Awe
I intended to write this newsletter on the topic of giving yourself a break when you need it, but after witnessing a bucket-list event on Saturday night, I wanted to talk about awe.
This was the awe-inspiring view of the sky from my garden at about 11 p.m. on Saturday night. For an hour, I felt gratitude, inspiration, joy, and amazement. I was completely in the moment—not worrying about what had happened earlier that day or what would come after. I felt deeply connected to my husband and son, who were witnessing it with me. Just looking at this picture brings back all of those feelings and has me approaching my week, choosing to let the small things wash over me.
Something to think about
There is magic all around us, yet we are generally focused on other things, so we do not notice them. Yet awe can transform our minds in many ways:
increases our ability to shift perspectives and think critically
expands our perception of time, leading us to feel less rushed and impatient
increases our capacity for gratitude, generosity, and cooperation
improves mood and life satisfaction
reduces the stress hormone cortisol and boosts the immune system
“Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
― Roald Dahl
Something to answer
Think back to a time when you felt a sense of awe and wonder, find a picture that sparks these feelings for you, or get out into nature and allow yourself to be fully absorbed in the experience.
What is it about this memory, picture, or experience in nature that brings about feelings of awe and wonder? Write in as much sensory detail and be as specific as possible to bring this felt sense alive.
Allow yourself to fully embody these feelings. What do you notice?
How do you feel?
Something to do
Bring awe into every day by doing one or more of the following
Take a walk and spend time gazing at something that catches your attention, noticing the details and intricacies
Keep a picture of something awe-inspiring next to your keyboard or tape it to your bathroom mirror and take time each day to look at it and notice what feelings arise
Play a favourite song and really listen for each instrument, the beauty of the voice, and the poetry of the lyrics.
As always, I invite you to reply to this email with your insights and observations. Let me know if I can include them in next week's newsletter and if you’d prefer to remain anonymous.
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