Using the Olympics as inspiration, Gregory Hennessy explains the benefits of connection.
The Olympics present an opportunity to guide us towards a brighter and more harmonious world, uniting us in shared moments of inspiration and excellence. The regular, though far from universal, expressions of sportsmanship and humility remind us that even those at the top of their game can connect with ardent competitors. And whenever the Olympics come around, people seem to connect with a whole range of sports that they largely ignore for 3 years and 11 months.
This sudden and passionate interest in low-profile sports, often met with reactions ranging from derision to bemusement, is actually a profound example of a fundamental human emotion: awe. Beyond mere entertainment, Awe is the emotional response we experience when witnessing something extraordinary, grand, or beyond our usual experiences. It’s an emotion often triggered by exceptional athletic performances during high-profile events like the Olympics. The shared experience of awe connects us with humanity, inspiring us even when we cannot personally perform at such levels.
Similarly, awe can be experienced through shows like “The Voice,” when a relatively unknown singer delivers an exceptional rendition of a well-known song. These moments are emotionally moving and foster a sense of connectedness, demonstrating the greatness that people can achieve.
Emotions of Connectedness
Research in positive psychology highlights that experiencing awe can significantly enhance well-being and life satisfaction. Awe is classified as a self-transcendent emotion, one that shifts our focus from ourselves to something larger, fostering a sense of connection and unity with others.
Other emotions can also contribute to our sense of connectedness. One such emotion is elevation, which occurs when we witness acts of moral beauty or virtue, such as kindness, generosity, or courage. These experiences elicit feelings of warmth, inspiration, and admiration, motivating us to engage in prosocial behavior and strive to be better individuals.
Key points include:
- Emotions of connectedness
- Practicing connectedness
- Taking action
Read the full article, Rediscovering Connectedness, on LinkedIn.