Less Pain, More Connection—From One Simple Practice
Last week I watched Artemis II launch to the moon. I couldn’t help myself… I was mesmerized. As the ship zoomed higher and higher, I yearned to know how it felt to be one of the astronauts on board.
The moon, the stars, the planets are beautiful mysteries to me. When I look up at the night sky, I feel small, yet tethered to them—I am filled with awe.
But what stirred me most was not the rocket blast-off, the amazing technology on display, or even the images of the dark side of the moon.
What filled me with awe was the most ordinary aspect of this expedition: the humans themselves.
In their first interview from space, the astronauts exuded a childlike joy and a sense of awe arising from a fresh perspective, thousands of miles above Earth.
Crew member Victor Glover shared his feelings…
“In all of this emptiness…this thing we call the universe—you have this oasis, this beautiful place that we get to exist together…this is an opportunity for us to remember where we are, who we are…and that we got to get through this together.”
Dacher Keltner, PhD, studies how “awe” impacts physical and mental health. In one study, his team had participants 75 years and older take daily 15-minute “awe walks.” These walks were curated to evoke a sense of wonder, awe, and pleasant surprise.
He talked about the findings in a recent interview…
“We are a walking species—it's in our DNA. After 8 weeks of daily “awe walks,” participants had less pain and inflammation. After 6 years, better brain health.”
He shares how to craft your own awe walk…
“Find a place that holds surprise, or childlike wonder. Slow down, become aware of your breath and surroundings. Go from small to vast. Focus on points of light - how they play on the water, on the leaves, dappled in the forest. Listen to one bird, and then the symphony of birds.”
The effects of awe in our lives are transformative: less pain and an elevated vagal tone (think resting and digesting). Recently, 1 min of awe per day reduced long covid symptoms. Awe also lowers stress hormones and increases oxytocin, the hormone of social bonding.
Even more surprising, and perhaps most needed right now, a group experience of awe leads to a culture of kindness.
Many habits inhibit our ability to experience the benefits of “awe,” according to Keltner. Besides amphetamines and cocaine, self-focus is a rising obstacle.
So is a narrow visual aperture (i.e., looking at your phone).
And thinking about money. Worry. Anxiety. Anger.
“Meanness,” he claims, “is the great enemy of awe.”
Awe quiets the self and gives us a sense of belonging.
When we experience vastness and connection—sunlight dancing on water, a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, music, dance, art, birth and death…and flying to the moon—a sense of awe fills us. This ignites healing within our physiology and in the community around us by restoring kindness, caring, generosity, and purpose.
This is my life’s work. Peace, Connection, and Healing.
And why Guido Masé and I are collaborating on The Tonic Way: An Invitation to Remember.
With the support of tonic herbs and an intimate relationship with patterns and cycles in awe-inspiring nature, you can participate in what is so needed now: peace, connection, and healing.
For you. For me. And for this amazing spaceship we call Earth.