Restoring Wonder: What Awe Does to the Brain and Soul

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Restoring Wonder: What Awe Does to the Brain and Soul

When was the last time something truly stopped you in your tracks?

A breathtaking mountain vista. A brilliant sunset. A piece of music that gave you chills. A story of courage. The birth of a child. Standing beneath a sky full of stars.

Those moments don't just feel beautiful—they change us.

In this episode of Restored: Where Psychology Meets Grace, Dr. Malorie explores the fascinating psychology and neuroscience of awe and wonder, and why these experiences are far more than pleasant emotions. Research shows that awe quiets rumination, expands perspective, increases generosity, reduces stress, and helps us feel connected to something much larger than ourselves.

Drawing from personal experiences living in Europe, hiking through the Alps, walking among the ruins of Athens and Rome, and more recent travels through Utah's breathtaking national parks, Dr. Malorie reflects on an important realization: wonder is often available—but our attention is somewhere else.

This episode explores how our distracted, hurried lives can rob us of the very experiences that restore our minds and souls—and how learning to "look up" may be one of the simplest practices for cultivating greater peace, perspective, and connection with God.

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In This Episode

• Why awe is considered a "self-transcendent emotion"

• What neuroscience reveals about the brain during experiences of wonder

• How awe reduces rumination and expands perspective

• The "small self" effect and why it actually benefits mental health

• Why modern life makes wonder increasingly difficult

• Jesus' invitation to "look at the birds" and "consider the lilies"

• Practical ways to cultivate awe in everyday life

• A guided meditation to help you slow down, notice, and reconnect with wonder

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Psychology & Neuroscience

Researchers have discovered that experiences of awe produce remarkable changes in the brain.

Awe has been associated with:

• Reduced self-focused thinking and rumination

• Increased feelings of connection with others

• Greater generosity and compassion

• Lower stress

• Improved well-being

• An expanded sense of time and perspective

One of the most fascinating findings is the "small self" effect. During moments of awe, people often report feeling smaller—not insignificant, but appropriately placed within something much larger than themselves. Rather than diminishing us, this shift often brings relief, humility, and greater emotional freedom.

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Psychology Meets Grace

Throughout His ministry, Jesus repeatedly invited people to pay attention.

"Look at the birds."

"Consider the lilies."

Rather than simply telling people to stop worrying, He redirected their attention toward creation, beauty, and God's ongoing care.

Wonder softens the heart.

Wonder interrupts anxiety.

Wonder reminds us that God is continually revealing Himself through both extraordinary moments and ordinary gifts that we often overlook.

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Practical Takeaways

This week, practice cultivating wonder by intentionally slowing down.

Try asking yourself:

• What is remarkable about this moment?

• Where is beauty that I've stopped noticing?

• What happens when I intentionally "look up" instead of remaining focused on my worries, phone, or to-do list?

Sometimes the most profound moments of awe aren't found in extraordinary places—they're discovered when we become fully present to ordinary life.

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Key Takeaways

• Wonder is available more often than we realize.

• Attention determines much of what we experience.

• Awe quiets rumination and broadens perspective.

• Modern life constantly competes for our attention.

• Looking up—literally and figuratively—helps restore our sense of wonder.

• God often meets us through the beauty already surrounding us.

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Reflection

As you move through this week, consider:

Where might wonder already be waiting for you if you simply slowed down enough to notice it?

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Coming Next Week

Next week, we'll continue the conversation by exploring What Healthy People Do Differently—the everyday habits, mindsets, and practices that contribute to emotional health, resilience, and flourishing.

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Disclaimer

Restored: Where Psychology Meets Grace is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for psychotherapy, mental health treatment, medical care, diagnosis, or professional advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing significant emotional distress, concerns about your mental health, or a mental health crisis, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional, your healthcare provider, or appropriate emergency resources.

Until then, take a deep breath, you are not alone, you are fully known, and healing is holy work.