Witnessing rare, all-encompassing natural phenomena, such as a solar eclipse, can evoke a sense of awe that fundamentally changes our relationship to the world around us. This shift in mindset can have profound changes on our mood and physiology that helps keep our brains healthy [1].
The feeling of awe arises when encounters with events that we perceive as vast and mysterious transport us beyond our sense of self into a sense of global consciousness [1]. As we step outside of our self-focused perspective into the shared experience of others, we experience a deep connection with the wider world that feels profoundly good.
As social beings, we crave a sense of connection with others, but in a society that glorifies self-reliance and achievement, we can get trapped in a self-focused mindset. A hyperfocus on the self can put us in threat detection mode, which makes us more prone to experiencing stress, anxiety, and loneliness [1; 2]; conditions that have all been associated with an increased risk for cognitive decline. Experiencing awe shifts our mindset from feeling independent to feeling part of an interdependent community [1]. This internalized sense of belonging dials down the stress response in our brain, allowing us to transition from a state of threat to the comfort of safety.
Neuroimaging studies show that this shift involves the quieting of a brain region responsible for our sense of self, called the default mode network [3]. It also activates the vagus nerve, which is important for counteracting the body’s ‘fight or flight’ stress response, leading us to feel calm and relaxed [1]. This mitigation of the stress response may be responsible for the observed reduction in inflammation following experiences of awe [4]. Chronic inflammation is an established risk factor for a variety of age-related diseases, including dementia.
The awe-related shift towards safety and belonging promotes a mindset of curiosity and exploration and the adoption of behaviors associated with cognitive health, such as taking on new challenges, and become more socially engaged [1]. Notably, the overall profile of awe largely reflects many of the leading indicators of cognitive health, including a lack of chronic inflammation, good stress management, and active engagement in social communities.
Opportunities to experience awe are not limited to encounters of rare natural events like eclipses, but are all around us if we take the time to notice. Indeed, the most common way that people experience awe is through the courage, strength, and kindness of others [1]. The ways in which we help one another reinforces a sense of interdependence and shared humanity.
Moving in unison with others is another common trigger of awe [1]. As we align our bodily rhythms with others, we gain a sense of shared awareness. This experience of collective movement can foster the sense of community many feel when attending concerts or sporting events. Music can facilitate this process by guiding our bodies to move collectively with the rhythms of the sound. The ritualized movements, singing, and chanting found in many faith practices also help foster a sense of unity amongst the practitioners.
We don’t have to wait for once in a lifetime events to encounter awe; we can work towards cultivating a mindset of openness that heightens our awareness to the awe-inspiring events in our daily lives. One way to cultivate this mindset is through the practice of a daily awe walk [5]. Approach the walk with a childlike sense of wonder. Slow down, utilize all of your senses to take in your surroundings, and notice things you may have previously overlooked. If possible, try exploring new areas to help keep the mindset of curiosity alive.
Opportunities for awe are all around us, from the kindness of a stranger to the beauty of a sunset. Keeping ourselves open to these experiences of awe may instill in us a sense of belonging that nourishes us, body and mind.
Betsy Mills, PhD, is a member of the ADDF's Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention program. She critically evaluates the scientific evidence regarding prospective therapies to promote brain health and/or prevent Alzheimer's disease, and contributes to CognitiveVitality.org. Dr. Mills came to the ADDF from the University of Michigan, where she served as the grant writing manager for a clinical laboratory specializing in neuroautoimmune diseases. She also completed a Postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan, where she worked to uncover genes that could promote retina regeneration. She earned her doctorate in neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she studied the role of glial cells in the optic nerve, and their contribution to neurodegeneration in glaucoma. She obtained her bachelor's degree in biology from the College of the Holy Cross. Dr. Mills has a strong passion for community outreach, and has served as program presenter with the Michigan Great Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association to promote dementia awareness.
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