Cherishing awe/Benefits of awe
Awe is an intense emotional experience that can be triggered by encountering something vast, stunning, or profound, such as a breathtaking natural scene, a majestic piece of music, or an act of kindness.[1] While awe is a complex emotion that involves a range of cognitive, emotional, and physiological processes, it is believed to have some evolutionary advantages that have contributed to its preservation throughout human history.
One of the most prominent theories about the adaptive value of awe is that it promotes a sense of connection with something larger than oneself. Awe can make us feel small and insignificant in the face of the vastness and complexity of the world, but it can also inspire a sense of awe and wonder that helps us transcend our immediate concerns and feel part of something greater. This feeling of connection can be a source of meaning, purpose, and motivation, and it may have helped our ancestors to feel more connected to their communities, their environments, and their spiritual beliefs.
Awe has also been linked to a range of positive outcomes that may have enhanced human survival and reproduction. For example, awe can reduce stress and promote relaxation, which may have helped our ancestors to recover from physical and emotional challenges. Awe can also enhance creativity and curiosity, which may have helped our ancestors to adapt to new environments and find novel solutions to problems. Additionally, awe can promote prosocial behavior and cooperation, which may have helped our ancestors to build stronger social bonds and alliances.
Overall, while the evolutionary advantages of awe are still being studied, it is clear that this emotion has played a significant role in human evolution and continues to shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors today.