week 9 post 2

As the science behind happiness is further questioned and explained, many cutting edge discoveries are made about emotions that aren't necessarily new. Awe specifically is one of the newest positive emotions being studied, yet it is one of the most praised among scientists for many reasons. Awe would be the feeling that one is in the presence of something greater than themselves. As found by the greater good science center’s dacher keltner has found that awe is derived from high expansive vantage points, the encountering of viewpoints that challenge or expand one's world view, and to be in the presence of people or things performing extraordinary acts. While the science on it is relatively new, it dates back to the 1700’s and earlier in religious texts and revolutions. The big thing to note about awe is the aspect of less self entitlement and self important which allows people to be a part of something bigger than themselves which is scientifically found to make people happier. Spiritually oriented people are great examples of people who exhibit a lot of cultivation of awe and typically report higher levels of happiness (myers, 2000), and less depression (smith et al., 2003). Awe also has the amazing ability to make people more impatient because they understand that they are not the only person on this earth. It is because of this reason that scientists love awe, it simply is a more accurate and vigilant positive emotion and tends to be a more realist emotion. Awe allows people to be more generous. It does this through creating a deep appreciation for the world around us. People feel more connected to others and are more likely to act benevolently towards others which is shown through lots of research done by UC berkley. 

This leads to the question of how people can cultivate awe. There are a few ways that people can come to the emotion of awe, however it all comes back to the ability of people to step back and look at themselves in relation to the world, and see that they are important yet so small in the grand scheme of things. One of the easiest ways to practice this is through something called the awe walk. It not only takes time out of the day to cultivate awe, but it takes time out of the day for people to focus and center themselves in a way they might not always have the chance to. Scientists recommend that people go on walks in nature or in a place of great power and significance. For many this will be somewhere like a forest, or by a waterfall, but for some people who are not accustomed to it, this might be a busy city street. The main point is for each person to find a place that creates a feeling of being part of something bigger, and a place that generates appreciation for its beauty. In studies done by E.O. wilson he discusses the evolved love and awe for natural beauty. His research reflects his claims greatly. In chicago housing projects that have more greenery there are 48% fewer property crimes, and 56% fewer violent crimes in contrast to their concrete jungle alternatives. These same projects also feel greater community and safety. He also shows that girls surrounded by greenery exhibit more self discipline, delay of gratification, impulse control, and concentration. Lastly he shows that kids with ADHD show a drop in symptoms after walking in a park rather than in a quiet urban area. All of these things are a clear display of how awe can positively impact a person's life.