The state of being in awe boosts our overall health. Not only that, but it also feels incredibly good. We can be intentional in experiencing more moments that leave us speechless with joy. Below are 10 ways to put more awe into your life.

I am a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, joining millions of my fellow Canadians. The recent lead up to the Major League Baseball team being in the World Series for the first time in 32 years left me feeling in awe, watching the various players hit homeruns, make amazing catches or throw incredible pitches. When the Blue Jays won Game 6 against the Seattle Mariners in the American League Championship Series to force going to Game 7, I was over the moon. Then, the excitement and triumph of Game 7 had me ecstatic. I couldn’t stop smiling. This feeling of excitement and pure bliss continues as I watch the Blue Jays play the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. I feel thrilled. And I know my fellow Blue Jays fans (as well as LA Dodgers fans) feel the same way.

The feeling of awe creates physiological responses in us, such as getting goosebumps, our eyes widening and our mouth falling open. It is an intense feeling of wonder of something bigger than ourselves to which we are connected. It makes us feel very alive and in the moment. We have a human need to feel moved, to experience deep feelings. Being in a state of awe is one way to fulfill that need.

Repeated feelings of awe in our lives improve our wellbeing; both physically (lowering levels of chronic inflammation, which can lead to all kinds of disease, and possibly combatting depression) and socially (they may reduce our impatience, increase our cooperativeness, generosity and humility, and they make us more willing to give of our time to help other people and increase our life satisfaction). Wow. Experiencing awe on a regular basis can make us nicer and happier humans. 🙂 As the state of being in awe is so good for us and makes us feel happy, why leave moments of awe in our lives up to chance? There are many sources of awe that we can incorporate into our daily lives.

It turns out that our feelings of awe need not come only from seeing exceptional feats accomplished in world-class competitions such as the Olympics or the World Series or from viewing breathtaking vistas like the Grand Canyon. We can experience awe from observing small acts of profound meaning or taking a moment to appreciate nature’s miracles all around us.

Here are 10 ways you can add more awe into your life:

1. Being in nature and observing the plant life and wildlife around you. Admiring the majesty of a tree or the intricacy of a bloom on a flower can leave you in awe. Watching a colony of ants work away is amazing to behold.
2. Staring into the heavens at night. We exist on just one planet in our solar system in the Milky Way galaxy. We are but a speck amongst something so vast. The contemplation of the universe is awe-inspiring.
3. Immersing yourself in seeing or listening to an orchestra play a classical piece or a new piece of music is magical. Listening to anyone playing a musical instrument well is delightful.
4. Being moved by a gifted singer or a world-class band delivering a singular performance.
5. Seeing anyone perform an exceptional task, a rescue, or a unique talent is inspiring.
6. Being part of a crowd experiencing the same event or joining in with others as a member of a choir or group exercise class creates a feeling of oneness with others that is grand.
7. Learning something new that uncovers an aha moment for us or makes us think differently than we had before can fill us with awe.
8. Observing any animal reveals how miraculous they are. Watching animals interact with other animals or humans is a never-ending source of joy and wonder.
9. Appreciating the Arts and the beauty they add to your life: music, dance, theatre, film/television, literary, or physical art (paintings, drawings, sculpture, etcetera).
10. Enjoying your passion for participating in athletic activity or cheering on your favourite athlete or team.

We spend a lot of time staring down at our phones. This activity precludes us from welcoming the state of awe into our daily lives. This is something to keep in mind if you want to experience more awe in your life.

Witnessing everyday acts of kindness that people do create good feelings in us even up to awe. Taking stock of our blessings and feeling deep gratitude for what we have in our lives is a guaranteed source of awe. Truly, the ways are limitless of how awe can enter our lives.

The thrill of being in awe can be part of your life everyday. It just takes being open to experiencing awe, being observant to life all around you and acknowledging it when it arrives.

You are the Light of your own Life. You are awe-some!