Living the Good Life

How can we live “the good life” has long been the perennial question. “Find awe,” was the simple answer that inspired UC Berkley psychology professor and author, Dacher Keltner to study the emotional state of awe. His book entitled, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life, offers inspirational stories and insights on the evolution of the experience, and the spiritual component that often imbues this emotion. 
I can't think of anything more awe inspiring than realizing the depth of Spirit within us, as well as the basis of all of creation! That has absolutely been a source of good in my life, and I hope the same is true for you. Awe connects us with something larger than our self and expands what Philosopher Peter Singer called “the circle of care; the network of people we feel kindness toward” (Keltner, D. Awe, 2023, pg. 81).

Expanding our circle of care is a key aspect of what ‘living the good life’ really means. It goes beyond the more self- serving aspirations like wealth, status, and success to include our interconnectedness.

Kelter defines the good life as being “one enlivened by joy, and community and meaning that brings us a sense of worth and belonging and strengthens the people and natural environments around us” (Keltner, D. Awe, 2023, pg. 3).

It seems that a great many of us are realizing just how important our need for meaning, worth and belonging is to our sense of well-being as we seek greater experiences of authentic connection and community. We may also come to realize how out of practice we are with those experiences of just being together. The chronic push to define ourselves by all that we do has taken a toll on us as a whole.

Keshner asks and answers a valid question that also explains why I am inspired to try to cultivate awe and wonder with you on Sunday mornings this summer.

“Why would I recommend that you find happiness in an emotion that is so fleeting and evanescent? That requires the unexpected, and moves us toward mystery and the unknown rather than what is certain and easy?

Because we can find awe anywhere.
Because doing so doesn’t require money or the burning of fossil fuels – or even much time.
Because we have a basic need for awe wired into our brains and bodies, finding awe is easy if we just take a moment and wonder.
Because all of us, no matter our background, can find our own meaningful path to awe. 
Because brief moments of awe are as good for your mind and body as anything you might do” 
(Keltner, D. Awe, 2023, pg. xvi).

Join us this Sunday at 10am as we continue exploring
the transforming power of awe and wonder!



Sources Cited:
Keltner, D. (2023). Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. New York: Penguin Press.

 

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