Dive into a world where awe isn’t just found in the grandeur of nature or monumental life events, but in the everyday acts of service and kindness that often go unnoticed. In this captivating episode of “Passion Struck,” host John R. Miles takes us on a journey of discovery, exploring the profound connection between acts of service and the awe-inspiring moments that shape our lives.
Drawing on insights from leading researchers like Dacher Keltner, Miles unveils the transformative power of kindness and altruism, challenging us to rethink our pursuit of peak experiences.
Get ready to be inspired as we uncover six fundamental ways to embrace awe through acts of service, igniting a passion for compassion and connection in every listener’s heart.
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“Let’s redefine our pursuit of awe, finding it not just in the extraordinary, but in the everyday acts of generosity that exemplify the best of humanity.”
John R. Miles
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
Unveiling Awe: Discovering the Extraordinary in Everyday Acts of Service
In the quest for awe, those peak experiences that leave us breathless and profoundly transformed, we often look to the grandeur of nature, the miracle of birth, or the vastness of the universe. Yet, Dacher Keltner, a renowned Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, presents a compelling twist in our understanding of where awe truly resides. In my interview with him about his latest book, aptly titled “Awe,”
Keltner uncovers through his meticulous research that the most potent sources of awe are not necessarily found in the majestic or the monumental but instead in the simple yet profound acts of service we witness or partake in. This revelation challenges our conventional pathways to experience awe and opens up a rich tapestry of opportunities for deep, meaningful connections to the world around us.
Why can observing acts of service profoundly move us, often more so than the traditional awe-inspiring moments? And what can this unexpected source of awe teach us about becoming ‘Passion Struck’—about living lives fueled by purpose, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of what truly matters? Through insights from Keltner’s work, we explore awe’s nature, its profound impacts on our psychological well-being, and how understanding this powerful emotion can lead to a more fulfilling, passion-driven existence.
Drawing from these insights, our host, John R. Miles, guides listeners through six fundamental ways to embrace awe through acts of service, offering practical strategies for cultivating compassion and connection in daily life. He encourages listeners to seek out and engage in acts of service.
In this episode, you will learn:
- The surprising sources of awe that are found in everyday acts of kindness.
- Insights from leading researchers like Decker Keltner on the transformative power of selflessness.
- Six actionable strategies to embrace awe through acts of service.
- The profound implications of selflessness on personal growth and societal connection.
- How acts of service serve as catalysts for compassion and interconnectedness.
- Practical guidance for integrating acts of service into daily life for a more fulfilling existence.
Why is this a must-listen?
This episode challenges conventional notions of awe by highlighting the profound impact of everyday acts of service. Through insightful discussions and actionable strategies, it offers a fresh perspective on cultivating compassion and connection in our lives. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical guidance, or a deeper understanding of the human experience, this episode promises to ignite a passion for kindness and unlock the wonders of everyday life.
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The Ripple Effect of Kindness: Understanding the Psychological Impact of Witnessing Acts of Service
Observing selfless acts of kindness has been shown to trigger a range of emotional and cognitive responses, leading to shifts in empathy, connectedness, and worldview. Research suggests that witnessing acts of service activates regions of the brain associated with empathy and reward processing.
For example, studies have found that observing acts of kindness can activate brain regions involved in processing social rewards, such as the ventral striatum. This suggests that witnessing kindness may be inherently rewarding, leading to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
Observing acts of service can also trigger a cascade of emotional responses, including feelings of admiration, gratitude, and inspiration. These emotions are not only personally rewarding but also serve to strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of connectedness with others. As discussed in the episode, acts of service can remind us of our shared humanity and the potential for goodness in the world.
In the episode, John R. Miles explores the long-term effects of witnessing acts of service on mental well-being. Research has found that individuals who regularly observe acts of kindness report higher levels of subjective well-being and lower levels of stress and depression. This suggests that cultivating a habit of noticing and appreciating acts of service in our daily lives can profoundly benefit our psychological health and resilience.
In conclusion, the psychological impact of observing acts of service is vast and multifaceted. By actively seeking out opportunities to witness kindness in our daily lives, we experience feelings of awe and connection and reap the mental health benefits of gratitude and compassion.
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Resources from the show ‘6 Ways to Embrace Awe by Performing Acts of Service’
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Transcript from the episode:
- American Psychological Association (APA) – Resources on resilience and coping: apa.org
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My solo episode on 7 Reasons Why Acts Of Kindness Are More Than Meets The Eye
Watch my interview with Scott Barry Kaufman And Jordyn Feingold On Choose Growth
Catch my interview with Dr. David Vago On Self Transcendence And Personal Growth
Listen to David Yaden On Self-Transcendence, Psychedelics, And Behavior Change
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About John R. Miles
John R. Miles is the dynamic force behind Passion Struck®, captivating millions with his globally-renowned podcast and national radio show and cementing his status as a guiding voice in alternative health and leadership.
A former U.S. Navy officer and Fortune 50 senior executive, he is celebrated as a transformative leader in intentional behavior change and personal mastery.
As an author, entrepreneur, and podcast host, John’s profound insights and inspirational guidance have earned him accolades as a visionary in modern leadership.
John is the author of “Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.
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