You might describe something as “magical” when it fills you with a sense of awe. Like that light that comes from the sun rising over the mountain and filtering through fog and frost to create diamond sparkles on every tiny filament of life – in the trees, on a spider’s web, on the rocks lining the river bank.
I recently heard a talk on the subject of Awe. Awe is a heart reaction to an encounter with the vast Mystery that we don’t understand. It pulls us out of our Egos, out of our selves and our realm of control, and surprises us in a moment. It is a fleeting and powerful emotion. The speaker quoted from a book by Dacher Keltner called Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. The author describes neurobiological findings caused by an awesome experience (including an increase in strength, a decrease in inflammation, and a kinder behavioral response to people) and catalogues the main sources of Awe in a study of 26 different cultures. The primary source of Awe in this study was not a beautiful sunset or the birth of a baby. It was Moral Beauty – experiencing other peoples’ courage, kindness, or strength in overcoming hard situations.
The second source on the list was Collective Effervescence: the feeling you might get at a wedding, or a concert, or a sporting event when you are part of a crowd of humanity in the throes of joy.
The third source is Nature, outside of us or within us.
The fourth source is Music; the fifth is Visual Design, for example in architecture or landscape.
The catalogue of sources of Awe goes on to list Spiritual Experiences; Life Experiences of Birth and Death; and Moments of Epiphany. Of course, none of these sources is really “magic” or supernatural. They’re all absolutely natural. We really don’t need anything other than the real Life around us and within us and our own Willingness in order to be lifted up into Awe.
scillagrace 
An AWEsome post!
Thanks, Dawn!
Absolutely magical post, I loved it!
Thanks, Sofia!
Such a magical journey you took us in through your photos!
Thanks!
Terrific message and some really interesting information this week Priscilla. All illustrated by wonderful images. I agree with all of the sources named and have definitely experienced most all of them. Awe and Magic….of course!
Thanks, Tina! I do love when a them opens up some deeper thinking. 🙂
Informative and totally awesome magic, Priscilla. “Awe is a heart reaction to an encounter with the vast Mystery that we don’t understand.” That definition feels just right. Wonderful images to go with it as usual – I truly enjoyed your magical post, Priscilla. Love it when I learn something new.
Thanks, Ann-Christine, for kindness and inspiration!
♥
Great interpretation of the theme Priscilla. Wonderful narrative and images. Magical occurrences are awesome.
Thanks, Anne!
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Great analysis, great photos. Excellent.
Thanks, John!
First of all I love your powerful description of Awe. Humbling to read the truth in all of this, and your photos are perfect interpretations. I wanted to pick a specific source that resonates with me, and I couldn’t. I think we all experience all of this. I am grateful for this post to see it clarified. Fantastic, Priscilla.
Thank you so much, Donna. I’m finding in this group that I am not the world traveler, but I travel worlds in my thoughts. So, fewer new photos, and always new thoughts. Thanks for following!
I think we are all lucky to see life through your thoughts, Priscilla.
Aw, thanks!