by Sara Barnes
“Ma,” his whispered voice came. He was in Switzerland––it sounded dire. This was going to be bad, I was sure. My son’s voice came softer, calmer: “Mom, I’m standing on the top of a mountain, it’s amazing. It’s . . . I can’t explain it, it’s . . . let me FaceTime you so you can see.” In the window of the phone, I could only see sun and white. He turned the phone, and I saw in his 30-year-old face something I hadn’t seen since his childhood. A beatific smile, smooth forehead, wide eyes and something that looked like peacefulness. My son was struck by awe.
What is awe?
The usual definition of awe involves the person’s awareness of vastness. The classic awe experience is that of the astronaut looking back at the Earth within the huge expanse of space and being astounded and emotionally overcome. A person takes in their sense of amazement and wonder, and an emotional reaction occurs. Moments of awe can be profoundly moving, with many suggesting that their worldview can shift dramatically as a result.
I think back on moments where awe has found me––memories of nature, music, death and loss inspiring awe in me. More often, though, I have been awestruck by the actions of others, the kindness, creativity and profound actions of humanity by everyday people living their lives. People are truly amazing, and I am humbled regularly by the actions of others.
Awe and conflict resolvers
I thought about some of the best mediators I have known. I remember one mediator, long ago, telling me something like: I think of myself with the whole world as my guide, so I don’t get so carried away with myself or the details. Other model mediators talk about maintaining “the beginner’s mind” or “unending curiosity.”
We may not be looking back at the planet from space; here on the ground, we have to imagine the astounding beauty and unexpected peace of the moment when the conflict becomes resolved and disputants move on with their lives into a better future. Those of us who work regularly with others in conflict might be well served by taking a moment to think about the work within a larger frame. The drop in the pond that ripples out, as a metaphor for our conflict resolution services, might be a way to access a small and significant sense of awe.
Read a longer version with description of hostage negotiators and awe.
