Why Feeling Small Can Actually Bring You Joy

Evelyn Reed · 2026-10-28

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. When was the last time you felt truly small? Maybe it was standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, or looking up at a sky full of stars. In those moments, something shifts. The weight of our daily worries seems to lift, and we feel a strange sense of peace. ### The Small Self: A New Perspective Psychologists call this the "small self"—a state where we feel diminished in a good way. It's not about low self-esteem; it's about seeing ourselves as part of a larger whole. And according to research, this can be incredibly beneficial for our well-being. - **Reduced stress:** When we feel small, our problems seem smaller too. - **Increased generosity:** We become more likely to help others. - **Greater life satisfaction:** We feel more connected to the world around us. ### How to Cultivate Awe in Everyday Life You don't need to travel to the Grand Canyon to experience awe. Here are some simple ways to invite more awe into your daily routine: - **Look up at the night sky.** Even in the city, you can see stars if you find a dark spot. - **Take a walk in nature.** Notice the details—the way leaves move in the wind, the sound of birds. - **Listen to music that moves you.** Certain songs can trigger feelings of awe. - **Spend time with children.** Their sense of wonder is contagious. ### The Relief of Being Part of Something Bigger There's a certain comfort in knowing that we're just one small piece of a vast universe. It takes the pressure off. We don't have to have all the answers or be the center of attention. We can simply be. As the poet Rumi said, "You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop." But sometimes, it's okay to just be the drop. So the next time you feel small, don't fight it. Embrace it. Let it remind you that you're part of something bigger—and that's a beautiful thing.