Released Today: Awe, by Dacher Keltner
The new year didn’t start off with a bang for me this year. I was waiting for January 3rd to get it started. I was waiting for the arrival of Dacher Keltner’s new book: Awe!
Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the faculty director of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. He co-created an official definition of awe with Jonathan Haidt from New York University in 2003. He has been studying awe ever since.
Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world.
Every time I am reminded how young awe is in comparison to the studies of reasoning, thinking, and other emotions, I am in awe. How could it have taken so long for scientists to realize this emotion that seems to orient us to:
- devote ourselves to things outside of our individual selves
- sacrifice and serve
- sense that the boundaries between our individual sleeves and others readily dissolve
- realize our true nature is collective
Who wouldn’t want to live in a world full of people experiencing more awe? Although the study of awe got a late start, much has been discovered!
Dasher’s book was released today. I am not able to write more now. I will be reading and listening! I pre-ordered the hardback and the audible version. Click here to get your copy:
AWE
The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life Dacher Keltner
Luckily, I saved this story as a draft before I set out on my walk. I love a good rainy day. I was still a little hesitant to head out today. Honestly, I only went so I could start listening to the book.
As I approached the creek, Dacher explained his research, including lab-induced awe, culturally archived awe, and personal and first-person stories of awe. He posed this question:
What is an experience of awe that you have had, when you encountered a vast mystery that transcends your understanding of the world?
Well, I was actually having one right at that moment. What else can be found on a rainy day other than wonderous raindrops and puddles? Fog. That is what I found. A mysterious wall between my side of the creek and the other.
Although I have been fascinated by the study of awe for a couple of years, I am excited to see what is uncovered and clarified on this new awe journey! Now, I am off to hear some more! See you on the other side!
Thanks for reading! I hope everyone finds time for more moments of awe!
Share Your Experiences of Feeling Awe
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About My Writing Journey — For Awe — Vantage Points for Awe
Awe Store — Images to elicit awe, awe journals, cards, and more.
AWE, Dacher Keltner (Amazon Affiliate Link)
The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life