Awe as Rejuvenation: The Science of How Wonder Restores Us / Submitted by Debbie Deland

In a world that feels increasingly heavy—politically, emotionally, and socially—many of us are searching for ways to restore our energy and reconnect with hope. What if one of the most powerful tools for rejuvenation wasn’t expensive, time‑consuming, or out of reach? What if it was something we can access every single day?

According to emerging research, awe—that feeling of wonder we experience when encountering something vast, beautiful, or deeply moving—has profound effects on our mental, emotional, and physical well‑being. And the best part? Awe is free, accessible, and available in moments both grand and small.

Why Awe Matters for Activists

For those doing justice work—especially in Florida’s current climate—burnout is real. Awe offers a powerful counterbalance. It restores energy, reconnects us to meaning, and reminds us why we fight for a better world.

Awe doesn’t pull us away from the work. It replenishes us so we can continue it.

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Awe Reduces Stress and Quietly Resets the Mind

Psychology Today reports that awe “shifts our attention and energy outward instead of inward,” helping quiet negative self‑talk and easing symptoms of anxiety and depression. This outward shift acts like a mental reset, interrupting cycles of rumination and giving the mind space to breathe.

In one study, older adults who practiced “awe walking”—intentionally seeking moments of wonder during daily walks—experienced significantly more positive emotions and less anxiety and depression than regular walkers.

Awe doesn’t just feel good. It changes how we think.

Awe Supports Physical Health

The Mayo Clinic notes that people who regularly experience awe show reduced inflammation, lower stress, and improved heart rate and diastolic blood pressure. These are measurable physiological markers associated with aging, chronic illness, and burnout.

In other words, awe isn’t just emotional—it’s biological.

Awe Expands Perspective and Creates Mental Spaciousness

The Denver Art Museum highlights that awe helps us feel connected to something larger than ourselves, allowing us to “let go of our own desires and egos” and reducing self‑criticism, anxiety, and depression. This sense of vastness—whether from a starry sky, a powerful piece of art, or witnessing an act of courage—creates a feeling of mental spaciousness that is deeply rejuvenating. The National Gallery in Washington offers guided awe tours.

I recently visited New York City. I experienced so much awe, e.g., guided tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Guided Awe tour at the Metropolitan Art Museum, my tour of the 9/11 museum. I am now going to my art books to look at a couple of pieces in detail and then read about them. I love morning walks with my husband through our landscaped neighborhood.

Awe reminds us that we are part of something bigger, and that reminder can be healing.

Everyday Awe: Small Moments, Big Impact

You don’t need the Grand Canyon to feel awe. Research identifies eight everyday sources of wonder:

• Moral beauty (witnessing kindness or courage)
• Collective effervescence (concerts, vigils, marches)
• Nature
• Music
• Visual art and design
• Spirituality and ritual
• Life and death moments
• Epiphany or insight

The Mayo Clinic encourages people to intentionally seek awe daily—whether through a sunrise, a child’s laughter, a piece of music, or a moment of connection.

Awe is everywhere when we look for it.

Bottom Line

Awe is one of the most accessible forms of rejuvenation we have. It calms the body, refreshes the mind, and reconnects us to purpose. Whether found in nature, art, community, or everyday beauty, awe is a reminder that even in difficult times, wonder is still possible—and healing is still within reach.

Try Awe just from looking at a print version of great visual art.

What do you see? When is your first memory of seeing this painting?

Now, read the background

“Starry Night,” painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1889, reflects his emotional turmoil and artistic genius during a turbulent period of his life while he was in a mental asylum.

Context of Creation

Vincent van Gogh created “Starry Night” during his stay at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. This period followed a significant mental breakdown, which included the infamous incident where he severed part of his own ear after a confrontation with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. Admitted to the asylum in May 1889, van Gogh had access to a studio and was allowed to paint, which provided him a creative outlet amidst his struggles with mental health.

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Artistic Elements

The painting depicts a swirling night sky filled with vibrant blues and yellows, featuring a glowing crescent moon and stars that radiate with energy. The cypress tree in the foreground, often interpreted as a symbol of death, reaches towards the sky, while a tranquil village lies below, contrasting the chaos above. Van Gogh’s use of bold brushstrokes and exaggerated forms captures the emotional intensity of his experience.

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Symbolism and Interpretation

“Starry Night” is rich in symbolism. The cypress tree, commonly found in cemeteries, suggests themes of mortality, while the bright star, identified as Venus, adds a layer of celestial significance. Van Gogh himself noted in letters that he believed the night sky was more colorful than day, which is reflected in his vibrant palette. The imaginary village depicted in the painting was not part of his actual view but rather a composite of memories and imagination, showcasing van Gogh’s unique artistic vision.

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Legacy and Impact

Despite van Gogh’s initial criticism of the painting, referring to it as a “failure,” “Starry Night” has become one of the most recognized and celebrated works in Western art. It is housed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and continues to inspire countless interpretations and discussions about the intersection of art and mental health. The painting’s swirling forms and emotional depth resonate with viewers, making it a timeless masterpiece that reflects the complexities of the human experience.

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In summary, “Starry Night” is not just a depiction of a night sky; it is a profound expression of van Gogh’s inner turmoil and artistic brilliance, encapsulating the struggles and beauty of life through its vivid imagery and emotional resonance.