Phosphorescence: On awe, wonder and things that sustain you when the world goes dark

resources conferred by social connectedness can act as a ‘social cure’ for psychological ill-health’.

Something happens when you dive into a world where clocks don’t tick and inboxes don’t ping. As your arms circle, swing and pull along the edge of a vast ocean, your mind wanders, and you open yourself to awe, to the experience of seeing something astonishing, unfathomable or greater than yourself. Studies have shown that awe can make us more patie

‘awe produces a vanishing self. The voice in your head, self-interest, self-consciousness, disappears. Here’s an emotion that knocks out a really important part of our identity . . . I think the central idea of awe is to quiet self-interest for a moment and to fold us into the social collective.’

a theory put forward by co-author Michael Tipton: ‘If you adapt to cold water, you also blunt your stress response to other daily stresses such as road rage, exams or getting fired at work.’

The beach there was unspoiled, untamed, brimming with wildlife. We’d park our cars and run into the black sea, diving and swirling under the moon, watching a silvery, sparkling ribbon of phosphorescence trail behind our limbs. The tiny little sea creatures that absorbed the light of the sun were stirred up by our thrashing; we were streaming sequin

In order to endure, to survive trauma or even just to stay afloat when life threatens to suck us under, we need to know we are not alone.

Studies of living light proliferated, and attempts were made to measure and harness bioluminescence.

people who regularly feel awe are more likely to be generous, helpful, altruistic, ethical and relaxed.

social connection and relationships are the single greatest predictor of health and happiness throughout your life.