avatarK. Barrett

Summary

The webpage is a celebration of poetry as a source of awe, featuring works from poets at "For Awe" that inspire and evoke a sense of wonder, with research-backed benefits of experiencing awe.

Abstract

The webpage titled "Poetry As A Source Of Awe" invites readers to engage with poetry as a means to experience awe, a powerful emotion linked to numerous psychological and health benefits. It references research by Juliana Breines, Ph.D., from the Greater Good Science Center, which suggests that awe can increase life satisfaction, alter one's sense of time, and promote prosocial behavior. The page highlights the work of several poets, including David Rudder and K.Kumar, who contribute to the "For Awe" publication with their evocative poems and, in some cases, accompanying images. The article encourages readers to explore their own moments of awe, either by reading the featured poems or by writing their own. It also provides links to additional resources for those interested in writing for "For Awe" or seeking inspiration for awe practices. The page concludes with an invitation to join Medium for full access to these stories and a mention of the "Awe Store" and sister website "Vantage Points for Awe" for further exploration of awe.

Opinions

  • The author believes that reading and writing poetry can be a profound source of awe.
  • Regular experiences of awe are posited to have positive effects on mental and physical health, such as lowering the risk of heart disease.
  • The article suggests that awe can help individuals cope with stress by fostering curiosity and exploration.
  • The poets featured are considered to be skilled and talented, capable of creating works that inspire awe in their readers.
  • The combination of poetry and visual imagery is seen as enhancing the awe experience.
  • The author encourages readers to contribute their own awe-inspiring poems to the "For Awe" publication.
  • The article implies that becoming a Medium member is beneficial for accessing a wide range of awe-inspiring content.

Poetry As A Source Of Awe

Awe Practice featuring poets from For Awe; sit back and enjoy

Image, icsilviu, pixabay

The benefits of reading and writing about awe-inducing moments are backed by research. As reported by Juliana Breines, Ph.D. in The Greater Good Science Center Magazine:

Research suggests that awe has numerous psychological benefits, including increased life satisfaction, a sense of time slowing down or standing still, and a greater desire to help others.

It may also have health benefits: People who experienced awe more frequently in their daily lives showed lower tissue levels of interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine associated with heart disease risk. Remarkably, awe predicted lower levels of interleukin-6 than other positive emotions, including joy, contentment, and amusement.

Awe may help people cope better with stress by promoting curiosity and exploration, rather than withdrawal and isolation.

Even just a brief reminder of an awe-inducing experience from your past may help lift you out of the doldrums and remind you that the world can be a magical place.

Reading and writing poetry is a known source of awe. Read some of the July poems from the For Awe poets. (You can find more at For Awe.)

See if you feel awe and are inspired to write an awe-inspiring poem about one of your moments of awe. If you want a refresher on feeling awe, try this poem to get started, The ‘A’ Factor.

You may feel awe through the shared experience. You may be sparked to think of your own experience of awe, or you may find yourself in awe of the writer’s skill and talent. Try it.

David Rudder is up first. If you read Medium poems, you know him. We are honored to have him join us. These are just a few of his poems from July at For Awe. He examines feelings of awe with many topics.

K.Kumar also writes a lot of awemazing poems. I bet you know her too. She also creates awe-inducing images to add another layer to the awe experience. Here are some of her awesome masterpieces.

B.R. Shenoy, Diana Zamoras, Kimberly Hampton Nilsson, Harley Bell, and Heather Thompson have also shared an awesome poem or two with us this month.

Thanks for reading! I hope that poetry may become one of your awe practices, reading or writing! I hope you didn’t miss the awe-inspiring artwork of the Blue Dragon. I also hope that you have felt at least a bit of awe through this reading experience. Let us know how this experience was for you.

Thank you to all of the ‘awemazing’ poets at For Awe.

If you want to write with us:

If you are looking for inspiration:

Not yet a Medium Member…sign up!

Sign up for the Medium membership to receive unlimited access to my stories and the stories of many other great writers. (I will receive a small commission.)

For More Awe: Visit our Awe Store. Visit our sister website: Vantage Points for Awe.

Awe
Poetry
Poetry On Medium
Self Improvement
Awe Practice
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