Awaken to Awe: Cultivating Wonder in Everyday Life

Awe is often associated with breathtaking landscapes, profound encounters, or once-in-a-lifetime moments. But what if awe isn’t rare at all? What if it’s waiting in the seemingly ordinary—a fleeting interaction, the way light filters through trees, or the sound of laughter echoing through a room? The more we invite awe into our awareness, the richer and more connected our lives become.

Finding Awe in Shared Moments

A couple of weeks ago, I read a newsletter from Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering. She shared a beautiful story about a dinner where one of the guests posed a question: “What is a moment of awe you’ve experienced in your life?” This simple invitation opened up a heartfelt exchange, as each person reflected on the instances that had left them breathless and humbled.

Inspired by this, I’ve now asked this question twice during women’s circles, and it has quickly become one of my favorite ways to spark meaningful connection. Each time, the responses are deeply personal—some grand, some quiet, all profound. It’s a reminder that awe isn’t reserved for dramatic events; sometimes, it’s found in the smallest moments when we truly pause and pay attention, moments like the leaves on the trees or a rainbow, like the one in the photo below. It appeared the morning of my birthday as I was talking with my mom, who died in 2020. Yes, I do believe the dead are always listening. Sometimes I "hear" them responding, too - that's a blog post for another day!

Why Awe Matters

Science tells us that awe has the power to reduce stress, increase happiness, and even deepen social bonds. It shifts our focus outward, fostering a sense of humility and appreciation for the vastness of life. When we notice awe more frequently, we cultivate gratitude, wonder, and a heightened awareness of beauty in everyday existence.

Cultivating More Awe in Life

1. Slow Down – Moments of awe often require presence. Take a breath, pause, and look around.

2. Ask the Question – Next time you're gathered with friends or family, ask: “What’s a moment of awe you’ve experienced lately?”

3. Engage with Nature – Step outside, watch the changing sky, feel the wind on your skin, look closely at the leaves on the trees, smell the flowers—nature is a masterclass in awe.

4. Notice the Extraordinary in Others – Marvel at human kindness, creativity, and resilience.

5. Start an Awe Journal – I recently began a 30-day awe-wareness journal, recording one thing each day that sparks joy or wonder in me. It’s a simple but powerful way to make awe a conscious habit.

Awe is everywhere—it’s in conversation, in nature, in art, in human connection. It’s in the moments we choose to slow down and see life with fresh eyes. By cultivating awe, we shift the way we experience the world, filling our days with a deeper sense of gratitude and wonder.

The question isn’t whether awe exists—it’s whether we’re paying attention.

Moment of awe - birthday rainbow