As the year winds down, many of us rush headfirst into reflection mode. What worked. What didn’t. What we’ll do differently next year.
This year, I’m choosing something quieter.
I’m choosing
awe.
Over Thanksgiving weekend, my family and I went whale watching in
Monterey, California. Our anticipation was palatable. After about 20 or 30 minutes we finally saw our first Humpback.
That sudden “awe-some” feeling that you are connected to nature in all her glory and power.
Why Awe Matters More Than We Realize
We often talk about the benefits of being outdoors in terms of stress reduction, sunlight, or fresh air. Those matter. But there’s a
less-talked-about benefit that may be just as powerful. That is awe.
In a 2015 study, researchers at
University of California, Irvine found that people commonly experience awe when they spend time in nature. They describe awe as:
That sense of wonder you feel in the presence of something vast that transcends our understanding of the world.What struck me most is what they discovered next.
Awe isn’t just a pleasant feeling. It serves a
social function. People who experience awe tend to behave more generously, more collaboratively, and more thoughtfully toward others. In other words, awe makes us better humans.
Awe and the Art of Savoring
Here’s where awe connects beautifully to something I’ve written about before:
savoring.
According to
Dr. Fred Bryant (Loyola University, Chicago), savoring is the ability to stretch joy across time. He explains that savoring can happen in three ways:
- Before an experience, through anticipation
- During an experience, by being fully present
- After an experience, by remembering and revisiting it
That whale-watching moment didn’t end when the boat returned to shore.
It lives on:
- When I replay the video
- When I hear my son’s “Wow,” in our videos.
- When I tell the story
- When I write this reflection
That’s savoring. And it’s one of the simplest, most accessible tools we have for expanding joy without adding anything new to our lives.
A Gentle Year-End Invitation
As this year comes to a close, I’m not asking myself only
what I accomplished.
I’m asking:
- Where did I feel awe?
- When did time slow down?
- What moments are still alive inside me?
My invitation to you is simple. Before you set your goals or rush into 2026, pause long enough to notice something vast. Get out in nature and notice the trees, the birds, a body of water or nearby mountain or your child’s or grandchild’s first word, discovery or steps.
Those moments don’t just feel good. They reconnect us to perspective, to each other, and to what truly matters.
And that feels like a perfect way to end the year.
I wish you peace, health, and awe in 2026.