The Power of Awe
In a world that often rewards speed, productivity, and constant attention, it is easy to become consumed by the next task, the next goal, or the next challenge. Our focus narrows. Our thoughts become centered on ourselves and what needs to be done.Research by psychologist Dr. Dacher Keltner suggests that one of the most powerful antidotes to this state is something surprisingly accessible: awe.
Awe is the feeling we experience when we encounter something larger than ourselves—something that expands our perspective and reminds us that we are part of something greater. It might be found in nature, music, art, learning, or moments of deep human connection. These experiences don't simply feel good; they change the way we think, feel, and relate to the world around us.
Research suggests that moments of awe can quiet our inner dialogue, reduce stress, increase feelings of connection, and broaden our perspective. Rather than becoming consumed by our own worries, we become more aware of our surroundings, the beauty in ordinary moments, and the meaning woven throughout our lives.
At APEX, we often talk about breath as a pathway to presence. Awe invites us into that same space.
Perhaps the most familiar source of awe is the natural world. It might be watching the sunrise before a workout or paddling out into the first light of day, hiking a quiet trail, exploring a new place, standing at the edge of the ocean, or pausing beneath a sky full of stars. Dr. Dacher Keltner's research also suggests that some of the most powerful experiences of awe come not from the world around us, but from the people within it. He calls this moral beauty—those moments when we witness courage, compassion, generosity, resilience, perseverance, or quiet excellence in others. It might be watching someone overcome a fear they never thought they could face, seeing a teammate offer encouragement when it is needed most, celebrating another person's success as if it were our own, or noticing small acts of kindness that often go unseen. These experiences remind us not only of what others are capable of, but also of the qualities we can cultivate within ourselves.
One of the greatest gifts of this community is the opportunity to experience awe in all its forms. Whether inspired by nature or by the goodness we witness in one another, these moments broaden our perspective, deepen our sense of connection, and remind us that some of life's most meaningful experiences are found when we slow down long enough to notice them.
We hope your Fourth of July weekend has offered moments to pause—to watch a sunset, listen to laughter around the table, find joy in the water, explore somewhere new, or simply appreciate the people with whom you've shared it.