AWE and WONDER
By Roger A. Shake, CFP®, RLP®, CeFT®
I recently returned from a conference in West Palm Beach, Florida and had the pleasure of joining some of my Financial Transitionist Institute colleagues on the “lake walk,” which passes by one of the wonders of this area, the giant kapok tree. It is over 100 years old and “is one of the largest and oldest trees on Palm Beach Island with sweeping, octopus-like roots and a smooth, arching trunk. It is a transplant from the Amazon rainforests, brought here as an experimental crop tree when Palm Beach Island was founded in the 1910s.” I don’t have a green thumb, and the idea that something this majestic could start life as a seed and grow into something this magnificent filled me with Awe.
One of the best sessions at the conference was a presentation on the power of Awe and Wonder. I recently finished Dacher Keltner’s new book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. It was an interesting and thought provoking read. Keltner defines Awe as “the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world.” Through studies, research and interviews, Dr. Keltner coalesced his findings into 8 kinds of awe…
1. Moral beauty. Nothing inspires us like others showing virtues such as courage, kindness, strength, or overcoming. Be it a soldier carrying his injured comrade to safety, an unexpected kindness, or a mother showing strength after losing her baby.
2. Collective effervescence. Ever been to a concert, wedding, graduation, funeral? The electrifying vibe, the group flow experience, that’s collective effervescence.
3. Nature. It’s hard not to feel small — in a good sense — when looking at the Rocky Mountains, a vast lake, stars in the sky, or ocean waves crashing on the shore.
4. Music. If you’ve ever had goosebumps when listening to a Mozart piece, attending a concert, chanting in a religious ceremony, or simply singing with others.
5. Visual design, art, and architecture. From the Great Wall of China to art deco buildings to the Mona Lisa, art captures and reminds us of the other forms of awe.
6. Spirituality, mysticism, and religion. From conversion stories like St. Paul on the road to Damacus or the Buddha under the bodhi tree, to man’s search for meaning and purpose in this world, or nirvana/enlightenment experiences can trigger awe as well.
7. Life and death. It is a miracle to be born, and it is a miracle to die. Whenever we are around for either, emotions abound.
8. Epiphany. Be it philosophical insight, a mathematical equation that clicks, or a shocking revelation by a friend: The truth can hit hard and suddenly, leaving us literally awe-struck.
The first 3 kinds of awe are personal and transformative, Keltner explains. They change how we relate to the world and one another. The second 3 kinds are cultural — awe codified in music, art, and texts. While everyone responds differently to these types, we all feel awe in some form or other. The last 2 kinds of awe are universal. Whenever we do experience them, they help us find and know our place in the world.
In a busy, perpetually connected world, it’s easy to get distracted and miss moments of Awe and Wonder. The encouragement in Keltner’s book is to slow down and experience moments of Awe and Wonder every single day. Start to look for and notice the things that make you utter - wow or whoa!
For me, Awe most consistently shows up in Nature. Whether it’s watching a sunrise or sunset, hiking a mountain trail, sitting by a stream, or simply stumbling upon a majestic kapok tree.
I’d love to hear from you. Send me a quick email describing what causes you to experience moments of Awe and Wonder. rshake@LegacyConsultingGroup.com
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