Awe-Filled and Awe-Inducing Stories and Poems
For true happiness and better physical and mental health, make way for awe. In the vastness of the universe, the opportunities for finding awe are unlimited. Sharing our experiences of awe increases the impact it has on us and further connects us for the greater good.
— For Awe, Medium Publication
January is a time for reflection. Also, a time for looking forward to new possibilities. Many of the year’s “best of” moments are wrapped in feelings of awe.
Looking back, what moments of awe come to mind? Which moments from 2023 shine brightest?
The Best of 2023 at For Awe was like this sunset-wrapped skyline, full of beautiful bright lights. Almost impossible to select the best.
Although algorithms and stats tend to miss some sparkling gems, you can’t go wrong with “highest reads”. On Medium that means they are the most read stories. That is how we made this final list. It is also noted if a story was boosted (favorited) for distribution by Medium.
Let’s celebrate another successful year at For Awe and the Best of 2023!
Number 1: Dan Pfeifer (2.2K Reads)
It is rare to even get a glimpse of these beautiful birds. Typically, they hang out high in the trees. We have lived here 31 years; this was the first time I was able to photograph one! Awesome indeed!
-Dan Pfeifer
Bird Spotlight-Baltimore Oriole
Volume 9 In a Series medium.com (Click to Read More)
Number 2: Ben Ulansey (Boosted, 1K Reads)
In life, it can be easy to fall into routines. We can deprive ourselves of the awe-inspiring beauty that exist all around us and focus instead on whether we’ll be clocking in to work on time. The paths we walk and the routines we follow are decided by habit. Curiosity stops dictating the avenues in life that we walk along. The world around us loses its magic. But on psychedelics, our brains light up.
– Ben Ulansey
Psychedelics and the Rediscovery of Awe
How psychedelics rekindle curiosity medium.com (Click to Read More)
Number 3 and Number 4: Ray Wirth (Boosted, 574 Reads)
We have more in common with the rest of creation than we‘re inclined to think.
– Ray Wirth
Animals Feel Awe Too — How Beauty and Love Rule the Natural World
We have more in common with the rest of creation than we‘re inclined to think medium.com (Click to Read More)
Ray Wirth (Boosted, 420 Reads)
Each of us is on a journey — one that inevitably involves seasons of scarcity and darkness. If we’re fortunate, that journey also includes seasons of abundance and light.
– Ray Wirth
In the darkest, coldest days of winter, when their food supplies have been exhausted, Frederick shares that stored awe with the other mice, and they are sustained by it, just as powerfully as if it had been physical food. (Fredrick the Mouse, Leo Lionni — Children’s Book)
Number 6: Kim Zuch (Boosted, 336 Reads)
I’m still in awe that we got to witness a rare astronomical event just by driving 5 hours across the state, and that we got to help others enjoy the experience with us.
– Kim Zuch
Of course, someone in the crowd started singing Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” song and more joined in for a few verses. Then the group got quiet as we watched the ring for the few minutes we were able to see it.
I Got To Watch the Annular Solar Eclipse
And its “Ring of Fire” medium.com (Click to Read More)
Number 7: David Rudder (Boosted, 247 Reads)
Once again the awe I feel is enlivened
– David Rudder
As pastels paint the filters of the night.
My Senses Settle
In the evening.medium.com (Click to Read More)
Number 8: Obinna Uruakpa (Boosted, 230 Reads)
Those who come through
– Obinna Uruakpa
our open doors
even if they had worries
can only leave with a smile.
The Warmth of the Hearth
We keep giving because everything we have is a gift medium.com (Click to Read More)
Number 9: B.R. Shenoy (92 Reads)
I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty and diversity of wildlife that exists just outside our doorstep. Moments like these remind us to appreciate and protect the natural world around us.
– B.R. Shenoy
Spotting Wildlife: My Encounter with a Hidden Alligator
A story of excitement and caution in a new neighborhood medium.com (Click to Read More)
And 3 last cheers before we get to Number 10…
Number 10: The Entire For Awe Community
This includes everyone who has signed up to be a writer at For Awe, all of our writers who regularly share their moments of awe, readers who have regularly supported our writers, and others who have stopped by on occasion. We are a community. A community For Awe.
Cheers to the For Awe Community! Happy New Year! If this moment of reflection has inspired you, please share your own “Best of 2023” moments of awe! Looking forward, what moments of awe are you anticipating in the coming year?
Thanks for reading. I hope everyone finds ways to experience even more awe in the new year and explores more ways to be in community with others who share in this passion!
Sharing our experiences of feeling awe helps us etch those feelings in our memories. Our sharing can also evoke feelings of awe in others. If you want to share your awe experiences, join For Awe here!
Share Your Experiences of Feeling Awe
For Awe, the publication, is looking for writers medium.com
If you want more ideas about how to add awe practices to your life, or how to share your awe experiences, check out our prompts and challenges:
Awe Practices and Prompts
Practicing awe with the For Awe publication