Heads up, Respected Reader. I did not ask if you have an awful life. I wrote awe-ful. These two words are night and day different. Awful is horrific, terrible, bad, etc… . Let me tell you about the wondrous things about experiencing a life more awe-ful.

Awe has both psychological and spiritual benefits. One cannot be good without the other. I first came across awe many years ago when I was an avid reader in the seminary. Rudolph Otto in his 1917 book “THE IDEA OF THE HOLY”, wrote that the experience of the numinous, the sacred, the holy is the basic core of religion. Otto says that this numinous experience, a “mysterium tremendum, has three elements: “awefulness (inspiring awe), overpoweringness (that which inspires a sense of humility), and energy (creating a sense of immense vigour).”  This experience is transcending.

Recently scientists have discovered that certain experiences in nature engender awe, fascination, and the feeling of being in the presence of something greater or outside the self. Their research findings have demonstrated that connection with nature facilitates not only awe, but also feelings of closeness with others, thus increasing or activating generosity and the propensity for connections and connectedness vital for the functioning of human existence.

Taking this thought further, recent research is showing that feelings of awe during encounters with art, nature, and spirituality have an anti-inflammatory effect, protecting the body from chronic disease. More specifically researchers have found a correlation between the feelings of awe and lower levels of cytokines, markers that put the immune system on high alert by triggering a defensive reaction know as inflammation. A certain amount of inflammation is valuable in fighting infection and disease. However chronically high levels of cytokines have been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, depression, and autoimmune conditions.

Berkeley scientist, Dacher Keltner, says “That awe, wonder and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines suggests that the things we do to experience these emotions – a walk in nature, losing oneself in music, beholding art- have a direct influence upon health and life expectancy.

This study joins a growing body of evidence suggesting positive emotions play an important role in promoting physical health. Researcher Jennifer Stellar states, “Folding these kinds of positive experiences into your daily routine may be more important for health than we previously realized.”

Respected Reader, I totally am in agreement with these findings. I have experienced many moments of awe through diverse experiences. They have transcended me to spiritual heights, brought me feelings of joy, and a sense of connectedness with all that is good in the universe. I have a number of methodologies that I regularly incorporate into my personal life and offer those clients who have requested such insight.

What might be pathways to an awe-ful life for you? May you find some so that you can experience a more spiritual and healthier self!