Awe Quiz Results
Your awe score is 0 out of 75, indicating a low level of awe.
An experience of awe involves feeling that you’re in the presence of something vast that challenges your understanding of the world; that could be found in nature, art, a mind-blowing idea, or an impressive feat, including acts of great skill or virtue.
Your score suggests that you tend not to experience these kinds of feelings of wonder and inspiration on a regular basis. You may prefer familiar settings over novel, perspective-shifting ones, or you may be wrapped up in day-to-day responsibilities, with few opportunities to step outside your usual routine—or to get outside and enjoy the beauty and grandeur of nature.
This awe deficit might come at a cost: Research suggests that awe carries unique health benefits, sharpens your thinking, and makes you more generous; an absence of awe might make you more vulnerable to stress and burnout.
If you would like to experience more awe, here are some suggestions:
- Take an “Awe Walk.” An Awe Walk involves going somewhere that has the potential to evoke awe—even if it’s your own backyard—and approaching it with fresh eyes, taking in the scenery as if for the first time. Even well-worn routes can reveal unexpected sources of awe—if you’re paying attention. In one study, simply gazing up at tall trees for two minutes was a powerful elicitor of awe.
- Consume awe-inspiring media. Computers and phones often distract us from our surroundings, limiting opportunities for awe, but these devices can become sources of awe themselves. The Internet is replete with captivating images, moving videos, and inspiring stories. Research suggests that watching videos and reading stories that convey a sense of vastness and possibility can increase our feelings of awe, slow our perception of time, and even boost our life satisfaction.
- Write about awe. Our own memories can be a valuable source of awe. The practice of writing a detailed Awe Narrative has been shown to increase awe, reduce time pressure, and make people more generous. Can you think of a time when you felt a strong sense of awe, perhaps in the presence of someone who wowed you with her exceptional intelligence, kindness, or courage?
You can also read our article analyzing the results from the rest of the Greater Good community.
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