Finding awe even when there's not an eclipse

Before I dive into talking about awe today: Circle and Spoke is ready to roll for Ride & Reignite: A DC Biking Adventure for Bonding & Breakthroughs in Georgetown, DC this Sunday, April 14th from 1-3:30pm. I’d love to have you there…. Okay now onto the newsletter!

Were you one of the lucky few that got to check out the Solar Eclipse today? 

While I didn’t travel to a spot to witness the totality, I got to soak in its awe-someness from DC. 

As a bonafide nature gal, I love that people are feeling stoked to connect with something celestial.

And also, awe is something that we can tap into regardless of:

• getting to see a once in a lifetime total solar eclipse 

• witnessing the sunrise on Mt. Everest

• Being in the Grand Canyon

• Swimming with Whale Sharks

Arizona State University, Associate Professor of social psychology Dr. Lani Shiota describes the shift that happens when immersed in awe, “Your attentional focus shifts from yourself, your day-to-day priorities, whatever was on your mind just beforehand, to be entirely focused on this awe-eliciting thing in front of you, whatever that may be.” (source) 

The Greater Good Science Center has extensive research about why practice awe, but here are a few highlights.

Feeling awe: 

• Can spark other positive emotions like gratitude and joy 😁

• Can make us encourage us to be more creative and curious 🧑‍🎨

• Can make us think more critically! 🧠

Here are some of my favorite ways to spark some awe in the day to day! 

• Put away your phone and go take a walk in the emerging springtime. So much of nature is springing forth from buds to blossoms. Slow down and take in this incredible phenomenon. 📵

• Take in a celestial sight from the James Webb Telescope. Yes, you can feel awe without stepping away from the screen (though it’s good to take a step away ;-) 🌠

• Plan an awe-escape (a trip or journey that will elicit some awe). Not only will you reap the benefits when you are on the trip, the planning and soaking in the photos and videos prior will spark awe in your life! 🧳

Wishing you an awesome day!

Wheels up, 

Ellen

PS- How great might it feel to genuinely get in touch with the awe-escape you want to go on? So AWESOME! 

Circle and Spoke is hosting Ride & Reignite: A DC Biking Adventure for Bonding & Breakthroughs happening in Georgetown, DC this Sunday, April 14th from 1-3:30pm to help you get more clear on this very awesome thing. 

Are you feeling stuck because you don’t have friends that are game to go on an awe-escape? I’m so excited for you to bond with the other amazing women and non-binary folks on this ride. We want you to walk away with their phone number, email, Insta… so you can hang! 

One of the greatest joys in my life is serving as a bridge builder and connector and so this event with intention is more than just a bike ride, it’s going to be a warm welcome and space of connection. 

Sign up today and use the Promo Code: NEWSLETTER10 to save $10 and get your ticket for $5 (The supply of these promo tickets is limited, so grab your tickets today!)