The December issue of O magazine featured an interesting article on that wonderful thing we feel "when faced with something sublime, exceptional, or altogether beyond comprehension” - awe. Now awe is not a phenomenon I tend to think about during my day-to-day, but this article made some rather incredible statements that had me searching for moments of awe within my own lifetime. The writer, David Hochman, says that awe is one of the least understood human emotions, and one that can cause dramatic positive changes should we experience it.
Music - Awe is triggered in our brains by the unknown! Try listening to some new, obscure genre of music. Hint: You’re probably not going to find any "moments of awe" listening to Top 40...
In a study that used fMRI scanners, scientists from the Berkeley Social Interaction Laboratory found that people who were exposed to awe-inducing images (think: massive star collisions in space) showed brain activity, not in areas tied to self-interest or self-satisfaction (as is the typical response to cash rewards & silly prizes), but instead in the parts associated with touch and nurturing. Rather than a self-centered kind of satisfaction, awe triggers feelings of warmth and appreciation toward others.
Meditation:
One of the best places to experience awe is in a breathtaking natural environment. For those willing to roll out of bed before dawn, December is a great month for stargazing. The Geminid, known as the 'Grand Finale' of meteor showers, can be seen on December 13th as early as 10 PM with a peak at about 2 AM. Check out this Cosmic Event! To see the most awesome stars make sure you find a dark viewing site.
Hochman says contemporary research suggests that cultivating awe in our own lives can actually lead us to feel like a part of something greater than ourselves and may even help us get closer to figuring out our "greater purpose in life". This may be due in part to the fact that Oxytocin, “the bonding hormone”, is released during moments of awe.
Sights - While hiking to the top of Mount Everest might be high up there on the list of awe-inspiring activities, this is advice for those of us who are doing things a little more local. That narrows down the options, but there are at least a few sights worth seeing in New York that just might have the power to evoke a moment of awe. Try looking at Manhattan from new heights! If you haven’t looked down on the city from the top of the Empire State building, why not give it a try? There are even helicopter rides you can take for $35.95. Check it out..
Group activities: Concerts, festivals, raves, protests!
The O article says ecstatic social experiences often occur in large groups. This can happen anywhere from a political rally to a sweaty drum & bass show. In NYC, the opportunities to be part of a crowd are many...
Peaceful protest:
Music:
1990's Retro Rave "Mixtape" 12/3 Escape the System 12/4 New Year's Rezolution! (Dubstep, electro house, dnb) 12/31
1990's Retro Rave "Mixtape" 12/3 Escape the System 12/4 New Year's Rezolution! (Dubstep, electro house, dnb) 12/31
What really appealed to me about this article was the philosophy behind the science. The root of Hochman's statements lie in a more artistic view of human emotions, which broadens the primordial spectrum of feelings, "anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise," to include what he refers to as the “more nuanced sensations – Compassion, forgiveness, humility, and awe.” A moment of awe can be a refreshing, affirming experience; something that resonates down in the core of your being and compels you to embrace the wonder of the world around you. It seems that we could benefit from looking a little further into this natural phenomenon. Challenge yourself - find something to inspire a moment of awe in your life!
Meditation: Many people find their path to higher states of being through energy healing or yoga, which are based on ancient Asian techniques of meditation. Check out Yoga to the People for extremely affordable yoga classes. Nurture New York - "All things holistic and nurturing in NYC."
Natural Phenomena
Wow! What an info-packed post! Thanks so much. I agree that certain pieces of music can inspire awe. So can moments of solitude in an unfamiliar place. Two I will never forget both involve the sky: Seeing the Northern Lights for the first time while in the High Arctic off the coast of Greenland, and staring at the countless stars from the Maldives. It made me feel so insignificant, which was also quite beautiful and, yes, awe-inspiring.
ReplyDeleteSweaty Drum and Bass!!!
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