Awe Monsters

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“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” – John Muir

I was backing out of the driveway the other night. Five-year-old Mr. D was in the back seat and we were on our way to pick up 9-year-old Miss O from a birthday party.

Mr. D exclaimed, “Mama, I saw the first star!”

Sure enough, out the back window was one really bright star. Mr. D’s excitement brought to mind a podcast series I’ve been listening to with Berkley professor Dacher Keltner on the 10 Percent Happier podcast.

Keltner is known for his courses on happiness. But his most recent book is about awe. He describes awe as part of the self-transcendent states, the emotions that help widen our perspective from inward and worried to the bigger picture. He writes:

“Awe is the emotion we experience when we encounter vast mysteries that we don’t understand. Why would I recommend that you find happiness in an emotion that is so fleeting and evanescent? A feeling so elusive that it resists simple description? That requires the unexpected, and moves us toward mystery and the unknown rather than what is certain and easy?

Because we can find awe anywhere.”

– Dacher Keltner in Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life

I’m lucky to live with a couple of awe monsters. They experience it and share it on a regular basis.

But in case no awe monsters are handy, Dacher Keltner has many other suggestions. Here are some that draw from nature: look up at the sky, listen to bird song, be mindful of something that strikes you and take a picture of it.

(featured photo is Miss O (age 6) and Mr. D (age 2) looking at a sunrise)

58 thoughts on “Awe Monsters”

    2. I love how you put this! Yes! Awe may seem childish to some who feel they’ve outgrown it, but it is a shortcut into feeling grateful and happy!

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  5. You have created two sympathetic, joyous creatures, Wynne. If you were the mom to the world, all opposing sides would lay down their arms and embrace.

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  6. May we all experience the same awe as children do! I love this. I recall driving through the Rocky Mountains when the children were little prairie kids. I will never forget the look of awe as they experienced the mountains for the first time.

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  9. Awe is a beautiful thing. When I think about my faith and what keeps me grounded, awe and wonder are the two things I always come back to in my mind. I can explain lots of things, but there’s so many others that I can’t. They are the things that leave us shocked and jaws wide open. Love that your awe monsters give you a front row seat!

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  10. Thank you for this awesome reminder to pay attention to awe and wonder. I had scheduled “awe walks” in my calendar this year. I was somewhat successful at finding awe and wonder – especially when farther away from home. But walking close to home sometimes left me thinking too much about the current problems to enjoy the awe…

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  14. I truly appreciate your reflections on finding awe in everyday life. It’s amazing how moments like Mr. D spotting that bright star can remind us of the vastness around us. Your mention of Dacher Keltner’s thoughts on awe resonates deeply; it really highlights how even the smallest experiences can help shift our perspective. I’ll definitely be looking up at the sky and tuning into the world with fresh eyes, inspired by your awe monsters. Thanks for sharing this beautiful reminder!

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  19. Children are the best awe monsters and remind us of the awe monsters that still live within us, taking a nap and a backseat from the realities of our adult lives! I love these moments with Mr D and Ms O, truly magical in its simplistic and beautiful ways.

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  21. Oh yes–young children are the best awe-spotters! I have precious memories of our middle granddaughter, age two to three or so, collecting awe-inspiring treasures on our walks: acorns, seeds, weed-flowers, pretty sticks, and more. Who knew the edge of the sidewalk held such wonders?! Awe is a God-given gift that fosters joy.

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    1. Oh, I love this memory you’ve shared, Nancy. Reminds me of walking with my kids and them filling up their pockets with rocks til their pants sagged down. 🙂 Awe-spotters is such a great word for it. Thanks for sharing!

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  22. Beautifully written, as always, Wynne.
    I love the title, “Awe Monsters!”
    I don’t think we grow out of awe or wonder.
    I remember my then-septuagenarian Mum and I were taking a gentle walk in our neighborhood. She suddenly stooped down, picked up a dandelion, and said with awe, “What a beautiful flower. Just imagine, how creative the Almighty who created this little flower must be.” I didn’t have the heart to say to Mum,” It is a weed.” Because she always saw beauty in everything and wondered about the creator!
    May the Awe Monsters keep on wondering.
    Lots of love to you and the A Ms.

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    1. Oh, what an incredible story about your Mum, Chaya! And I love the wish that the awe monsters keep on wondering. Such a fitting wish coming from the Eternal Wonderer!! Sending lots of love!

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  23. Wynne, this is so good. The quote from Keltner is excellent. You’re absolutely right about the awesomeness of having little ones around. I was in awe when I saw my son for the first time in the delivery room, and I still am every day when I see him each morning. Wonderful post, my friend, you even made me tear up a little. 🙏🏼

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    1. Oh, what a beautiful comment, Edward. You’re right – we get to experience that awe with our kids over and over again. I love your comment that it still happens for you each morning. Incredible!

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      1. Thank you, Wynne. Part of that sense of awe comes from realizing that I didn’t have that growing up, so it’s a real blessing to see him each morning and get those man hugs now that he’s 16 (of course, only in private because teens don’t like to show affection in public). 🤦🏻‍♂️

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