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ROCK thru to be more in awe of people all around us

ABUNDANT LIVING SERIES

by Lee Havenga | October 31, 2024

In this Abundant Living series article, we’re focusing on how to be more in awe of people—and why it’s worth the effort. Researcher Dacher Keltner has spent over two decades studying the benefits of awe, identifying eight “Wonders of Life” that allow us to experience this powerful emotion. These Wonders include the awe we feel when we recognize the strength, courage, and kindness of others. Keltner’s studies even show that awe can reduce depression, strengthen cardiovascular health, and improve immune function.

 

Over the next eight weeks, we’ll explore each of these Wonders and how using the ROCK thru principles of Respect, Ownership, Connection, and Kindness can help us invite awe into our lives. Today, we start with the awe of people. From acts of kindness to resilience in difficult times, people offer endless sources of wonder. Let’s look at how focusing on Respect can help us see the extraordinary in others and be truly in awe of people.

“Train yourself to be in awe of the subtle, and you will live in a world of beauty and ease.”

Rodney Yee

RESPECT

Apply it

Being in Awe of People’s Strength, Courage, and Kindness

Well-known examples of strength, courage, and kindness inspire us deeply, but the everyday people around us can be just as awe-inspiring. Helen Keller, who overcame her sight and hearing loss to advocate for people with disabilities, showed resilience that leaves us in awe of people’s strength. In daily life, we see this same strength in the single parent working two jobs or the elderly neighbor volunteering weekly.

Similarly, Malala Yousafzai’s courage to fight for girls’ education shows bravery that we also find in the student who stands up to bullying or the friend seeking mental health support. Fred Rogers, or Mister Rogers, as many of remember from childhood, taught us the value of kindness, just as we see kindness in a neighbor checking on an elderly resident, a stranger paying for someone’s meal, or a teacher helping a struggling student. These everyday acts of strength, courage, and kindness inspire awe when we pause to recognize them.

 

Deepen Your Understanding to Be in Awe of People

When we’re curious about and value the stories behind others’ achievements or challenges, we’re more likely to be in awe of people’s resilience and inner strengths. Showing Respect in this way allows us to appreciate the hidden courage, strength, and kindness shaping their journey. Here are three ways to do it:

 

Apply it:

1. Overcome Judgment to Be in Awe of People’s Stories

Quick judgments can keep us from seeing a person’s depth. These snap conclusions may be based on appearances, past experiences, or stereotypes that prevent us from valuing others. Technique: Next time you catch yourself making a judgment, pause and remind yourself that everyone has unseen layers. Reframe your thoughts to replace assumptions with curiosity, and view each person as if you’re meeting them for the first time. This open approach helps you be in awe of people’s strengths and stories.

 

2. Be Courageous and Curious It takes courage to move beyond small talk and be curious about others’ experiences. Curiosity combined with courage allows us to see the person beyond what’s easily visible. Technique: Start by noticing an intriguing aspect of someone’s life and asking open-ended questions like, “What’s something meaningful you’ve experienced recently?” or “How has that challenge changed you?” As they share, practice listening fully, which creates a safe space for them to share and feel respected.

 

3. Ask Meaningful Questions to Be in Awe of People’s Strengths

Respecting someone means showing that their story—and they as a person—are worth knowing. By asking thoughtful questions, we invite others to share what makes them uniquely resilient or kind.

Sample Questions:

  • “What’s the most challenging experience you’ve faced, and how did it shape who you are today?”
  • “When was a time you had to stand up for yourself or someone else? How did that experience impact you?”

Technique: Listen actively, acknowledging their responses. Affirm their strengths or courage, letting them know the impact of their story on you. Simple statements like “I admire that” or “That’s inspiring” show appreciation and foster mutual Respect, leaving you feeling in awe of people.

Practicing Respect in these ways helps you see the extraordinary in those around you. ROCK thru with Respect, and discover a new level of awe for the people in your life and their remarkable stories.
XO ~ Lee

Sources:                                                                                                                               Keltner, Dacher. Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. Penguin Press, 2023.                  

 

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