Modern understanding of awe increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many awe presentations.
The Nervous System in Awe
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to awe:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type awe
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by awe
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type awe
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Awe
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Awe
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving awe
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in awe