The Transformational Energy of Awe
Hello, awesome one!
I have to smile as I type this because I recently had someone ask me why I call people “awesome ones” as a habit. As I reflected on the quirk, I realized it’s a plethora of reasons.
First, as a child of the 1980s, I still use words like gnarly, rad, neato, bogus, as well as some more specialized phrases like “gag me with a spoon,” thanks to the Valley Girls, and “what’s your damage, Heather?” That last inquiry is a nod to the dark clique-inspired movie, Heathers, one of my favorites.
Also, I was in the cheerleading world for over 13 years, that combined with the aforementioned predisposition to 80s slang, and well, I pretty much described everything as awesome. Usually, followed by a “rock on” either verbally or with the gesture available as an emoji much to my delight, 🤟. This, too, I come by honestly as a Midwestern metal head born and raised in ruralish Michigan. (Maybe I’ll have to include some of those photos from back-in-the-day in another Mindfood–the hair alone is epic.)
Lastly, as a word nerd, I must acknowledge the definition of awesome, always compliments of Merriam-Webster: 1.a : inspiring awe, b. informal: terrific, extraordinary; 2. : expressive of awe.
Whether we see each other regularly in session, circle, or less often on retreat together, or we have met in some other unique way, or we haven’t even yet met in person, I find you awesome.
I could conjure no more accurate way to address each of you as I believe you are terrific, extraordinary, and you inspire awe in me. Truly.
Awe is a transformational experience. When we let awe in, we perceive the world with an upleveled energy.
Consider this: We live on a planet that is one of billions just in our galaxy. This is amidst billions of galaxies, but we really have no actual numbers. All estimations are extrapolations, so let’s go with lots and lots. We do know that over 8,207,333,000 humans are currently on earth, but by the time you read this that number will have changed significantly.
Given the vastness of that information, you and I are connected. I am in such awe of that. Just as I am in awe of you as you offer your heart to this world during this time of radical transformation.
Honoring the intensity of this time of transformation, I spent much time in the Maine woods on Moosehead Lake this last month. I’m excited to share a few fun photos.
Awe abounds in nature. I invite you to find anchoring in the nature around you by hearing the wind in the trees or stargazing or your own unique way. Get lost in the miracle of the seasons, cycles, creatures, and bounty.
If all of a sudden this feels overly sentimental or hokey, that’s totally cool, I get it. When you feel called though, open into the awe as a thought experiment alone and see where that takes you. Even the most logical and linear thinkers among us can choose to leave space for authentic noticing of awe when it lands.
Invite awe into your consciousness design as an experiment. Notice the feedback loop. Make the practice yours. Share it with a dear one in your life.
May awe become a powerful source of energy for you, awesome one. ~K.
