Allow Yourself to be Awe-Inspired
“Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast or beyond human scale, that transcends our current understanding of things,” says renowned psychologist Dr. Dacher Keltner. Awe is a unique emotional…
“Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast or beyond human scale, that transcends our current understanding of things,” says renowned psychologist Dr. Dacher Keltner.
Awe is a unique emotional sensation—a spine-tingling feeling that connects us to something larger than ourselves. It is not accidental that so many cultures celebrate light, mystery, and miracles at this time of year. Awe is the thread that weaves together Christmas, Hanukkah, and countless seasonal traditions across history.
The story of Christmas centers on surprise and wonder—a child born under a radiant star, not in a palace but in humility. The Star of Bethlehem is a symbol of illumination, of being drawn toward something greater than us. In the Jewish tradition, Hanukkah carries its own awe-filled story. When there was only enough oil to last one day, the flame burned for eight.Awe is not passive. It expands us. It invites us to whisper, “There is more here than I can explain.” Neuroscience now confirms what spiritual traditions have long known: awe quiets fear, softens self-absorption, and opens us to possibility. When we experience awe, our perspective shifts. We see ourselves as part of something larger—and from that place, creativity becomes possible.
This is where TED*, The Empowerment Dynamic, lives at its core. TED* is grounded in the Creator role, the part of us that responds to life not as a problem to be fixed, but as a presence to be lived. Creating does not always mean producing something new. Often it means choosing how we relate to what is already here. Awe invites that choice. It interrupts reactivity and opens space for curiosity, imagination, and intention.
Awe can feel extraordinary—gazing at a newborn baby, standing beneath a starlit sky, or taking in the view from a mountain top. Other days, awe is quieter: the cuteness of a new puppy, a moving piece of art, or the fragrance of a single rose. Prayer and meditation may also create moments of unity that evoke awe.
Yet the transformative power of awe is blocked when we are trapped in the Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT), focused on “me” rather than the larger “we.” Awe gently pulls us out of what grips us. When we intentionally move our focus to everyday moments of awe, we loosen the hold limiting stories may have on us and return to a heart-centered way of being.
Research points to at least four powerful benefits of awe.
- Awe promotes curiosity, drawing us toward learning and deeper listening.
- Awe transforms fear, pride, and anxiety, replacing them with a sense of connection.
- Awe increases generosity and empathy—it is impossible to be self-centered and awe-struck at the same time.
- And awe positively alters our neurological and hormonal responses, supporting health, lowering blood pressure, and strengthening the immune system.
Perhaps this season’s quiet invitation is simple: slow down, look again, move your attention to awe-inspired moments.
Speaking of awe! I am awe-inspired by the new ideas flowing on how to “spread TED*.” One of the most exciting new developments is our new Creator Community.
As we step into 2026, I invite you to live more fully from your Creator essence and become a member of this new Creator Community. This is a space for people who want to grow alongside others who are committed to living from their Creator essence. You can click the link below to sign up now.
To the Creator in You,Donna*This post previously misstated that Dr. Dacher Keltner had received a Nobel Prize. This has been corrected.