Can Images Elicit Feelings of Awe?
See what research says, and see for yourself
Can Images Elicit Feelings of Awe?
Research says, yes, images can elicit feelings of awe. As reported by Greater Good Science Center, participants in a research study were asked to view a slideshow of beautiful pictures and to report how awed, spiritual, caring, connected to others, and fearful they felt. Participants reported feeling awe, significantly smaller, more emotionally affected, fearful, interested, and surprised, but not more caring or connected. In another part of the study, participants were found to be more altruistic, but not more willing to donate to victims of natural disasters.
What is Awe?
Awe is a feeling that we get when we experience something vast in a physical or conceptual way. Something as physically vast as the ocean and all of the creatures in it or as conceptually vast as an unexpected kind gesture that shows a deep sense of humanity or an outstanding accomplishment. All of these instances could inspire awe. The specific things that make you gasp in awe or give you goosebumps may be different than what would inspire my feelings of awe.
When we do feel this sense of awe from something vast, the second part of this feeling is that the experience transcends our current understanding of the world, beyond what we could have imagined. For me, it brings an abundance of surprise and wonder — amazement. I have to adjust my thinking and my frame of reference to take it in. There is a bit of disbelief that what I am experiencing is real.
When I feel awe, I see beyond the image or gesture in front of me. I see all of the contributing factors that made this moment in time possible. I take in every tiny detail. I wonder how it is connected to the rest of the world. I wonder how this gesture transpired or how this object was created? Who else has experienced this? How am I so lucky? How long will this last? And the wondering goes on as I adjust my thinking to accept the vastness I am experiencing. I feel small in the presence of the awesomeness in front of me.
Try It For Yourself
Research is interesting. Awe is transformative. Let’s try it. For true happiness and better physical and mental health, make way for awe.
I selected some awe-inspiring photos for you to view. Do any of these photos evoke feelings of awe for you?
Final Thoughts
Did you feel awe? Any other feelings? Did these photos elicit memories of your own experiences of feeling awe? Which pictures? Why?
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.
I am not a scientist. I am just addicted to awe and want to share my awe practices with the world! Check out this six-word-photo story that captures a moment of awe:
Thanks for reading. I hope everyone collects awe-inspiring images and experiences and revisits them often!
If you would like to share your experiences with feelings of awe, join us at For Awe!
