Awe as a Compass Towards Meaning

“If you listen to the feeling of awe, you’re pointed towards the truth of your existence.”

“From wonder to wonder, existence begins.” 

Lao Tzu’s wisdom is the first invitation we receive in Dacher Keltner’s new book: Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life. It foreshadows the journey and revelation he offers in it: Awe is a compass towards meaning. 

“If you listen to the feeling of awe, you’re pointed towards the truth of your existence.” 

Dacher has been a pioneer studying awe, meaning, and compassion, as a professor at UC Berkeley and the Faculty Director of The Greater Good Science Center. Still, the book’s true calling arose amidst the tragic loss of his brother, Rolf: His “companion in awe.” 

“I literally heard a voice that said: Find awe.” 

I was first drawn to Awe when I heard Dacher share that while we often associate awe with nature, the most common source of awe is human connection. The realization reflects what I appreciate most about his team’s work: An ability to present topics we may feel familiar with, like gratitude, in new ways. He’s done the same with awe. By “claiming openness,” we discover it’s closer than we think.

Our conversation is an exploration of how we experience awe across the eight wonders of life, from music to moral beauty, art to the divine. And, while it delves into essential topics of meaning and the soul. Today, I’m excited to highlight an equally important way we experience self-transcendence: When we’re having fun. 

“When you think about awe, you can get a little too sacred: ‘It’s all about the pure river stream at the top of the Sierras or being in a meditative state when I'm finding bliss.’ Fair enough. That's part of the story.

But, we kept getting these stories that were fun and joyful. There’s the serious meaning stuff. But, there's also so much joy and freedom found in dance and going to a sporting event and cheering out of your mind. 

Awe is fun. We have to stay close to that.”  

This week, let’s reflect on an experience that is both fun and awe-inspiring. How might you intentionally carve out time for it?

With gratitude, 

Jenna