Science of Awe - Sanctuaries of the Earth

“Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world”

–Dacher Keltner, Founding Director at The Greater Good Science Center & Chief Scientific Advisor at Hume AI

THE SCIENCE OF AWE

In the Vastness…
The Self Becomes Silent

Research on the science of awe, led by Dacher Keltner and supported by scholars like Jonathan Haidt and Paul Piff, reveals that awe significantly enhances mental and physical health, deepens social connections, and fosters prosocial behavior. Together, their research underscores awe’s transformative power, suggesting that regularly experiencing awe can lead to a more compassionate, healthier, and interconnected society.

Listen to Keltner’s riveting 1:58 second explanation of how awe affects the human brain.

Crystals Ignite Awe

Growing data consistently finds that the emotion of awe is frequently triggered by beauty and nature. Quartz crystals, formed through geological processes over millions of years, captivate with their natural beauty, clarity, and intricate structures. Their ability to refract light into vibrant displays of color and their ancient origins evoke a profound sense of wonder and connection to Earth’s history.

Research shows a high positive correlation between awe and compassion, openness, politeness, industriousness, orderliness and enthusiasm. Physiologically, studies have revealed evidence that awe increases oxygen saturation and decreases heart rate.