Psychologist Dr. Dacher Keltner has been studying the feelings of awe and wonder and how they can actually improve health. According to Dr. Keltner, awe is defined by experiencing something that transcends one’s understanding of the world. Though we tend to think of awe-inspiring moments as big things like seeing Machu Picchu or watching your favorite performer in concert, Dr. Keltner says that wonder can be found in everyday moments. Integrating awe into our daily lives can calm the nervous system, release the hormone oxytocin, and limit negative self-talk. Awe is integral to our emotional well-being, and can be achieved everyday by paying attention to the goodness of others, practicing mindfulness, and being open to new experiences. Learn more about his cutting edge research here!
Image via Dr. Dacher Keltner
Read other stories from the 1/16/23 newsletter: