Actively look for and cultivate awe in your daily life, as it is a trainable skill that improves with practice, leading to everyday wonder and numerous physical and mental benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved cardiovascular health, and clearer thinking.
Go for an “awe walk” once a week for eight weeks in a slightly mysterious place, intentionally observing both small and vast things in your environment to reduce distress, increase your sense of awe, and become more aware of your surroundings.
Regularly engage in a personal contemplative practice, such as listening to music, walking in nature, reading, or playing a sport reflectively, to foster extensive awe about almost everything in life, extending into your non-meditative experiences.
Seek out awe through the eight defined paths—moral beauty, nature, collective movement, music, visual design, spirituality, epiphanies (big ideas), and life and death—to discover your unique pathways to wonder and broaden your perception of awe.
When you experience awe, ask yourself, “What am I part of here?” to realize your connection to something larger than yourself (e.g., fellow humans, an ecosystem, or culture), shifting focus away from an internal, individualistic mindset.
Incorporate brief 3-5 minute awe-inducing shifts into your daily routine, such as sitting in a garden during lunch, walking with colleagues, or sharing awe stories, to easily access the benefits of awe even with limited time.
Intentionally listen to music that gives you goosebumps or makes you tear up, as this is an easy and effective way to experience awe and gain its associated physical and mental benefits.
To alleviate distress, especially in young adults, actively find social connections, spend time outdoors, and engage in activities that help you find meaning or reflect on life.