There is a growing body of scientific evidence that the experience of awe is a pathway to better physical and mental health. And, most would agree, that better physical and mental health helps us be happier, and share that happiness with others. But what exactly is awe?

Awe is that emotional state you feel when you encounter something that’s bigger and grander than your current understanding of the world.

Like when you behold a gorgeous mountain, or a full night sky.

Or when you watch an athlete accomplish something magnificent.

Or when you witness the miracle of birth.

You may have felt awe when staring at a piece of art. Or when praying. Or when you were driving in your car and suddenly had an epiphany about the meaning of life.

Dacher Keltner has spent a long time researching awe and how it affects us. So far his work, and the work of his colleagues, have demonstrated that experiencing awe lowers stress, anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. And it increases our cardiovascular health and longevity.

Pretty awesome, right? ;-)

But awe doesn’t just make us healthier. It makes us more likely to help other people. Get this:

In one of his studies, participants were split into two groups outside.

One group stood outside and were told to look at a building for one minute.
The second group was brought to a grove of towering eucalyptus trees and told to look up at the trees for one minute.

Then, both groups were met by an experimenter who tripped and dropped a bowl of pens - seemingly by accident.

The group that stared up at the trees were significantly more helpful, picking up the pens for the experimenter.

Imagine that. Just one minute of staring up at some beautiful trees is all it takes to be friendlier. And more helpful. And maybe even happier.

I’m not saying that there’s a simple solution to all of the world’s problems or for the stress you feel as a result of them.

What I am saying is that again and again, research has shown that the experience of awe can be the difference that makes you feel that much better. In turn, you’ll make others around you happier, too.

So today I encourage you to find some awe in your life.

You’ll be doing your body, your mind, and your community a huge favor.

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One of the most well-documented sources of awe is nature. Staring up at the mountains, the skies, massive rivers and waterfalls, hearing the crashing of falling waves. These have been inspiring humans for centuries. It’s time for you to get a taste of it.

Try This: Open up your calendar right now and pick a date to go out into nature. You don’t have to go to a national park (although those are amazing), as long as there’s something vast that you could get lost in. That could be a tree, a hill, or even just a really cool leaf.

Reply to this email and tell me what your plan is. I can’t wait to hear it.