This two series on awe probably has some Jekyll and Hyde
overtones. I agree. But both aspects involve a certain letting go and I
decided to explore them both.
It felt uplifting to look at the divine and surreal side of awe
– the kind in which our spirit lifts itself and merges with a greater force. However,
awe can also cause a disconnect; a rift between the self and the awe-inspiring; making us guarded, making us distance ourselves. We may simply be incapable
of taking it all in.
It’s the tongue-tiedness that we encounter in the presence
of greatness, or perceived greatness, or wonderfulness, or beauty, or
knowledge. It is the withdrawing or hiding in the shell that may happen based
on our view of ourselves which may be in contrast to the awe-inspiring moment,
person or situation.
Perhaps it is easier to take in the awe of nature or a work
of art. Perhaps the disconnect is more with situations or people who we are in
awe of. Whose greatness, or beauty or intelligence, or talent, or love, or
energy makes us want to stay a few steps away. It is times when we don’t know
quite how to get closer, how exactly to receive the greatness, how to be part
of their dynamism.
I can probably remember several occasions when I’ve been in
complete awe of some very awe-inspiring persons. Professors whose immense knowledge left me
tongue-tied; artistes whose talent made me hold my breath; beautiful people who
made me want to stare at them from a distance (and not just outward, surface
level beauty); friends whose confidence I marveled; tough go-getters who chased
their dreams resolutely without caring what other may think… the list is long.
You may say that this is simply admiration. Maybe it is. I
also believe it is a stronger version of admiration. For in noticing and
marveling at greatness, it makes us notice our ordinariness. It may be only a
perception, but does it create a disconnect? As we gawk awkwardly at the
awe-evoking being before us, is it hard for us to connect or receive some of
that greatness? Do we feel like we move in different realms – realms that can
never coincide? Does our perceived superiority of the person’s attributes make
us feel inferior? (Though oddly enough we may be perfectly happy being small –
simply to be in the presence of so much awe.)
Being in an awe-inspiring situations or company, is quite
similar to the awe experienced standing on top of a mountain. It is the energy
of greatness, vastness, beauty, knowledge that strikes us. So why then do we hold
ourselves back? Will a certain letting go allow us to take in the greatness and
merge with the power? Can we leave the experience inspired and richer; rather
than distanced or dissociated? Why not be in awe from closer than safely from the
sidelines? For the awe is there. And yes. Awe is a beautiful thing.
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