Have you ever had an experience so powerful that it made you question your understanding of the world, the kind of moment that stops you in your tracks to say “wow” — in other words, a moment of awe? Recently, two very different groups of local residents had this type of transformative experience during trips that the Gambrell Foundation supported.

Last August, 20 high school students from Communities in Schools’ “Difference Makers” program and 27 community leaders visited our nation’s capital to tour the National Museum of African American History and Culture. With its striking architecture and powerful exhibits, the museum provides an unvarnished history of our country’s record of racism, but it also celebrates the vast contributions of African Americans in the sciences, arts, sports and business sectors. The intentionality behind the museum’s design served as a catalyst for group members to learn from one another and open themselves up to new ideas and perspectives. Through this shared experience, the visit created a deeper sense of connectedness as the group grappled with issues of race, history and justice.

Two months later, 18 diverse community leaders conducted a study tour of some of the “happiest” countries in the world: Finland and Denmark. While the participants were impressed with the Nordic countries’ economic, educational and family-friendly social systems, they were unexpectedly moved to tears by a multimedia art exhibit — Ragnar Kjartansson’s “The Visitors” — at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Copenhagen. Through hauntingly beautiful music and stark video images, the exhibit created an almost spiritual experience as it celebrates a sense of togetherness and belonging.

These two experiences, literally half a world apart, were linked by the incredible sense of awe they invoked — that feeling of encountering mysteries so vast that they transcend our understanding of the world. Whether found in nature, music, visual design, life-and-death experiences, epiphanies (suddenly understanding truths about life), acts of kindness or courage, or a collective bonding moment where we feel connected to all humanity, awe cuts across differences in age, race, ethnicity, and affluence. According to Dr. Dacher Keltner, a psychologist at University of California Berkeley and author of “Awe, The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life,” awe is a powerful and universal catalyst for developing purpose, kindness, empathy, humility and drive to explore the mysteries of life.

In a time increasingly defined by fear, anxiety, loneliness and disconnection, particularly among youth, awe offers us a lifeline. As Jonathan Haidt reveals in his new book, “The Anxious Generation,” many young people from all income levels struggle with mental health issues stemming from never-ending social media comparisons and a lack of meaning and perspective. When we chase the trivial, we lose a sense of what truly matters in life. Awe offers us a potential remedy to a world where no one seems happy or content. Through awe, we can shift away from the trivial to the meaningful and create a sense of hope and aspiration, improving our health and education outcomes and, most importantly, developing a sense of empathy and love for one another.

As Keltner notes, we can find awe all around us, often at no cost. Understanding the power of awe to change lives compels us to weave it into all aspects of our community, from doctor’s offices and hospitals to schools to retirement communities, parks and cultural activities. Our public and philanthropic efforts also need to infuse a sense of awe and wonder when tackling our toughest challenges — including efforts to boost upward mobility. After all, upward mobility isn’t the goal we aspire to; it’s only part of the journey to pursuing our wildest dreams and aspirations.

Our exploration of integrating awe into our lives is why we at the Gambrell Foundation are excited Keltner will speak at Queens University on May 22. Through years of research and scientific studies, Keltner has demonstrated that awe isn’t a luxury or a trivial consideration but a vital contributor to our individual and collective well-being.

By embracing awe, we can reimagine our city as a beacon of inspiration and positivity, setting a national example of ensuring every resident experiences wonder’s transformative power. To help make that vision a reality, the Gambrell Foundation is committing to making awe integral to our future grantmaking. By joining forces, we can transform Charlotte into a “City of Awe,” where everyone has the opportunity to live their version of a great life. In turn, their individual flourishing will lead to greater overall prosperity for our city.

We encourage all in Charlotte to find ways to experience awe in your life. Whether it’s on a walk, in class or listening to your favorite music, remember that when you experience these moments of awe, you’re actually witnessing acts of love that enrich your life and connect you to others.

 

The Gambrell Foundation:

Sally Gambrell Bridgford, Chief Executive Officer

Brian Collier, President

Brian Bridgford, Vice President