Welcome to your MCI Wellbeing Blog for July!
This month, we're exploring the power of awe.
Have you ever felt a deep sense of amazement - like when standing beneath a star-filled sky, watching a thunderstorm roll in, or hearing a piece of music that moves you to tears? That feeling is called awe, and it’s more than just a fleeting emotion. It’s a powerful experience that can positively affect your brain, body, and overall wellbeing.
What Is Awe?
Awe is the emotional response we feel when we encounter something vast, beautiful, or beyond our understanding.
Unlike other positive emotions like joy or amusement, awe often makes us feel small—but in a good way. It shifts our focus away from ourselves and toward something greater, encouraging humility, curiosity, and connection.
How Awe Affects the Brain
Neuroscience shows that awe reduces activity in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is responsible for self-referential thoughts and rumination. When this network quiets down, we become less focused on our worries and more open to the present moment. This can lead to lower stress levels, improved mood, and increased mindfulness.
Awe also boosts cognitive flexibility, helping us think more creatively and adapt to new situations. It’s been linked to better problem-solving, increased curiosity, and even enhanced memory.
Awe and Emotional Wellbeing
Experiencing awe regularly can lead to greater life satisfaction and a stronger sense of meaning. It encourages prosocial behaviour, making us more generous, empathetic, and community-minded. People who feel awe are more likely to help others and feel a deeper sense of connection to their communities.
Awe also helps us regulate emotions. By shifting our perspective, it allows us to reframe challenges and approach problems with a calmer, more open mindset.
How Awe Benefits Students
For students, awe can be especially powerful. It helps reduce academic stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system and promoting a sense of perspective. When students experience awe—whether through nature, or creative projects—they often feel more motivated and engaged.
Awe also enhances learning. It boosts curiosity, which is key to deep understanding, and improves memory retention by making experiences more emotionally meaningful.
Finding Awe in Everyday Life
You don’t need to travel to a mountaintop to experience awe. It can be found in everyday moments—watching a sunrise, reading a powerful poem, or observing the intricate patterns of a leaf. The key is to slow down and be present.
Try watching a nature documentary, listening to music that gives you goosebumps, or taking a mindful walk in your neighbourhood. Even brief moments of awe can have lasting effects on your wellbeing.
Why Awe Matters
In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, awe offers a much-needed pause. It helps us step back from stress, reconnect with our values, and feel part of something larger. Whether you're seeking clarity, calm, or inspiration, awe is a simple and powerful tool for mental and emotional health.
Recommended Resources
Final Thoughts
Awe isn’t just a beautiful feeling - it’s a gateway to deeper learning, emotional resilience, and human connection. By embracing moments of wonder in our daily lives, we can nurture our brains, uplift our spirits, and foster a more compassionate world. Whether you're an educator, student, or simply someone seeking more meaning, cultivating awe is a small act with profound impact. So pause, look up, and let yourself be amazed - you might just find more than you were looking for.
Need assistance as a student at MCI?
Do you require assistance with your studies at MCI? Do you need a role play partner? Be reminded, to please reach out to your mentor. Finally, you always have the option and are encouraged to interact with other students by joining the MCI Student Facebook page.
If you would like to talk to an MCI Mentor, please click below:
All the best!