(Photo courtesy of Leah Hetteberg)
Imagine standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or watching stars light up a dark, quiet sky. Those moments leave us in awe, a feeling so powerful it takes our breath away. For teenagers, finding and embracing awe can be transformative, offering relief from stress, shifting perspectives, and deepening their sense of purpose. Of course, all considered, relatively few will ever visit the Grand Canyon. Why and where else might a teen find awe? Why should they want to?
Being a teenager can be daunting. I know. Recounting my life, though I grew up in the 60’s with violence, racism, and civil unrest all around, personally I had what might be called a “trauma-free” time as a teenager. Looking back, however, it was easily the most challenging, least pleasant period of my life. No, I wasn’t bullied or abused. In fact, I was loved and had many friends, but the pressures of bodily changes, anticipation and preparation for the future, pressures to achieve, and the like made for many challenges and sometimes despair.
Today, teens face countless pressures more complex and threatening than I ever did. The influence of social media is the most obvious example. How about the constant advertising insinuating we are not already enough? Or how about what we need to be, have, appear or acquire to fit in? Or can you see how the constant 24/7 bombardment of fear and hate from the news media might affect a teen? Smart phones can intrude on their lives at any time of day … or night. These are just a few of things I never had to contend with as a teen.
Awe can be like a reset button. When teens can pause to take in something awe-inspiring, they step out of their day-to-day stress and see life through a wider lens. Those moments leave us with a feeling so powerful it takes our breath away. For teenagers, finding and embracing awe can be transformative, offering relief from stress, shifting perspectives, and deepening their sense of purpose. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, highlights how awe changes how we see ourselves, explaining that awe helps us realize we’re part of something larger, allowing teens to step away from their individuality and isolation, their own concerns, and feel a sense of belonging to the broader world.
One of the incredible benefits of awe is that it can reduce stress. Studies show that experiencing awe lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Imagine feeling bogged down by school, relationships, and responsibilities, then stopping to witness a colorful sunset. That simple moment can feel like a breath of fresh air, helping us shift from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s beautiful?” Awe calms the mind, helping teens find peace amid the chaos. I was blessed to live in the country where my grandfather would take me on walks through the fields and woods to the streams to witness the many beautiful aspects of nature. During the change of seasons, I would discover new awe from the same places, learning that nature has much to teach us about life. It still does.
Awe doesn’t require standing in front of the Grand Canyon or a natural wonder. It can come from simple, everyday experiences like noticing the intricate patterns of a leaf, losing yourself in a beautiful song or piece of art. Dr. Dacher Keltner, a psychologist and awe researcher at UC Berkeley, describes awe as “the feeling we get when we encounter something vast that challenges our understanding of the world.” This feeling of wonder allows teens to move beyond daily worries, opening up to the beauty and complexity of life.
Awe is also a powerful catalyst for creativity. When experiencing awe, the mind opens up to new perspectives and ideas, which is especially valuable for teenagers exploring their interests, talents, and dreams. Albert Einstein, one of history’s greatest thinkers, famously said, “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.” His sense of wonder about the universe drove his discoveries. When teens seek awe, they expand their capacity to dream, to think outside the box, and to imagine what’s possible.
But awe doesn’t just come from nature or art. Some of the most impactful moments of awe come from witnessing kindness, generosity, bravery, and resilience in others. Seeing someone reach out to help a stranger or watching a friend navigate a tough situation with grace can stir deep admiration. Dr. Keltner calls this “moral beauty,” or awe for the goodness in others’ actions. Moments of kindness remind us of our shared humanity and show teens the power of empathy. Acts of bravery and resilience also reveal the strength of the human spirit. Observing someone face adversity with courage can inspire teens to find that same strength within themselves, showing them that challenges are opportunities for growth. Witnessing those yet older than me has been awe-inspiring to see how they traverse aging that may soon be my journey. It’s no different for a teen.
Awe isn’t just something we experience passively—it can be something teens actively cultivate within themselves. By choosing to be kind or brave, they can create moments of awe for themselves and others. When they push themselves to show up fully, even in small acts of generosity or courage, they feel a sense of pride and strength. They gain confidence as they leap over the line of fear. This is the awe of realizing their own potential, that they have the power to make a difference, no matter how small.
Awe is more than a feel-good emotion; it’s essential to mental health and resilience. Research shows that awe can increase life satisfaction and improve emotional well-being. Each experience of awe, whether it’s a beautiful landscape, a thoughtful gesture, or a brave act, gives teens perspective on their lives. Instead of feeling weighed down by self-doubt or stress, they learn to see life’s bigger picture—one that’s full of beauty, potential, and connection.
Learning to seek awe, whether in nature, music, art, kindness, resilience, or their own actions, is one of the most enriching practices teens can adopt. There’s an infinite supply of awe to be found, never to be exhausted. By focusing on these moments, teens foster gratitude, empathy, and a sense of belonging. These are the building blocks of a fulfilling life and enhanced creativity. The next time they feel overwhelmed or uncertain, they can look for awe in small acts of kindness, the courage of a friend, or the beauty of the world around them. These are the moments that remind us of our shared strength and the limitless wonder in life.
Again, it was Albert Einstein that said, “One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day.”
How might you help a teen discover awe? What of your perspectives might broaden theirs? How might you even find more awe in your own life? Wouldn’t just fifteen minutes a day doing either be a fantastic investment? When you help a youngster find awe, you become the awe you are seeking — a priceless gift.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon.
