Mining Awe

Monhegan Island: Daily sunset view

Of the definitions for “mining” I dug up (!) this meaning resonated most:
Delving into an abundant source to extract something of value.

Yielding value from abundance is what psychologist Dacher Keltner is doing to shed light on the science of Awe.

One of the most fascinating developments of our time is that human qualities we have understood in terms of virtue — experiences we’ve called spiritual — are now being taken seriously by science as intelligence — as elements of human wholeness.
- On Being podcast: Dacher Keltner

I believe this also describes the Whole Artist practice.

Inspiration is mined from within and around us which determines the compositional strategy to convey a particular meaning, and our chosen medium is the instrument that makes “the story” tangible. When the emotional, intellectual, physical elements of making art are fully integrated, our experience of the artwork evokes a sense of wonder . . . a moment or two of awe.

I invite you to listen and/or read this enlightening conversation between Krista Tippett and Dacher Keltner about how we find awe in our everyday life.

And/or go paint!

LISTEN/READ The Thrilling New Science of Awe