The Science of Awe: Lessons from a P!nk Concert

Under the shimmering lights of a packed arena, P!nk took the stage, her voice powerful and raw, diving from the rafters of the coliseum to the stage floor to kick off the show and leave the crowd excited for what was to come. Thousands of us, strangers moments before, sang in unison, feeling every note resonate deep within our bodies. For a few hours, time seemed to stand still. I felt completely present, connected not only to the music but also to the collective energy of the crowd and the profound artistry of the performance. It wasn’t merely entertainment—it was an awe-inspiring experience.

For days after the concert, I found myself searching for the right words to describe this feeling. It wasn’t just joy or inspiration—it was something deeper, more profound. I kept coming back to how much it reminded me of being in a flow state, that highly immersive experience where time disappears, and we are deeply engaged in a challenge matched to our skills. Yet this feeling didn’t involve effort, mastery, or a clear goal, all hallmarks of flow. What I was experiencing had no balance of challenge and skills, yet it was just as immersive and transformative.  Intrigued and determined to understand this feeling, I started digging into the research after the concert, trying to define exactly what I had experienced. What I discovered was a growing body of studies on the emotion of “awe”—a state of wonder and connection with benefits that extend far beyond the moment itself.

Awe: The Emotion That Expands Our World

Awe is often defined as an emotional response to something vast that challenges how we usually see the world (Keltner & Haidt, 2003). It emerges in the face of extraordinary stimuli—a sweeping mountain vista, a transcendent piece of music, or an act of kindness so profound it shifts your perspective. Unlike other emotions, awe forces us to step outside ourselves and consider the bigger picture, fostering what researchers call a "small self" (Piff et al., 2015).

While awe can feel as immersive as a flow state, it’s distinct in that it doesn’t rely on skill, mastery, or challenge. Instead, awe invites us to confront and adapt to something much larger than our understanding (Bonner & Friedman, 2011).

What I Learned About Awe and Its Benefits

As I dug into the research, I discovered that awe isn’t just a beautiful feeling—it’s also incredibly good for us. Here’s some of what I learned about how we can cultivate awe in our lives and why it’s worth the effort.

1. Awe Can Improve Mental Health

One of the most compelling findings is that awe can help reduce anxiety and depression. This is because awe shifts our focus away from ourselves and our problems. When we encounter something vast and extraordinary, it reframes our worries and helps us see them in a different perspective (Monroy et al., 2023).

2. Awe Builds Connection and Empathy

I was fascinated to learn that awe isn’t just a personal experience—it’s a deeply social one. Research shows that awe makes us feel more connected to others, fostering empathy and a sense of belonging. This happens because awe shrinks our ego and shifts our focus outward, making us more likely to engage in acts of kindness and generosity (Piff et al., 2015).

Reflecting on my experience at the P!nk concert, I can see how this played out firsthand. Singing along with thousands of strangers, our voices blending into one, I felt an overwhelming sense of unity. Her performance and our connection to it seemed to dissolve the barriers that normally separate us in everyday life. In that moment, it didn’t matter who we were, where we came from, or what our individual struggles might be. We were all part of something bigger, sharing the awe of an extraordinary performance.

3. Awe Enriches Life and Fuels Curiosity

One of the most enriching aspects of awe is how it sparks curiosity and creativity. When we encounter something extraordinary, it often inspires us to learn more about it, deepening our understanding of the world (Keltner & Haidt, 2003). This sense of curiosity adds layers of meaning to life, making it feel richer and more fulfilling.

4. Awe Can Improve Physical Health

I was also surprised to learn that awe also has measurable physical benefits. By reducing stress levels, awe can lower inflammation and improve heart health (Stellar et al., 2015). Spending time in awe-inspiring environments like forests or mountains has even been linked to lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system (Shiota et al., 2007).

How I Plan to Cultivate More Awe (And How You Can Too)

As I’ve reflected on my experience at the P!nk concert and what I’ve learned since, it’s clear to me that awe isn’t just a fleeting emotion to wait for—it’s something we can actively seek out and cultivate. I’ve realized how much I want to make awe a regular part of my life, and I hope to inspire you to do the same. Here’s how I plan to invite more of these experiences into my life, and how you might explore these strategies as well:

• Immerse Yourself in Nature: I’ve always enjoyed spending time in nature but I have decided to prioritize spending time outdoors more often, whether it’s hiking in the woods, watching the sunrise, or spending more time on the lake, one of my favorite things to do. There’s something about the vastness of nature that naturally evokes awe. I recommend finding your own connection with nature—it doesn’t have to be an epic trip; even a walk in a local park can be transformative if you allow yourself to truly take it in.
• Engage with Art and Music: After the concert, I’m more committed than ever to experiencing live performances. Whether it’s music, theater, or even a powerful art exhibit, these moments remind me of the incredible creativity and talent in the world. If live events aren’t accessible, you can start by diving into a new album, exploring art online, or rediscovering a favorite creative passion of your own.
• Explore the Unfamiliar: I’ve realized how much novelty plays a role in awe. Trying something new—whether it’s traveling to a new destination, exploring a different cuisine, or learning a new skill—opens the door to moments of wonder. I plan to make an effort to step outside my comfort zone more often, and I encourage you to do the same. The unfamiliar can be unsettling at first, but it’s also where awe often lives.
• Practice Mindfulness: I’ve started slowing down and savoring everyday moments—watching the sunlight stream through my window, listening to my children’s laughter, or enjoying the taste of a favorite Italian dish. Awe doesn’t always have to come from grand experiences. By being fully present and paying attention, even the simplest things can become awe-inspiring. You might find, that mindfulness can unlock a sense of wonder in the little things that often go unnoticed.

Cultivating awe doesn’t require drastic life changes. It’s about creating space for wonder, opening yourself to new experiences, and allowing the beauty of the world to inspire you. As I embrace these practices, I hope you’ll explore them too and discover how awe can enrich your life in unexpected and powerful ways. In a world that often feels overwhelming, these moments of connection and wonder remind us of the beauty and vastness of life.

References

Bonner, E., & Friedman, H. S. (2011). A conceptual clarification of the experience of awe: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Humanistic Psychologist, 39(3), 222–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/08873267.2011.593372 

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.

Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic emotion. Cognition and Emotion, 17(2), 297–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699930302297

Monroy, M., Uğurlu, Ö., Zerwas, F. et al. (2023). The influences of daily experiences of awe on stress, somatic health, and well-being: a longitudinal study during COVID-19. Sci Rep 13, 9336. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-35200-w

Piff, P. K., Dietze, P., Feinberg, M., Stancato, D. M., & Keltner, D. (2015). Awe, the small self, and prosocial behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 108(6), 883–899. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000018

Shiota, M. N., Keltner, D., & Mossman, A. (2007). The nature of awe: Elicitors, appraisals, and effects on self-concept. Cognition and Emotion, 21(5), 944–963. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699930600923668

Stellar, J. E., John-Henderson, N., Anderson, C. L., Gordon, A. M., McNeil, G. D., & Keltner, D. (2015). Positive affect and markers of inflammation: Discrete positive emotions predict lower levels of inflammatory cytokines. Emotion, 15(2), 129–133. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000033