It usually hits us without warning — the ocean horizon against a warm, orange sunrise glow, the quiet calm of a forest during a winter snow, a stranger’s unexpected act of kindness. That moment of awe doesn’t just lift our spirits; increasing research shows it can measurably improve our physical health and emotional well-being.
Awe has a way of stopping us mid-stride, pulling us out of our routines and back into the present moment. More than just a fleeting feeling, researchers are discovering that awe can reset our minds, strengthen our bodies, and reconnect us to something larger than ourselves.
WHAT IS AWE
Awe is not an easy emotion to describe or even accurately define. Different than many other feelings, awe can be positive or negative. It can be the result of a wide array of influences. These feelings are often self-transcending. They move our focus away from ourselves, make us feel like we are part of a larger process or realm, change our perception of time, and even leave us feeling more altruistic.
A 2018 White Paper from the John Templeton Foundation dug into the origins of awe. There are varying opinions about how awe has evolved, but the paper did say … “Awe’s ability to elicit cognitive accommodation may also explain why humans evolved to experience this unique emotion. Experiencing awe may be adaptive because it encourages us to take in new information and adjust our mental structures around this information, helping us navigate our world and increasing our odds of survival. Finally, awe’s ability to make us feel more connected with others and to be more helpful and generous may have also helped ensure our ancestors’ survival and reproductive success.”
Multiple studies published at PubMed Central show simple awe interventions result in fewer depressive symptoms and more positive well-being. Additionally, people who more frequently experience awe report lower levels of stress, even when controlling for other positive emotions. More generally, experiencing awe has been linked to increases in life satisfaction
A National Geographic article title “The Life-Changing Power of Awe” even elaborated, “awe appears to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (i.e. the ‘rest and digest’ mode opposed to ‘fight or flight’), which may help calm the body, reduce stress... and support recovery - offering a plausible biological mechanism for long-term benefits.”
THE PRACTICAL VALUE OF AWE
If you agree with the growing data that experiencing awe can be beneficial for your health, then you probably have some questions, such as: How does that show up in layman’s terms? How do I experience awe? Should I search it out?
Dr. Paul Kwon is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Nevada, Reno and is the director of the UNR department’s PhD program. He says feelings of awe must elicit an emotional response, and he is a big believer in the power of awe to have positive effects on people.
“Part of being happy in life is being hopeful about the future,” Kwon says. “When we have awe-inspiring moments, it’s a big part of that. It’s a reminder of something about the world that’s amazing. We need experiences like that to stoke hope for the future.
“Being curious about the world, seeking out awe-inspiring moments is important in general, but especially when life kicks you in the teeth. When someone is down on the mat and thinking how do I get up, if they lose curiosity about positive experiences in the world, that can be fatal … Deliberately seeking out these moments of awe, knowing these possibilities are out there, and being aware of them is important.”
Kwon says an important concept to remember is that every human thinks differently, has different biases, and values different priorities. Because of that individuality, awe-inspiration looks a little different for everyone.
“There is not a one-size-fits-all for happiness,” he says. “People who are extroverted, you might encourage them to seek out people (shared experiences), but somebody who is introverted might be more touched by going to an art museum. However you seek awe, that should fit your personality.”
The polarity of personalities will certainly inspire different types of awe. Jeff Bean is an engineer and the President of Heavy/Civil Construction at Q&D Construction in Reno. He’s a pretty concrete thinker that likes solving problems, often times with numbers. In many cases, if the math works, it can be built. It’s safe to say he’s an analytic thinker and there’s plenty that strikes him with awe.
“Honestly, the things that impress me most aren’t always the newest tech or the latest structures. It’s the historic structures,” Bean says. “When I look at something built 100-200 years ago, long before modern machinery, computer modeling, or even reliable transport, I’m immediately struck by the sheer ingenuity and determination behind it.
“As engineers, we’re used to solving problems with models, simulations, hydraulic equipment, and modern survey tools. But those historic structures were built with mathematics done by hand, inconsistent materials, and construction methods that relied on pure human power. And yet… they’re still completed with precision and durability. That mix of craftsmanship, courage, and clever problem-solving leaves me in awe every time.”
Sydney Martinez is a little different from Bean. While they both like Nevada’s outdoors, Martinez is much more of a free spirit. She’s a consultant and Nevada locations expert for various agencies, having explored nearly every inch of the Silver State. In an interview with City Lifestyle earlier this year, she confirmed how she searches for awe across Northern Nevada and beyond.
“I’ve seen some of the most isolated terrain in the country. I’ve been driving off road and visited some amazing little Nevada-owned businesses and rural bars. There’s amazing geology in our state. (Exploring the state) all became a quest of mine and I became addicted to this feeling that there’s something else out there.”
It's safe to say awe doesn’t belong to one worldview or way of life. It shows up wherever people encounter something that stretches their sense of scale — whether through human achievement or the natural world. What’s consistent is not the source of awe, but its effect.
AWE IN THE TRUCKEE MEADOWS AND BEYOND
The great outdoors is a great place to find awe. Soaking in Mother Nature’s gifts, the region is full of amazing desert and mountain landscapes. But there’s plenty of awe inside too.
Many find awe in the talents of others. Dennyse Sewell is the CEO at Reno’s Pioneer Center. She sees the power of awe on the human soul when she watches audiences marvel at a myriad of Pioneer performances.
“It’s awe-inspiring to be in the presence of skill, talent, and excellence – especially when those attributes are combined to create an immersive live experience that has been meticulously crafted to take audience members on an artistic storytelling journey,” Sewell said. “The full-body goosebumps that can wash over us during a powerful live performance, and the way a piece of music or choreography can move us to tears – that emotional resonance is an integral part of the magic of experiencing a live performing arts event. It’s also a unifying human experience to be moved by art ... There’s a sense of wonder to those precious and fleeting moments that is genuinely awe-inspiring.”
Evelyn Klatt is the chief development and marketing officer for the Reno Philharmonic. She had similar sentiments to Sewell’s, stressing music, maybe unlike any other form, can touch anyone, anywhere, from any background.
“I think what’s fascinating about musicians and artists is their ability to tap into collective knowledge,” Klatt says. “Many of us don’t have tools to express some of these things that express language, which I think gives us great appreciation for musicians and how they can expand our way of thinking in a way maybe you don’t otherwise do.
“Music has an uncanny ability that opens a world we didn’t know existed before… Music especially has an ability to communicate emotion. Every Reno Phil concert is unique, and I always feel like awe experiences are happening.”
Across disciplines, landscapes, and personalities, the message is consistent: awe matters. Regardless of how it is experienced —through numbers, nature, or a soaring note - it leaves people feeling smaller, more connected, and, research suggests, better for it.