Strategies for amplifying wonder in your routine

In a world where we're often inundated with information and distractions, taking a moment to appreciate the vastness around us can have profound effects on our wellbeing. This is according to psychologist Jonah Paquette, who believes that by slowing down and being more attentive to commonplace experiences, we can open ourselves up to more everyday awe.

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But what exactly is awe, and why does it matter? According to Paquette, awe experiences have two main components: encountering "vastness" and experiencing transcendence (opening oneself up to such vastness, even if it doesn't make sense). Experiencing awe is linked with a range of positive health benefits, including improved mood, lower stress, and a greater propensity towards kindness.

In a recent study led by George Mason University, participants were shown pictures of vast scenes and small cluttered spaces. The findings suggest that people are more likely to think they had been looking at small scenes for a shorter period than they had been, whereas the opposite was true for larger scenes. This research supports the idea that experiencing vastness can alter our perception of time.

Dr Steve Taylor, another psychologist, agrees, suggesting that experiencing newness can slow down our perception of time. He advises trying new things, meeting new people, and being attentive to new experiences to help foster a sense of awe.

Prof Martin Wiener, co-author of a study examining the effects of experiencing awe on time dilation, proposes that time dilation could be a result of our brains working harder as they try to gather information about scenes that we find memorable.

To make the most of awe experiences, Paquette suggests savoring moments of awe and writing about them. This can help decrease the sense of time pressure and allow us to fully appreciate the benefits of these experiences.

So, whether it's taking a walk in the mountains, stepping away from screens to appreciate the world around us, or contributing to Positive News to support solutions journalism, there are many ways to harness the power of awe and improve our wellbeing.