(Photo courtesy of Robert Collins)
Imagine the feeling of catching the perfect wave, the thrill of holing a long putt on the golf course, or the childlike delight of watching fireworks burst into colorful explosions against the night sky. For me, it was watching my daughter’s priceless expression on her first little kiddie ride at the amusement park. These moments are pure fun, unburdened by deadlines or pressures. But there’s something deeper at work too—an unmistakable sense of awe and wonderment. In the simplest moments of joy, we often find life’s most profound experiences. And the truth is, the more we make room for fun, the more awe-filled our lives become.
Play is one of the most underrated ways to access awe. When we allow ourselves to engage in something simply for the fun of it, we open ourselves to the unexpected. That’s where awe sneaks in. It’s in that perfect golf swing that feels like magic, or the moment the frisbee you tossed sails into your friend’s outstretched hands from an impossible distance. We may not consciously seek awe when we set out to have fun, but it finds us when we least expect it, and in those moments, the boundaries of what we thought possible expand.
Think about kids for a moment. Children are naturally drawn to play because they understand something that adults tend to forget—fun isn’t just a diversion; it’s a way to experience the world in all its vibrancy. Remember the awe you felt the first time you climbed a tree, swung as high as you could on a playground, laughed until your sides ached at a funny joke, or discovered a frog in a pond? You weren’t just passing the time. You were actively participating in the joy and wonder of being alive. It’s an effortless state of awe that kids seem to master without trying, and it’s something we, as adults, can reclaim if we let ourselves.
A great example of this connection between fun and awe is found in nature. Let’s say you’re hiking in the mountains, maybe not as a hard-core adventurer but just for the pure joy of being outdoors. You’re breathing in the fresh air, chatting with friends, and maybe laughing about something entirely irrelevant. Suddenly, you round a corner and are met with a breathtaking view. The jagged peaks stretch endlessly into the horizon, the sky is impossibly wide, and for a moment, you are completely floored by the beauty in front of you. What started as a casual, fun outing transforms into an experience of wonderment.
Even activities that are intentionally playful, like creative pursuits, have the potential to lead to awe. Ever watch someone paint a mural or improvise a piece of music? It’s fascinating how play—when given enough freedom—can give birth to something unexpected and extraordinary. In those moments, there’s a sense of marvel not only in the final result but in the act itself. The joy of the process and the awe of creation are intertwined. Or just watching a child experience awe can affect you.
And then there’s travel, one of the most reliable avenues to both fun and awe. You might plan a trip to a new city just to explore, try new foods, and maybe get lost in the streets. There’s an undeniable sense of play in the spontaneity of travel. You wander without a map, stumble upon hidden cafés, or strike up conversations with locals. Yet, within these playful moments of discovery, there’s often a sense of wonder—a realization that the world is larger and more interesting than you previously imagined. Suddenly, a trip that began as pure enjoyment turns into something that changes your perspective.
Even in more structured environments like sports or games, fun can lead to awe. Take a golfer, for instance, who goes out to the course for an afternoon of friendly competition. They’re there for the pleasure of the game, the camaraderie, and maybe a little bit of healthy competition. But every now and then, there’s that perfect swing—a flawless arc of the ball that defies gravity for just a moment before landing exactly where it needs to. It’s a small, personal moment of awe, one that feels almost like magic. The golfer wasn’t seeking enlightenment on the green, but by playing, they found it.
So how can we cultivate more of these experiences in our lives? It starts with the intention to have fun. That might sound too simple, but it’s true. In our busy, task-driven lives, we sometimes forget to make space for play. We often prioritize productivity and efficiency over joy and leisure, as if fun were a guilty indulgence rather than an essential part of life. But when we choose fun—whether it’s picking up a hobby, laughing with friends, or taking a spontaneous trip—we’re opening the door to wonder.
Awe doesn’t have to come from grand, life-changing experiences. It’s often hiding in plain sight, waiting to surprise us in the simplest moments of play. When we let go of the need to control or predict, fun takes over, and that’s where awe lives. Whether it’s in the thrill of a roller coaster, the surprise of a perfect sunset, or the unexpected joy of a perfectly aimed golf shot, fun and awe go hand in hand. So, make room for both in your life, and let them work their magic. The world is full of wonder, but it’s often the playful heart that finds it.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon.
