Podcast Summary: "Re-Issue: Living In Awe and Wonder"
Am I Doing It Wrong?
Release Date: December 26, 2024
Hosts: Raj Panjabi-Johnson and Noah Michaelson
Guest: Dr. Dacher Keltner, Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and Founder of Awe Studies
Introduction to Awe and Wonder
In the "Re-Issue: Living In Awe and Wonder" episode of Am I Doing It Wrong?, hosts Raj Panjabi-Johnson and Noah Michaelson delve into the profound emotion of awe and its impact on human well-being. Joined by Dr. Dacher Keltner, a pioneer in awe studies, the conversation explores the definition, benefits, and practical applications of experiencing awe in daily life.
Defining Awe: Beyond Words
Timestamp: 03:49 - 07:10
Dr. Keltner begins by addressing the challenge of defining awe, emphasizing that it's more than just an emotion—it’s a deep, transcendent feeling that connects individuals to something larger than themselves.
Dr. Keltner (05:59): "Awe is the feeling we have when we encounter vast mysteries."
He elaborates that awe often stems from encounters with the vast and mysterious, such as witnessing a towering redwood tree or experiencing profound human kindness. This connection to the vastness transcends ordinary understanding and fosters a sense of being part of something greater.
The Eight Wonders of Life
Timestamp: 12:20 - 15:08
Through extensive research across 26 countries, Dr. Keltner identifies eight wonders of life that evoke awe:
- Moral Beauty: Witnessing acts of kindness and courage.
- Collective Movement: Experiences in yoga classes, dances, concerts, and sporting events.
- Nature: Interactions with the natural world.
- Music: Listening to impactful and meaningful music.
- Visual Design: Appreciating artistic and architectural beauty.
- Spirituality: Engaging in spiritual or religious practices.
- Big Ideas: Contemplating profound theories or concepts, such as those of Karl Marx.
- Life and Death: Reflecting on the life cycle and mortality.
Dr. Keltner (13:47): "Those are our eight wonders."
These categories highlight the diverse sources of awe, from personal interactions to natural phenomena, emphasizing that awe is accessible in various facets of life.
Personal Experiences of Awe
Timestamp: 14:25 - 19:48
Ryan Reynolds shares a deeply personal moment of awe: witnessing his father's passing, a transformative experience that profoundly impacted his understanding of life and awe. Dr. Keltner relates this to universal experiences, explaining how such moments propel individuals toward deeper contemplation and understanding.
Ryan Reynolds (14:25): "I watched his spirit leave his body. It is probably the singular most affecting moment of my life."
This personal narrative sets the stage for discussing how awe intersects with significant life events, contributing to emotional resilience and personal growth.
Scientific Exploration of Awe
Timestamp: 21:02 - 26:33
Dr. Keltner outlines his scientific journey into awe, highlighting his innovative research methods. Moving beyond controlled lab environments, his studies explore natural settings like Yosemite and real-world events such as dinosaur exhibits on the Berkeley campus.
Dr. Keltner (23:26): "When you feel awe, it transforms your sense of self. You're part of a collective."
He explains the physiological effects of awe, including the deactivation of the default mode network (reducing self-focus), activation of the vagus nerve (promoting relaxation), and the occurrence of goosebumps (a response linked to communal bonding).
Benefits of Experiencing Awe
Timestamp: 29:08 - 39:26
The discussion moves to the myriad benefits of awe:
- Psychological Benefits: Reduced pain and distress, lower levels of depression and anxiety.
- Physical Benefits: Enhanced vagal tone, decreased inflammation.
- Social Benefits: Increased empathy, reduced narcissism, and strengthened social connections.
Dr. Keltner (39:27): "Awe is scientifically an antidote to self-focus. It connects you to the larger things that matter."
These benefits underscore awe's potential as a tool for improving mental health, fostering social cohesion, and enhancing overall well-being.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Awe
Timestamp: 37:38 - 42:24
Dr. Keltner provides actionable strategies to incorporate awe into daily life:
- Awe Walks: Taking mindful walks to notice both the small and vast elements of the environment.
- Mindset Shifts: Slowing down, breathing deeply, and opening the mind to experiences beyond oneself.
- Engaging with the Eight Wonders: Actively seeking out moments that align with the eight identified sources of awe.
Dr. Keltner (38:35): "Pause and look to the small and the vast. Connect your unique identity to vaster things."
These techniques are designed to make awe an accessible and regular part of everyday living, enhancing personal and collective well-being.
Awe as a Response to Modern Challenges
Timestamp: 39:26 - 44:40
In addressing contemporary issues like social media-induced narcissism, climate crisis, and global conflicts, Dr. Keltner argues that awe can serve as a powerful antidote. By fostering a sense of connection to something larger, awe reduces self-centeredness and promotes pro-social behavior.
Dr. Keltner (39:58): "Awe shuts down the parts of the brain that focus on the self and connects you to larger things."
The conversation emphasizes awe's role in mitigating societal polarization and promoting environmental stewardship, suggesting that cultivating awe can contribute to meaningful social change.
Conclusion and Takeaways
Timestamp: 44:40 - 47:12
The episode concludes with a recap of the key points:
- Awe is a Distinct Emotion: It involves experiencing vastness and connection beyond oneself.
- Eight Wonders of Life: Moral beauty and nature are among the most impactful sources.
- Healing Power of Awe: Psychological and physical benefits include lowering pain and distress.
- Cultivating Awe: Techniques like awe walks can enhance daily experiences.
- Awe as an Antidote: It combats narcissism and shame, fostering social connectedness.
Raj Panjabi (44:45): "Awe can be an antidote to narcissism and shame, and it can help us feel more connected to each other."
The hosts reflect on their personal journeys with awe, acknowledging its enriching impact on their lives and encouraging listeners to integrate awe into their routines.
Notable Quotes
- Dr. Keltner (05:59): "Awe is the feeling we have when we encounter vast mysteries."
- Ryan Reynolds (14:25): "I watched his spirit leave his body. It is probably the singular most affecting moment of my life."
- Dr. Keltner (23:26): "When you feel awe, it transforms your sense of self. You're part of a collective."
- Dr. Keltner (39:58): "Awe shuts down the parts of the brain that focus on the self and connects you to larger things."
Final Thoughts
"Re-Issue: Living In Awe and Wonder" offers a comprehensive exploration of awe, blending scientific insights with personal narratives to highlight its significance in fostering a fulfilling and connected life. By understanding and cultivating awe, listeners are empowered to enhance their mental, physical, and social well-being, making awe a valuable practice in navigating the complexities of modern life.