Amazement and Awe, the difference

Amazement is stunned wonder the mind cannot quite process. Awe is vast and humbling, felt before something far larger than you.

Each in a line

Amazement

Amazement is stunned wonder. Your mind cannot quite process what it has met. The chest opens, the eyes widen, and the breath catches. Something exceeds the categories you had available, and attention is briefly suspended before it.

Surprise family

Awe

Awe is vast, humbling wonder at something far larger than you. The body stills, the mind quiets, and the breath slows. The usual self-referential noise drops away. You feel like a small part of something much larger.

Existential family

Pleasantness and energy
high energylow energyunpleasantpleasantAmazementAwe
Where each lives in the body

Amazement

Head
Tunnel-vision tightness
Strong
Face
Strong heat or tension
Strong
Chest
Tightness or warmth
Moderate

Awe

Head
Pressure, fullness, mental load
Moderate
Face
Heat, flush, expression building
Moderate
Chest
Tightness or warmth
Moderate
Arms
Subtle activation
Quiet
How long they last

Duration has not been measured for these words.

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