Want more awe in your life? Be inspired by other people’s actions — whether it’s a superb athletic performance or a particularly generous act. — Greater Good Science Center
The Actions of Others Can Inspire Awe
Think about a time you witnessed:
- a grand gesture, such as someone offering kindness, or a hand up to someone else in the least expected moment or in the moment of greatest need.
- someone accomplishing a great feat or overcoming a huge obstacle, physical or mental.
- the most amazing amount of human potential, effort, and persistence you could imagine.
Maybe these acts even exceeded what you could imagine. Recall an image of one of these moments in your mind. How did that experience make you feel?
The actions of others can inspire awe.
Who Inspires Awe?
As I thought about the last time I felt awe as a result of human actions, the first images that came to mind were of famous athletes and artists, civil rights leaders, and world-renowned moral and spiritual guides. Extraordinary efforts and the impactful execution of inherent gifts can inspire awe.
The next images that came to mind were a couple of human acts that I recently observed through reading. Then, more and more examples flooded in. There are a lot of human efforts that inspire awe when I think of them.
From Acts of Kindness to a Lifetime Goal
Melanie J. wrote a story several months ago about how random acts of kindness led her to more random acts of kindness. Last week she shared an update:
Recently, I made a commitment to create care packages for some of the people experiencing homelessness in the city where I live. This effort has been going extremely well, and I have decided to make it a long-term commitment. I would eventually like to form my own charity to continue performing daily acts of kindness. What I thought were just a few random encounters, has turned into a lifetime goal. -Melanie J., Life Goals with Kind Memories
When people go through a journey that shapes them into genuinely selfless and giving souls, I am in awe. Being in tune with the needs of others and committing to a lifetime of such generous service is extraordinary and awe-inspiring.
Following a Dream
I first experienced great energy from John Mashni at Tom Kuegler’s 2021 Summit. John was a guest sharing his experiences with writing a children’s book. I recently saw one of John’s social media posts:
This is a double shot of awe. John is in awe of the way his dream is unfolding and how it is positively impacting so many people. I am in awe of his journey. He knew his dream was a wild one. He wasn’t sure how it would materialize, but he pushed on anyway and made it a reality.
I wonder, how did the universe line things up so perfectly? He received several signs to start writing his children’s book. How was he able to hear these signs and act so efficiently even though he had doubts in the beginning? How did he come into contact with the right people at the right times? How did one thing after another fall into exactly the right place? How did he keep pushing when he didn’t know what the next step or the outcome may be? If this type of journey can reveal itself to some people, where do others miss the mark? How do dreams like these manifest?
Awe-inspiring experiences like this shine a light on how huge the universe is, but also how tuned in we must be to realize our dreams. When the signs are sent, sometimes we have only a few seconds to accept them and take the first steps to set the momentum in motion.
Closer to Home
I have recently found myself in awe a little closer to home. My sister ran a half marathon and went sky diving this year. These are both common occurrences in the world, but not in my family. I share DNA with a person that has stepped out of our ordinary.
The feeling I experienced while thinking about these accomplishments goes beyond these two events and beyond my sister and my family. I have a renewed consciousness that practically anything anyone else can do, I can do too. I feel a renewed motivation to explore options that I may have avoided in the past. Some invisible lines that previously limited the possibilities in my mind have now been erased by awe. I feel connected to others in a huge universe where almost anything is possible.
Final Thoughts
Usually, I find nature to be my most plentiful source of awe. Sometimes human actions are the source. What is most awe-inspiring for you?
Thank you for reading! I hope everyone experiments with ways to find their greatest sources of awe so they can reap the great benefits.
Other Awe Practices: