On the girl who drew on her dolls, why awe makes us smaller, and one message to send this week
THE IDEA
It’s hard to stand beneath a sky full of stars and believe you’re the center of the universe. Certain places help us see beyond our immediate concerns. Certain people do, too.
Years ago I served alongside a young woman named Megan. She had prominent birthmarks on one side of her face, and remarkable confidence, compassion and joy.
When I told her mother how much I admired her, she shared a story. At six years old, Megan had taken a permanent marker and drawn dark spots on her dolls’ faces.
“Megan, what are you doing?”
“I’m just making my dolls beautiful like me.”
I was in awe. She saw beauty where others might have seen limitation. Megan later became an award-winning special education teacher, helping others see their possibilities.
Being around someone like Megan can do what standing beneath the stars does. It expands our perspective and reminds us of the greatness in the people and the world around us.
We need places, and people, that remind us there is a power and purpose beyond our own.
THE STUDY
Researchers including Dacher Keltner asked visitors at Yosemite National Park and San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf to report their emotions, draw themselves, and write “Me” beside the picture.
Yosemite visitors reported more awe, and drew themselves about one-third smaller. Even their “Me” was smaller. Their perceived social standing was unchanged.
The finding fits what researchers call the “small self”: sensing our place within a much larger world. Read the study.
Our deadlines, frustrations and responsibilities can feel like the whole story. Awe reminds us there is more to see.
Awe is nourishment for humility.
THE QUICK WIN
Visit a place that gives you perspective. Ten minutes beneath the stars, on a trail, or somewhere sacred. Put your phone away and ask: what am I overlooking because I’ve been so focused on my own concerns?
Notice someone who inspires awe. Look for quiet courage, kindness or generosity. Ask: what can this person teach me about how to live?
Then tell them. Send a simple message: “When you ______, it helped me ______. Thank you.”
Sometimes the people who change our lives the most have no idea of the impact they’ve made. This week, let one of them know.
All my best,
Ethan
