Awe: it’s one of those feelings that’s difficult to describe. Part of it is because awe is a purely emotional response, and language often fails in putting words to our experience of it. Some people recognize it when they see it, but others may not even understand what is happening to them.
As we think about awe this month, I wonder when you have experienced awe? What did it feel like? Did it leave you changed? I’ve never met someone who experienced awe who didn’t feel differently about the world after. Personal transformation seems to be the norm, and communal change can be the result.
At its core, awe is a deep sense of fear or wonder that creates a sense of reverential respect for the universe, or at least a part of it. For some, a beautiful sunrise or sunset, the birth of a child, the sudden understanding of a scientific or philosophical thesis, or their connection to another person may arouse such a sense of awe. And there are other ways that we’re only beginning to recognize, such as through sexuality and both our romantic and platonic friendships. But others experience a spontaneous sense of connection that doesn’t have a clear cause.
In today’s world when climate change is sweeping the world and it is becoming more and more apparent that our way of life or even life on Earth may be at risk, a sense of reverence could help humanity break free from the supremacy culture that currently leads to a lack of recognition that the way we treat the Earth and her beings matters, that we could be setting our descendants up for catastrophe.
It’s difficult to force experiences of awe, but there are things we can do in order to prepare ourselves to receive wonder.
- Develop your spiritual practices. Whether you engage in a traditional spiritual practice like prayer or meditation, or you think outside the box and find meaning in other practices, find what gives you energy. Center yourself in your practice and you’ll be more likely to notice what’s around you.
- Find ways to engage your intellectual curiosity. Learn about the natural world, Read a philosophy, history, psychology, or sociology book just for the heck of it. Whatever it is, make sure to be in balance with your intellectual and intuitive faculties. Learning about the world can help you see what the big deal about the world are.
- Get out in nature. Hike. Swim. Or just sit there beneath a tree. Simply getting out in nature for no other reason than to be there can give you a different view of nature.
- Get involved in the environmental justice movement. Be a voice for the world to our elected officials. Speak out on issues to your family and friends. Learn how to live in ways that are less impactful to the universe.
Open yourself to awe. Find what moves you. If we can cultivate a culture of awe, we may just find a way to save the earth and ourselves.
- This month’s Spirit in Practice will be on Sunday, October 18 at 11:15 am during Second Hour. This month, we’ll be talking about personal spiritual practices. If you missed the first session, no worries! We’d love to have you!