“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” - Albert Einstein
Key Concepts:
- Awe makes us challenge our understanding of the world, making us question what we think we know.
- Research has found that experiences of awe make us feel more socially connected, reduce inflammation in the body, spark curiosity, increase humility, and promote acts of kindness and generosity.
- Research tells us that moments of awe improve our happiness and health.
What to Try:
- Visit new places (that don't need to be far). Try a local hike, a trip to the city, or a walk on the beach.
- Develop a mindfulness practice, where you encourage your child to do a body scan or practice a meditation like the 5-4-3-2-1 method. Your child names 5 things they can see,
4 things they can feel/touch, 3 things they can hear, 2 things they smell, and 1 thing they taste. - Visit a science museum or try easy at-home experiments that can fill your child with awe.
- Discover art by visiting a museum. Learn about the artist, how long ago they lived, where they created their artwork, and the story behind each piece.
- Stargaze. Few things can help you step outside of yourself like space. Pack a blanket and get out there with binoculars.
- Learn about and visit monuments, skyscrapers, stadiums, and bridges. How were these huge structures built? What obstacles got in the way?
- Music creates moments of awe in all of us. Live performances are an incredible experience for your child. Check out a high school concert or a local musical performance.
- Use technology to your advantage and look for age appropriate documentaries that are awe-worthy.
- Reminisce by looking at pictures and videos from your child’s life, along with yours.
- Sharing stories and memories can be extremely awe-inspiring!