Awe is a complex emotion that occurs when we experience or witness something wondrous, vast, terrifying, inspiring, amazing, or mind-blowing. Awe can be triggered by experiences as diverse as walking through an untamed natural landscape, viewing a highly complex piece of art or architecture, having a spiritual or religious experience, or witnessing a seemingly impossible athletic feat; astronauts
What Is Awe? (Plain Language Explanation)
Awe refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Awe
- Symptoms: The specific ways awe shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen awe
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When awe occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Awe
- Awe is far more common than most people realize
- Awe is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with awe see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about awe is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing awe, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.