Goosebump Moments  

Goosebump Moments

by

Kelly Anderson

In an effort to answer the Gratefulness.org June 8, 2018 Daily Question, “How would my life change if I measured it by moments rather than the clock?”, I spent much of the month of July focusing on ‘moments’ through the Game of Awe . (Game elements from the work of Jane McGonigal combined with information about the Science of Awe from the work of Dacher Keltner.) I created and played the game to find an answer to that puzzling question and to better understand my response in moments when I glimpse incomprehensible depth. The depth of human strength, spirit, generosity, kindness, pain, suffering, forgiveness, gratitude, creativity, hope, joy. The depth of nature’s vastness, connections, power, brutality, tranquility, beauty. The depth of soul and truth and love.

My search has been rewarded. I can say that in three weeks filled with rich experiences, I’ve had an incredible number of ‘goosebump moments’. And, I’ve had some insights.

First, a bit about my experience in the Game of Awe. The gameful (and fun) approach provided a framework which kept me focused on my challenge. Each element served a meaningful purpose. My secret identity, Keleesi - Queen of the Moment - Powered by Curiosity, Creativity, and Persistence to Honor the Moment and Seek Beauty and Awe, was a manifestation of my personal strengths. When I felt overwhelmed or distracted by my ‘bad guys’, I called on Keleesi. (That’s Keleesi by the lake in the photo above.) I now know that Anxiety is my number one bad guy, and I’ve discovered how effective that awareness and a few simple power-ups can be in my battle against troublesome opponents. And then there were my allies, valuable sources of strength and support. They held me accountable to my personal challenge while providing encouragement and companionship in my quests. And of course, the intentional quests, which dragged me out of a rut and immersed me in a smorgasbord of activities, were each a breath of fresh air. In essence, twenty-one days in the Game of Awe started me down a path toward the habit of living a life rich in moments.

Throughout the game, I experienced feelings of awe a surprising number of times. And I should clarify this point - for me, to officially qualify as a ‘moment of awe’ the feeling must include goosebumps, or at least a little spine-tingle. I must have a truly embodied response. Even with this strict standard, I experienced feelings of awe more frequently than expected. I don’t know if this was because I was intentionally seeking experiences known to elicit awe (based on information from the Science of Awe ), or if it was because I was more attentive, mindful, present, or reflective as I experienced my responses to the moment. Either way, I learned that I have much more opportunity for awe in my life than I ever thought possible.

Another important discovery that came out of my time in the Game of Awe was that not all of my intentional quests elicited awe, and not all feelings of awe came out of intentional quests. Most moments of awe were completely unexpected.

My quest and big adventure kayaking to the far end of Redfish Lake at the base of the Sawthooth’s provides an example of what I mean by ‘unexpected awe’. When I planned the quest, I had anticipated that Mt. Heyburn, looming ever larger as I paddled toward it across the clear mountain lake, would surely bring on a moment of awe. However, although inspired by the beauty and wonder of the rugged peaks, I didn’t feel the chill. But then, while I was resting on a large boulder at the edge of the lake and enjoying lunch with a view, I received a text from a friend inviting me on another quest ripe with the promise of awe. Over the years, she and I have had many good times in the Stanley Basin and Redfish Lake and for her to cellularly connect with me (in an electronic, 21st century way) at that moment, in that place, took me by surprise and my heart skipped. Genuine Awe!

Another good example is a little burst of awe I experienced when taking a break from a busy day at work to relax and breathe by the river for a few minutes. (This is one of my favorite power-ups.) As I approached my usual viewing spot, I remembered that in my past two visits I’d seen a duck resting on one of the logs. I wondered if she’d be there again. When the log came into view there wasn’t just one duck, there were ten. Ten ducks lined up, side by side. It felt like a special gift from the universe, just for me. My breath caught as a quiver travelled along my spine.

Another important understanding that came out of the game was that, although I didn’t experience feelings of awe on many of my awe seeking quests, I did experience incredible moments. I was more aware of joy, hope, gratitude, peace, wonder, love (to name just a few) than I could have imagined. It seems as though the invitation in these experiences opened my heart to limitless possibilities.

So, to answer the question “How would my life change if I measured it by moments rather than the clock?” I would say “What you measure is what you get.” When I measure my life by moments, I get a life full of moments. And I’ll even take that a bit further, out of the conscious and intentional and into the spiritual and metaphysical. I agree with Enzo when he says “that which we manifest is before us” (from The Art of Racing in the Rain) . Those moments and energies to which I am attentive, open, and receptive are what I shall experience. Where my heart goes, my life will follow.

“ Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries.”

Corita Kent (quoted in the Gratefulness.org August 4, 2018 Word of the Day.)

Recommended Resources

Jane McGonigal: SuperBetter: The Power of Living Gamefully

Dacher Keltner: Why Awe is Such an Important Emotion

Garth Stein: The Art of Racing in the Rain

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