Beyond Awe: Measuring the Emotion that Connects Us

At Awe Together, we are constantly seeking ways to experience awe in our daily routines and rhythms. We believe awe is a remarkable gift. It serves as a powerful emotion that reminds us of the beauty, wonder, and connection woven into the fabric of Creation.

One of the most profound ways to encounter this feeling is through nature, where the majesty of God’s handiwork is on full display. Even a short walk outside can dramatically shift our perspective.

Just this week, I was on a lunchtime "awe walk" with my daughter, taking in the sights, sounds, smells, and feels of a warm early Spring afternoon. We marveled at how the clouds morphed from the time we stepped outside to when we turned back for home. The vibrant wildflowers, a family of turtles basking on a pondside rock, and the ever-changing tree we've been observing all school year filled us with delight, each detail a reminder of the season's renewal. It brought us joy that lasted through the day and beyond.

The Science of Awe: A Glimpse into the Research

Recently, groundbreaking explorations into the science of awe have shed light on its transformative power. The new three-part docuseries Beyond Awestruck: The Scientific Search for Connection takes a deep dive into this often-overlooked emotion. It reveals how awe connects us to something far greater than ourselves. 

As one study participant explained in Episode 1, experiencing awe gives us, “a sense that you are not fully in charge—and that is 100% okay.” That's true (Proverbs 19:21; Jeremiah 10:23). His purpose and guidance are far greater than anything we could orchestrate ourselves.

Sand Harbor Beach at Lake Tahoe, Nevada State Park, with the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background

We often think of wonder as a purely spiritual or emotional experience, but recent studies show it has measurable, physical, and psychological benefits. The Beyond Awestruck initiative explores the profound impact of this emotion on human connection, mental well-being, and our overarching sense of purpose.

Led by Dr. Paul Piff and his team from UC Irvine, researchers conducted groundbreaking fieldwork in the summer of 2025 at Lake Tahoe. This natural setting, with its shimmering blue waters, towering forests, and expansive mountain vistas, served as a living laboratory of awe. Participants engaged in activities like hiking and kayaking, allowing researchers to observe how moments of wonder naturally unfolded.

The results were astonishing. Preliminary findings revealed awe’s remarkable ability to increase happiness, gratitude, and environmental stewardship. The research team uncovered how awe fosters social connection and emotional well-being, often by simply stopping to appreciate the view. 

Awe in Action

Viewers can see firsthand how these stunning vistas affect the human brain and showcase how awe can transform our perspective, helping us feel more connected. After experiencing awe, it can even make it easier to have difficult conversations. Episodes like Searching for Awe in Lake Tahoe and What If Feeling Small Is Good For You? highlight how shifting our focus outward can completely transform our internal perspective. 

Key Findings from the Tahoe Research

The research team conducted a series of experiments and surveys involving more than 1,000 participants. Key findings of the study include: 

• A 38% increase in awe. Participants learned to cultivate and recognize the feeling more frequently. 

• A 37% boost in happiness. Researchers noted a significant mood elevation, even after just two minutes of mindful appreciation.

• A 20% rise in environmental stewardship. The emotion actively inspired a deeper, more protective connection to the natural world around us. 

  
  

The data shows that wonder does much more than make us smile. It actively rewires our brains for gratitude and encourages us to care for others and the earth we share. 

Finding Awe In Every Day

While not everyone can stand before the shimmering blue waters of Lake Tahoe or watch the sun dip behind the Sierra Nevada every day, the research reminds us that awe is accessible to all, no matter where you are. Intentionally experiencing awe creates significant and positive changes in our daily lives. Small, mindful moments of wonder, pausing, breathing, and noticing the world around you, can draw you closer to God, deepen your relationships with others, and completely renew your sense of purpose.

To explore the fascinating connection between nature and human well-being, dive into the Beyond Awe docuseries and discover how feeling small can actually make your life much richer. Have you already experienced the positive effects of awe in your life?