Awe, as studied by Dacher, exhibits physical manifestations like goosebumps and chills. Despite sharing similarities with fear, awe can be reassuring and diminish stress. It puts daily worries into perspective, similar to the calming effect of faith. Secular awe deactivates brain regions related to self-rumination, allowing individuals to be present and free from self-oriented worries.
Awe reduces stress, helps us forget our minor worries and makes us feel more connected to the people around us. We all need more awe in our lives - but surely it's not that easy to find awesome experiences on your average Tuesday?
Actor Tony Hale explains how everyday awe helps ease his anxieties, while UC Berkeley's Dacher Keltner shows us how to find awe in music, art, scenery... even in a walk around our block. And Dr Laurie explores the things that give her a sense of awe with the help of Mike Menzel - who built a space telescope that lets us see billions of years into the past.
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