Why Feeling Small Can Actually Bring You Joy

Evelyn Reed · 2026-10-28

You know that feeling when you stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon, or look up at a sky bursting with stars, and suddenly your problems seem a little less heavy? That's awe. And it's not about feeling insignificant—it's about feeling connected to something bigger than yourself. Awe doesn't always make us feel bigger or better about ourselves. Sometimes it reminds us of our "small self." We see that we're part of something bigger—and that can be a relief. ### The Relief of Being a Small Part of Something Big When we're caught up in the daily grind, it's easy to think our worries are the center of the universe. But awe has a way of shrinking our problems down to size. It's not about belittling ourselves; it's about gaining perspective. Think about the last time you felt a sense of awe. Maybe it was watching a thunderstorm roll in, or hearing a piece of music that gave you chills. In that moment, your ego took a back seat. You weren't the main character—you were part of a grander story. And that can be a huge relief. Because when we stop trying to be the biggest thing in the room, we can finally relax into being exactly who we are. ### How to Cultivate Awe in Everyday Life You don't need to travel to the Grand Canyon to experience awe. It's available in small doses, every day, if you know where to look. Here are a few simple ways to invite more awe into your life: - **Look up at the night sky.** Even in the city, you can usually spot a few stars. Take a moment to really look, and let yourself feel the vastness above you. - **Take a walk in nature.** Pay attention to the details: the way light filters through leaves, the sound of birds, the feel of the breeze. Nature is full of awe-inspiring moments. - **Listen to music that moves you.** Close your eyes and let the sound wash over you. Notice how it makes you feel in your body. - **Spend time with children.** Their sense of wonder is contagious. Watch how they get excited about a bug or a puddle, and let yourself join in. - **Read about the universe.** Books or documentaries about space, the ocean, or the natural world can spark a sense of awe from the comfort of your couch. ### The Science of Awe Researchers have found that awe can actually change our brain and body. It can lower levels of inflammation, boost our immune system, and even make us more generous. When we feel small in the face of something vast, we're more likely to help others and less likely to focus on our own selfish needs. > "Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world." — Dacher Keltner, psychologist So the next time you feel that shiver down your spine, know that it's doing something good for you. It's not just a fleeting emotion; it's a pathway to well-being. ### Embracing the Small Self In a culture that prizes individual achievement and self-promotion, feeling small might seem like a weakness. But it's actually a strength. When we embrace our small self, we become more open, more curious, and more connected to the world around us. So go ahead—let yourself be awed. Let yourself feel small. And discover the joy that comes with it.