Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This About Joy
Volume 003.
Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me Awe Was My Access Point To Joy?
When we tune into our ongoing needs, we find that joy is a consistent priority of our wellbeing. Some call it meaning, some purpose. But in the end, it's the spark that reminds us that our lives are bigger than the momentary problems we face. This perspective can not only help to remind us that we are part of something greater, but also that life is constantly changing and our ability to take note of the wonder around us helps us navigate through it's challenges.
Psychologist Dascher Keltner at UC Berkley wrote about where to find this joy/wonder/awe in his book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. Through his studies, he collected examples across all facets of humanity from different demographics, value systems, beliefs etc of their personal experiences with awe. His work revealed what he refers to as the "eight wonders of life" or more accurately, the eight ways in which people experience awe.
As you read through each, consider your own experiences and how each has shown up in your life.
Music
Not surprisingly, music has the power to unite, transport, and affect our inner landscape in ways that connect generations through heartbreak, rage, and celebrations. Just imagine movies like Jurassic Park or Star Wars without the soundtracks—lackluster, right? Or what if the song you danced to at your first slow dance never existed? Something would be missing. From lullabies to stadium concerts, music shapes our lives and connects us to life in the moment. Which song most encompasses a sense of awe for you?
Visual Design
Art, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder, and yet throughout his studies, Keltner found that visual designs can be experienced in multiple different ways. From neurological responses to patterns, to physiological quickening of the heart and lungs in the presence of "awe-inspiring" architectural structures, the power of visual design has the ability to evoke both joyful and, at times, overwhelming emotions. Is there a visual design, painting, or structure that takes your breath away and sparks joy for you?
Nature
While we might initially think of nature's massive vistas and ecosystems as the primary sources of awe, it's often the subtle details that truly connect us. In the right circumstances, the delicate sights, scents, and sounds of nature can directly engage our parasympathetic nervous system, offering calm and connection to the deepest parts of our humanity via the vagus nerve. This means that being in nature has the potential to lower our blood pressure and cortisol levels and improve our mental outlook on life. As someone who walks in the park every morning, it’s easy to see who’s tuning in to nature on their walks and who’s commuting through it. Which are you more inclined to do?
Moral Beauty
Witnessing the goodness of humanity is pure, awesome soul food. The courage, kindness, and strength of others remind us that we are in community, caring for each other each step of the way. Moral beauty is a moment of recognition that these aspects exist, reminding us that even amongst their flaws, there is an inherent goodness to humanity. When was the last time you witnessed one human being helping another?
Spiritual Experiences
Belonging to something bigger than themselves is how spiritual experiences are described. In many ways, I believe that each category of the eight wonders could technically be described as a spiritual experience, but for the purposes of his work, this one was resigned to those in conjunction with religion. There is a level of surrender involved with a spiritual experience, one that is different from the acknowledgment that you are part of something bigger. This one takes it one step further: You are part of something bigger and you are being guided by something bigger—you’re not in charge of where you’re going. Big time surrender. For some, this is awe-inspiring in a way that allows them to rest in the surrender. For others, it is awe-inspiring in a way that is overwhelming in the surrender. What is it for you?
Collective Effervescence
If you’ve ever taken part in “the wave” at a sports event, you’ve experienced collective effervescence. Simply put, it’s an experience of the collective “we.” Dependent on all parties participating together to create a collective movement, it’s an act that connects us through energy, coordination, movement, joy, and cooperation. It’s amusing, slightly ridiculous, and what I find most pleasing about it is that the people who are often too cool to participate are the ones that end up looking the most foolish for sitting out. What’s your favorite memory of collective effervescence?
Epiphanies
Epiphanies are realizations that change our worldviews, and they often arrive with a spark. That said, there’s so much that leads up to them that we often don’t see. Little by little, we gather thoughts and bits of evidence until one day it all comes together, and EUREKA: New World View. When did you last have an epiphany? What steps led to it? How did it feel to be on the other side?
Life’s Beginnings & Endings
There are few aspects of life that remind us that we are in the unknowing when it comes to the miracle of life and the mystery of what happens when we pass. While both questions can strike fear and worry in our hearts, they also have the capacity to inspire awe and wonder. Considering how precious this brief time we have on earth truly is can engage us in a sense of awe, leading us to embrace the joy in the moment. Have you had a powerful experience with life’s beginnings or ending? How has it inspired you along the way?
These eight areas hold the possibility for us to tap into various creative spaces from which to source joyful inspiration. Remembering that not every area is primed for every person at every time will be key to choosing the right one for us to “play” with right now.
To explore more about cultivating joy and integrating these wonders into your daily life, visit my quick win page below. You’ll receive a mini lesson along with a workbook to help you determine which area is primed for your attention right now!
