Eight wonders of awe
Research identified eight universal sources of awe: nature, moral beauty, collective movement, visual art, music, compelling ideas, and the life cycle.
Snapshot · The Mel Robbins Podcast
Feeling Lost or Behind in Life? The #1 Happiness Expert Explains How to Find Your Purpose
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Jul 13, 2026
Where this was said
How to Practice One Minute of Awe: The Eight Wonders
At 54:14 · chapter starts 53:57
With the health case made, Mel asks for the 'how.' Dr. Keltner's answer is structured but accessible. Step one: pause and put away devices. Step two: take a deep breath. Step three: orient to one of eight wonders identified in global research. These are: nature (go outside and look at the sky), moral beauty (think of someone who inspires you deeply), collective movement (a yoga class, a concert, a sports game), visual art (paintings, patterns), music (find a piece that makes you cry), ideas (something intellectually stunning), and the life cycle (reflect on the brevity and preciousness of time). Each of these, approached with intention for even one minute, produces measurable awe effects in the brain and body. The practice is global, cross-cultural, and completely free.
How to Do One Minute of Awe Right Now
Put away devices, take a deep breath, and orient toward one of eight universal wonder sources: nature, moral beauty, collective movement, visual art, music, compelling ideas, or the life cycle. Spend one minute going from small to vast — and let your mind expand.
Live Awe Experiment: Using Flowers to Trigger Wonder
In a rare live experiment, Dr. Keltner guided Mel Robbins through a multi-sensory awe experience with a bouquet of flowers — sight, smell, touch — triggering memories of her grandmother, father, and husband. This is exactly what awe does: it connects you to your bigger story.
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