The Awe Walk: An Antidote to Despair
Briefly

Dacher Keltner's recent study at UC Berkeley highlights how awe walks can significantly enhance joy, positivity, and smile intensity while reducing daily distress. The research involved 60 seniors who participated in awe-oriented walks versus control walks over eight weeks. Participants instructed to experience awe reported higher levels of joy, indicating that intentionally seeking awe can transform daily emotional experiences. Keltner's work underscores the importance of immersing oneself in awe-inspiring moments, suggesting that awe can be found anywhere if approached with the right mindset, promoting overall emotional well-being.
The study found that awe walks significantly increased joy and positive emotions among participants, suggesting that the pursuit of awe can transform daily experiences.
Keltner's findings indicate that immersing ourselves in awe-inspiring experiences not only enhances our emotional well-being but also helps alleviate daily distress and fosters a deeper sense of peace.
The research emphasizes that awe is not just an occasional emotion; by seeking and recognizing awe in everyday life, we can elevate our overall happiness and contentment.
Keltner advocates for more intentionality in our quest for awe, making a conscious effort to include awe-inspiring experiences in our lives to reap beneficial emotional effects.
Read at Psychology Today
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