Awe
When I was finishing up my doctoral training at the VA, my fellow interns and I were asked to present on a topic during our supervision time. This totaled about once every month for us to go through our rotation. We could present on anything we wanted in the hour, as long as it pertained to psychology and our clinical practice. During one such presentation, I happened to be obsessively following the Johnny Depp versus Amber Heard trial, and chose to present on the testimony given by each of the forensic psychologists. That was tons of fun. But one week, I presented on awe. I’m not sure if anyone ever gives this topic any thought, but I often do. It is something I actively search for in my life.
A distinct memory I have of awe was during my first trip to Hawaii. Our charter bus was venturing up a tall mountain, and ultimately connected us to a tunnel. We passed through the tunnel and our eyes were assaulted with the most beautiful view of crystal clear blue green water. As the bus crept down the bridge that was strategically wrapped around the mountain, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. How could I be seeing something so beautiful? The world around me stopped, and I didn’t want to leave.
Awe is, by definition, a feeling of reverential respect with mixed fear or wonder.
I don’t think I’ve been searching for adventure. I think I’ve been pursuing awe.
In the past 7 weeks, here are a few times I have been in awe…
When I saw massive trucks pull their campers onto a frozen lake in Minnesota in -10 degrees. (Fear and reverence for sure!)
When I got to see a haka performed in New Zealand. (I always cry when Polynesians sing, dance, chant, or basically just sit anywhere near me).
When I got to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Sydney, Australia, while I watched a performing arts school for kids play their string instruments so beautifully. (Reverence and wonder.)
I have also gotten to watch my boys experience awe, as well. Their jaws dropped as they watched a Samoan man husk a coconut with a rock, and then weave a basket out of palm leaves. They were speechless awe when Steve Irwin’s son-in-law fed a crocodile at the Australian Zoo. They were in awe when we swam at Hot Water Beach in New Zealand, as the hot water rose from the Earth, merging with the cool temperatures of Lake Taupo. On the plane ride from New Zealand to Australia, the stewardess passed out tiny KitKat bars. Zackary’s face lit up. His eyes got big like mine, and his smile revealed his Christmas-themed red and green braces. Cameron often throws his hands on his head when he is in awe. These are the moments I get to experience with them and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Here are a few shots I’ve taken of them in the brief moments I caught them in awe.
