WEEK 25- Awe Inspiring

Equipment Required
n/a

PERMAH Element
Meaning, positive emotion and relationships.


Teachers to read and facilitate the following:

 

Rationale

When we experience something that is awe inspiring for us, we can feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. These times of transcendence are rare moments that lift us above the hustle and bustle of our daily life. In these moments our sense of self fades away, along with our worries and desires and we can feel deeply connected to other people and everything else that exists in the world (Smith, 2017). We can be inspired by a beautiful sunrise, by art or music, witness an act of kindness or be in a state of flow doing what we love. These transcendent experiences can change us. One study had students look up at a tall eucalyptus tree for one minute, afterwards they felt less self-centered, and they even behaved more generously when given the chance to help someone (Smith, 2017). Studies show spending time in nature can provide perspective, reminding us that we are part of a much bigger world (Zhang et al, 2014). Life can make more sense when we have moments of transcendence and we experience a state of peace and well being.

Description of Personal Wellbeing Practice: Awe inspiring

  1. Think of a time that you have experienced an awe inspiring moment- a time when you witnessed beauty in the world. It could be in nature, in a museum, an act of moral courage or kindness, music, art or a person's story that inspired you.

  2. Turn to the person next to you and share this experience with them and then listen to their experience. Discuss what you were inspired by and how it made you feel.


Main message:

“Studies show that people who have meaning in life are more resilient, they do better in school and at work, and they even live longer.” Emily Esfahani Smith


 

UPP’s Personal Wellbeing Practices

A Personal Wellbeing Practice (PWP) is an evidenced-based positive psychology intervention, applied in school communities or other educational settings. At UPP, we have tried to make these PWP’s simple, concise and relevant for students and their teachers. The six elements for the Personal Wellbeing Practices are: Positive emotion (P); Engagement (E); Relationships (R); Meaning (M); Accomplishment (A); and, Health (H).


We hope that these evidence-based tools of positive psychology will enhance help people to thrive and live their best life, both within and beyond the school gates.  

For more activities like this (and much more), check out THRIVE Online Lesson Modules for Pastoral Care and Wellbeing.

Unleashing Personal Potential