The Profound Gift of Awe – The Healthiest Emotion You Can Have

The journey through cancer, whether as a patient undergoing treatment or a survivor navigating life beyond diagnosis, is fraught with a unique set of emotional and physical challenges including uncertainty, fear, and stress. In such times, finding sources of comfort, strength, and even joy becomes not just desirable, but essential!

According to renowned expert Deepak Chopra, one of the most powerful and transformative emotions we can cultivate is awe.

Deepak Chopra posits that awe is the healthiest emotion one can have. This isn't just a philosophical statement; it's rooted in a deep understanding of how our inner world impacts our biology.  For instance, merely hearing the word "cancer" could cause a patient's blood pressure to rise, heart rate to speed up, and platelets to become sticky, initiating a cascade of inflammatory events in the body. Conversely, a correction in diagnosis instantly reversed these biological responses. This illustrates that every experience shapes our biology, and positive emotional states can counteract the physical toll of stress and negative emotions.

Awe, for Chopra, is not a fleeting sensation but a deep wellspring of our being. He explains that awe, along with wonder and joy, stems from the "perpetual surprise and awareness of existence" itself.

For cancer patients and survivors, connecting with this sense of awe offers a vital pathway to healing and resilience. It’s about:

• Counteracting the Physical Toll of Stress: If negative emotions like stress, hostility, and resentment are linked to inflammation, then cultivating awe can help promote a healthier, more balanced biological state. Awe can act as a powerful antidote, shifting our internal environment towards healing rather than stress.
• Finding Transcendence and Respite: Awe invites us to step outside of our immediate concerns and reconnect with something larger than ourselves. It encourages "play for the sake of play"—not drama or competition, but simply engaging in activities that bring pure, unadulterated joy. 
• Shifting Perspective and Identity: Much of our suffering, Chopra suggests, arises from identifying with our "assumed self" or "ego identity"—the story we tell ourselves about who we are. Awe helps us move beyond this limited self-perception, back to a state of "innocence" and the fundamental awareness of existence. This shift allows us to see our challenges within a broader context, fostering a sense of peace and interconnectedness.
• Reigniting Purpose and Meaning: While the journey through cancer can strip away much of what was once familiar, cultivating awe can help reignite a sense of purpose. By appreciating the "perpetual surprise" of existence, we tap into a deeper meaning beyond our immediate circumstances, fostering a richer, more joyful experience of life.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Awe

So, how can you invite more awe into your life, especially when facing cancer?

• Seek Moments of Wonder: Consciously look for opportunities to be surprised and amazed. This could be found in nature – the intricate patterns of a leaf, the vastness of the sky, the sound of rain. It could be in art, music, or even the simple act of observing children at play.
• Embrace "Play for the Sake of Play": Engage in activities purely for the joy they bring, without judgment or expectation of outcome. This could be a hobby, dancing, singing, or simply allowing yourself to be fully present and absorbed in a moment of simple pleasure.
• Practice Presence: Take time each day to be unoccupied, to sit quietly and simply be. Observe your breath, your surroundings, and allow yourself to simply witness existence without trying to do or achieve anything. This quiet stillness can open the door to moments of profound awe.

Your cancer journey is difficult, and finding joy and peace can feel like a formidable task. However, by intentionally cultivating the powerful emotion of awe, you can tap into a deep source of healing, resilience, and a renewed appreciation for the miracle of existence, helping you navigate your path with greater strength and inner peace.