Awe and Wonder, the difference

Awe is vast, humbling wonder at something far larger than you. Wonder is captivated curiosity at something mysterious or beautiful.

Each in a line

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

Wonder

Wonder is captivated curiosity at something mysterious or beautiful. The mind opens, the body becomes still, the breath slightly catches. It does not push toward action of any kind. It asks you to receive rather than respond.

Surprise family

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

Awe

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

Wonder

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

Duration has not been measured for these words.

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