Experiencing the ‘8 wonders of life’ – Cultivating awe in your life (and at Newday!)
“Take time to see the quiet miracles that seek no attention.”
Awe is an intense and mysterious emotion that I feel when I encounter something vast, complex or beyond my understanding. This feeling is not rare. I go to great lengths to seek out awe and frequently bask in its majesty.
I love to walk in nature and marvel at the natural beauty of my surroundings. I love to visit exotic overseas locations and feel a sense of mysticism and wonder at the diversity of humanity. And I love to hear the stories of everyday heroism and leadership at the Newday Summit.
For me, awe is soul food. I hope this article inspires you to experience more awe. Here’s why!
The 8 wonders of life
The latest research has shown that self-transcending experiences of awe can have a profound effect on your brain, body and wellbeing by soothing your nervous system, triggering the ‘love’ hormone oxytocin, and connecting you with the most intrinsic aspects of your human nature.
So, how can we experience more awe? World-renowned professor, psychologist and author, Dacher Kelter, has revealed eight types of everyday awe that he calls the ‘wonders of life’. The most common awe-inspiring experiences are:
Nature – From hiking through the mountains, watching a sunrise or looking at the night sky, experiences in nature are easily-accessible awe-evoking moments that remind you of the vastness of your human existence.
Music – Have you been moved to tears by music? Whether it’s singing, chanting, orchestral symphonies, rock music and everything in between, music has been the source of awe since the beginning of civilization.
Visual design – The old adage ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ describes the meaning, emotion, wisdom and wonder that emerges from visual design. From profound and celebrated paintings to the inventive creation of a 4-year-old, there’s no limit to the awe created by artistic creations.
Moral beauty - The strength, courage and kindness of others, for example bravery in battle or witnessing intrinsic goodness, resilience or overcoming, can touch your soul, stop you in your tracks and evoke awe and wonder.
Often more impactful, but more difficult to conjure are:
Collective effervesce – Whether it’s the synchronised movement at a rock concert, or the significance and meaning that comes from shared experiences such as religious ceremonies, collective effervesce is a powerful awe-inducing encounter.
Epiphanies – An unexpected revelation or realisation, epiphanies can reveal hidden meanings, change your perspective and alter your understanding of yourself or your comprehension of the world.
Spiritual experiences – Whether it’s the wisdom of Buddha or the universal knowledge passed down in First Australian Dreaming, the mysticism that spiritual teachings, insights and experiences can offer is a deep connection with the infinite, or an acknowledgement of the divine.
Life transitions – The mystery of life is a remarkable source of awe, whether it’s the perfection of a newborn baby, or the profound nature of death itself.
“Awe is about our relation to the vast mysteries of life.”
Cultivating awe at Newday
As the founder and co-director at Newday Leadership, I help to carefully curate events that evoke awe through a range of personal discoveries and emotive encounters. In 2023, we have woven awe-inspiring experiences throughout our Summit to evocatively conjure Keltner’s wonders of life.
Here are just a few ways that you may experience awe at Newday:
Moral beauty – Our world-class speakers often recollect ‘moral beauty’ by sharing stories that highlight the strength, courage and kindness of others. We handpick our keynote line-up to provide a range of diverse insights, powerful teachings and impactful wisdom that triggers a “perceived vastness” deep within you, as well as themes that challenge you to rethink your previously held ideas.
Collective effervescence – The ‘feel’ or ‘energy’ at Newday is palpable. Even though attendees are seated, the audience is moved as one. From teary eyes and yoga poses to cheering and a sense of unstoppable empowerment, every person that attends our Summit experiences a range of personal insights and collective transformation.
Epiphanies – Newday is often one epiphany after the other. These powerful ideas are seamlessly woven throughout our Summit, with each speaker sharing their wisdom, life learnings, and insights on leading for the greater good.
Spiritual experience – For some people, Newday has been described as a ‘spiritual experience.’ Newday can awaken the recognition that there is something greater than yourself, transcending your current understanding of the world.
Music – Newday 2023 will focus on music as a source of awe, inspiration and wonder. A breath-taking live performance will be the catalyst for learning about the neuroscience behind music and its impact on the brain.
Nature – We bring nature to Newday in a range of ways. Our venue, the Adelaide Convention Centre, is surrounded by vast green reserves. There is the opportunity to walk around nature in event breaks to engage in stillness and quiet contemplation. Furthermore, our cultural teachings by First Nations’ leaders bring elements of nature to the stage, whether it be literal or symbolic representations.
How does awe change your life?
When you experience awe, you're forced to look beyond your everyday concerns and see the bigger picture. This perspective shift can help you to recognise the interconnectedness of all things, and foster a sense of gratitude and humility. It can also inspire you to be more empathetic and compassionate towards others, as you see yourself as part of a larger whole.
Awe can also be a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. When you encounter something that leaves you in awe, it can challenge your belief about yourself and your place in the world, often by quieting the self-critical, ego-driven or status-conscious voice within you. This can lead to a sense of curiosity and openness, and a willingness to explore new opportunities and experiences. By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you can discover new strengths, passions and purpose.
But the best thing about awe is that it's accessible to everyone, regardless of your circumstances or background. By tuning into your senses and being mindful of the world around you, you can cultivate a sense of awe in your daily life.
Here are a few ways that you can increase the prevalence of awe in your life:
Be present in life – Awe is all around you – everywhere, every day. Whether it’s getting lost in the creases on the palm of your hand, or carefully inspecting a blade of grass, anything can be awe-inspiring.
Practice mindfulness – Breathing deeply, slowing down and being present trains you to notice and engage in awe-inspiring experiences. In addition, the more you reduce distractions and focus on the here and the now, the more likely you’ll be to engage in deep contemplation, reflection and moments of wonder.
Spend time learning about inspiring people – The ‘moral beauty’ of others can be found everywhere – in movies, in the pages of great novels, in the newspaper and even on your local bus. Take the time to notice others, be kind and delight in the power of interpersonal connection.
Take the road less travelled – Unexpected experiences often inspire awe. So, do new things, see new places, listen to new music and be open to new ideas.
Ready to join us on 2 November for an awe-inspiring experience? There are only a few tickets left, so secure your place today.
“What most commonly led people around the world to feel awe? Nature? Spiritual practice? Listening to music? In fact, it was other people’s courage, kindness, strength, or overcoming.”