challenges our understanding of the world. It might come from nature, art, music, a moving act of kindness, or even a profound conversation. Awe slows us down and pulls us out of our heads. It reminds us that we’re part of something bigger.
And here’s the exciting part: awe isn’t just a fleeting emotion. It has lasting benefits.
Awe and Your Well-Being
Studies show that people who regularly experience awe are happier, more connected, and even healthier. One major study published in the journal Emotion found that awe was strongly associated with greater life satisfaction, humility, and a sense of meaning. Other research shows that awe can reduce stress, lower inflammation, and increase feelings of generosity and compassion.
Even brief “awe moments” can shift our focus away from ourselves, helping to quiet the inner critic and reduce rumination. In other words, awe gets us out of our heads, and that alone can be a relief.
Where to Find Awe (It’s Closer Than You Think)
You don’t need to travel to the Grand Canyon or see a symphony orchestra to feel awe. While those are amazing, awe is everywhere if you know where to look.
Here are a few simple ways to invite more awe into your life:
Look up at the sky. Sunsets, cloud formations, stars. All of them have the potential to take your breath away.
Listen deeply to music. Pick a song that moves you, turn off distractions, and really listen. Let yourself feel it.
Spend time in nature. Even a tree-lined street, a blooming flower, or a quiet park bench can reconnect you to something bigger.
Watch awe-inspiring videos. Short documentaries, time-lapse nature videos, or performances can spark wonder.
Talk to someone inspiring. Conversations that open your mind to a new perspective can fill you with awe—especially when you feel a real connection.
Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. A child’s laugh. A kind gesture. The pattern on a leaf. Awe doesn’t always shout. It often whispers.
Why Awe Makes Us Happier
Researchers believe that awe uniquely shifts our perspective. It quiets our ego and reminds us that we’re not alone in the world. When we feel awe, we tend to be more generous, patient, and connected to others.
Awe can also inspire what's called the “small self” effect—a sense of being a tiny part of something vast and meaningful. Rather than making us feel insignificant, this often leads to greater life satisfaction because it helps put daily stresses into perspective.
Dr. Dacher Keltner, a leading researcher in this field and author of the book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, says awe “gives you energy and makes you more hopeful.”
A Simple Challenge for the Week
If you’d like to feel more grounded, more alive, and yes, happier, try this:
Each day this week, pause to notice one thing that makes you say “Wow.”
It could be the color of the sky, the rhythm of a song, or the kindness of a stranger. Write it down. See how you feel at the end of the week.
Happiness doesn’t always come from big life changes. Sometimes, it comes from looking at the world with fresh eyes.
Awe helps us do just that.
So, the next time you find yourself rushing through your day, take a moment to pause. Look up. Listen closely. Wonder a little. That feeling of awe? It might just be your shortcut to a happier life.
Happiness Posts is published by Darin M. Klemchuk founder of Klemchuk PLLC, an intellectual property law firm located in Dallas, Texas and co-founder of Engage Workspace for Lawyers, a coworking space for lawyers. He also publishes the Ideate (law) and Elevate (law firm culture) blogs. You can find more information about his law practice at his firm bio and also at his BioSite.
