"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder." -- E. B. White
Wonder may seem like an odd topic for Harvard Business Review, however, wonder plays a key role in our well-being and energy and thus influences our effectiveness and productivity in organizations.
The HBR authors of an article on the role of awe and wonder state, "One potentially powerful intervention is rarely talked about in the workplace: the cultivation of experiences of awe. Like gratitude and curiosity, awe can leave us feeling inspired and energized. It’s another tool in your toolkit and it’s now attracting increased attention due to more rigorous research.”
University of Michigan psychologist Ethan Kross defines wonder and awe as what, “... we feel when we encounter something powerful that we can’t easily explain. These elements may seem vast, complex, and beautiful, making us seem like small specks in a grand and glorious universe, often leaving us goose bumped and tingly.”
The authors state, "People who experience awe also report higher levels of overall life satisfaction and well-being as well as lowered stress and greater resilience.”
Additionally, awe and wonder stimulate new ways of thinking and the building of better relationships. One suggested way to increase feelings of wonder is to take an awe walk … "twenty minutes to wander and be curious and observe the everyday beauty around you, even in a familiar place like your yard or neighborhood."
How could you allow more feelings of wonder into your life?
Source: "Why You Need to Protect Your Sense of Wonder — Especially Now,” by David P. Fessell and Karen Reivich, Harvard Business Review, August 25, 2021
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