Awe, Orchestras, and Shaping Something from Nothing

On finding awe

“But I think I lost it,” explained bird.

“That’s great,” replied bear. “Now, you can discover it all over again.”

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Mobiles: Spatial Defrag, Blue Moon Rising, Blue Viola
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When I was nine, my class went to the symphony.

We boarded a bus. Drove downtown. And entered another world.

The theater was grand, and – as we found our seats – it felt like something big was about to happen.

The conductor wore a tuxedo, and he had a wand.

When he lifted both arms above his head, the entire auditorium went quiet.

I remember hearing my heart beating fast.

Then, with a flourish, the conductor waved his hands. And magic flashed.

Slow swirls and quick wrist twists, he painted musical triangles in the air – shaping something from nothing.

A dozen bows rising and falling as one, drums rumbling thunder, lightning reflecting from brass and wind.

The music made the seats rattle, vibrating cells, the whole becoming more than the sum of parts.

It was indescribable. And I was awe struck.

Each month, Greater Good Science Center puts out a day-by-day “Happiness Calendar.” You can download a copy from their website.

This month, it was renamed the “Happiness and Awe Calendar,” and during a most difficult season of loss where happiness is asking too much, it’s been a small gift to reconnect with everyday awe.

When was the last time you experienced awe?