By Dr. Rebeca Chow, LPC-S, LCPC-S, RPT-S
Many of us are noticing that our spark feels dimmed, and finding moments of connection and safety has become harder to achieve. This spark is the inner motivation that fuels our ability to face everyday challenges and pursue growth. It is also the energy that drives inspiration—the kind that lights us up and pushes us forward.
In counseling, we often describe these moments of inspiration as “awe moments.”
Awe moments are experiences when our brain opens to wonder, curiosity, reverence, and a deep appreciation for life. They help us feel connected to ourselves, others, and the world around us. These moments are more than fleeting bursts of joy—they shape how we experience the world and how we approach growth and resilience.
The Science Behind Awe
Awe is closely connected to our brain’s capacity for awareness and meaning-making. When we encounter something vast, unexpected, or deeply moving—like a breathtaking view, a powerful song, or a meaningful conversation—our brain briefly pauses. This pause is significant.
Research suggests that awe activates what neuroscientists call a “self-transcendent state,” reducing activity in the brain’s default mode network (DMN)—the part responsible for self-focused thoughts and constant inner dialogue. When this network quiets down, we become:
- More present
- Less absorbed in our worries
- More open to what is unfolding around us
This is why awe often shifts our perspective—it helps us see beyond ourselves, opening the door to curiosity, creativity, and connection.
The Brain as Storyteller
However, our brains are not just built for awe—they are also built for survival. Our brain is a natural storyteller, constantly trying to make sense of the world. When reality does not match our expectations, our brain quickly creates a story to fill the gap.
This mental shortcut is part of our defense system—it helps us detect potential threats and maintain a sense of control. But these stories are often incomplete or inaccurate.
For example: Imagine you’re having a wonderful dinner with someone you care about, and they check their phone mid-conversation. Your brain might interpret this as rejection, creating a story that says, “I’m not important to them.” This triggers your nervous system’s threat response, flooding your body with stress hormones like cortisol. Suddenly, the warmth you felt earlier is replaced by hurt and frustration.
This entire process can happen in seconds—without us realizing it. We rely on these mental shortcuts to keep us safe, but when we don’t question the stories we create, they can limit our experiences and disconnect us from others.
How Awe Disrupts Limiting Stories
The opposite happens when we lean into awe. Awe interrupts our brain’s automatic storytelling. It helps us:
- Pause
- Step back
- Widen our perspective
We start to see multiple possibilities: “Maybe they had an urgent message,” or “Maybe it has nothing to do with me.” Awe shifts us from rigid, fear-based narratives into a mindset of openness and connection.
The OPEN Framework for Creating Awe
Building awareness is key to engaging our awe potential and disrupting these unhelpful stories.
One practical way to create moments of awe is by remembering OPEN:
O — Observe Your Body
Pay attention to physical sensations like tightness, tension, or ease. Your body often knows before your mind does. Pause and ask: “What is my body telling me? Am I feeling safe or threatened?”
P — Pause and Reflect
When you feel triggered, resist the urge to react. Take a few slow breaths and ask yourself: “What story is my brain creating right now? Is this the only explanation, or could there be another perspective?”
E — Embrace Awe
Seek out small moments of wonder—watch the sunrise, listen to a song that moves you, or notice a kind gesture. These moments expand your mind and reconnect you to the present.
N — Nurture Connection
Choose connection over defense. When you feel yourself withdrawing, pause and ask: “How can I stay open right now? How can I lean into understanding instead of assuming the worst?”
Rediscovering Your Spark
When we develop this kind of awareness, we start to see that our reactions often stem from a deeper need for safety and connection. We were created with an internal alarm system to help us survive, but constantly living in that state keeps us from thriving.
When we learn to pause, embrace awe, and question the stories our brain tells, we unlock a path to deeper connection with ourselves and others.
We all have the capacity to be inspired to do great things. By slowing down, listening to our bodies, and welcoming moments of awe, we rediscover our spark. This inner light not only helps us face challenges with resilience but also radiates into our relationships, our work, and our communities—inviting others to find their spark too.
