avatarK. Barrett

Summary

The undefined website presents a challenge to reflect on personal moments of awe to enhance life satisfaction, supported by a Stanford University study and advocated by an awe-sensitive individual who encourages writing and sharing these experiences.

Abstract

The undefined website introduces a reflective exercise centered on personal experiences of awe, suggesting that recalling and writing about such moments can significantly increase life satisfaction. This approach, backed by research from Stanford University, indicates that engaging with awe can lead to a stronger sense of connection and a greater inclination to contribute to the community. The article contrasts this method with common self-help practices and cautions against the pitfall of abandoning New Year's resolutions. It emphasizes the importance of regular reflection and adjustment of goals for sustained happiness and productivity. The challenge is straightforward: reflect on and narrate instances of awe, whether from nature, art, or unexpected kindness, and consider sharing these stories on the platform or with others. The website also offers prompts for deeper reflection on awe and invites readers to contribute to the "For Awe" publication.

Opinions

  • The act of writing about awe is considered more impactful than recalling happy experiences, leading to increased feelings of awe and less time pressure.
  • Engaging with awe can enhance physical and mental well-being and foster a sense of connection to the common good.
  • The author identifies as an awe aficionado and captain of the awe awareness campaign, suggesting a personal commitment to and passion for the subject.
  • The article advises against the "New Year Resolution Trap" and instead recommends frequent goal assessment to maintain progress towards happiness and productivity.
  • The challenge is presented as an easy and beneficial activity that can be practiced regularly, with the potential to alter one's perspective on the world.
  • The website encourages readers to share their awe experiences, hinting at a community aspect to the reflection challenge.
  • Additional resources and prompts are provided for those who wish to delve deeper into reflecting on and cultivating awe in their lives.

For Awe — Challenge 1

Reflect on your moments of awe for increased life satisfaction

The simple act of writing about awe can be very powerful. Recalling the experience in vivid detail can conjure up the feelings you had at the time.

A 2012 study from Stanford University, found that people who completed this writing exercise felt even better than people who recalled and wrote about a happy experience. Afterward, they reported stronger feelings of awe, less sense of time pressure, and greater willingness to volunteer their time to help a charity. —Juliana Breines, PH.D.

Reflection and Resolutions

Most of us reflect on our goals and accomplishments at the end of each year. Some relish in successes, others drown in sorrows for missed opportunities. New goals are set as we gear up for the new year. We outline our hopes for more happiness through popular practices: meditating, journaling, gratitude, and more. We reallocate our time around routines and habits for work, sleep, family, friends, and hobbies.

The multitude of resources from the self-help gurus that support our reflection and revision efforts can be overwhelming. We must also be careful not to fall into the New Year Resolution Trap, where most resolutions expire by mid-February. Wellness coaches now suggest that we reflect, assess progress, and adjust our goals as often as once a week so that we keep on track for ultimate productivity and happiness.

I am not a self-help guru. I am an awe-sensitive, awe aficionado, and the awe awareness campaign captain (self-proclaimed of course).

Let’s take a few minutes to do something meaningful at this moment. Keep reading if you are up for this quick awe-reflection challenge.

The Challenge

This type of reflection is not so well-publicized but has many scientifically supported benefits. Experiencing awe and reflecting on these experiences can improve our physical and mental well-being as well as make us feel more connected and more likely to contribute to the common good.

The best part, it’s easy!

Reflect on your moments of awe this year, this month, or this week. Use the following questions to frame your reflection:

  • When did you feel blown away by something so vast that you couldn’t even believe it was real?
  • Explain something that was too breathtaking to be true, something that was beyond your current frame of reference, absolutely stunning.
  • Describe a moment of totally unexpected kindness or more talent than you could imagine.
  • Think of the best art, music, images, or poetry you have experienced or your time spent in awe-inducing travel or nature?
  • Reflect on something that totally wowed you and made time stand still or made you look at the world in a different way.
  • Recall something that filled your mind with wonder and countless questions.
  • Think of a moment of awe that you can feel, hear, and see in your mind as vividly as the day it happened.

Write and share these moments of awe. Narrate it. Write it down, tell it to a friend. Submit it to For Awe if you are so inspired.

Extra Credit

If this sounds like a great challenge for you, keep in mind —the challenge is wide open and can be practiced often. Here are some more prompts for reflection.

  • The first time I ever remember feeling awe
  • The greatest feeling of awe I have ever had in my life, as a child or as an adult
  • The thing that brings me feelings of awe over and over again
  • Anticipation that amplified a planned moment of awe
  • Bucket list items that will provide more moments of awe

I hope this challenge will help bring more awe to mind and cement it there.

Thanks for reading! I hope that everyone participates in this challenge and experiences even higher levels of satisfaction in their lives through reflecting, writing, and sharing moments of awe.

If you are not yet a writer at For Awe, learn how to join us and check out our simple guidelines here:

For More: About My Writing Journey — Awe Store — Vantage Points for Awe

For Awe Link Tree

Awe
Photography
Writing Challenge
Reflections
Positive Psychology
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