See how “view effects” can change your outlook on life.
Many astronauts who have seen the earth from space remember experiencing the “overview effect.” This is a profoundly positive shift in perspective and involves experiencing a sense of awe and a new understanding of the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
Astronauts are often overwhelmed with emotion as they take in the beauty and vastness of our planet from their unique vantage point. They describe a deep sense of wonder and appreciation for the planet and the universe.
From space, astronauts can see Earth as a single, unified ecosystem without borders. This creates an increased drive to protect our fragile ecosystem and inspires recognition of the common humanity that all humans share.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be an astronaut to experience this phenomenon. Here on earth, one can experience similar effects by viewing natural landscapes from an extended vantage point. For example, one can immerse oneself in nature such as hiking, camping, or simply spending time in a park, gazing at the vast night sky, visiting natural landmarks such as mountains, oceans, forests, and deserts, or participating in simulated experiences using Virtual reality technology (VR).
Here are two reasons why the outcome of the review can enhance personal and social and planetary well-being, leading to a more meaningful life.
1. Self-Transcendent Experiences
A 2020 study published in Acta Astronautica examined how the overview effect affected 39 space travelers. The explorers found that their perception of the earth changed and they developed more humanistic qualities upon their return.
“The Earth was seen as a beautiful, fragile object to be appreciated, and changes in this perception were significantly associated with a statement suggesting that respondents engage in environmental causes after returning home,” the researchers explain.
A 2021 study highlights how the outcome of the overview also enhances psychological well-being and self-transcendence, the ability to extend beyond one’s immediate needs and desires to experience a sense of connection with others, nature, the universe, or a higher power. It involves a shift in focus from self-centeredness to a broader perspective that includes altruism, spirituality, and the search for meaning and purpose beyond oneself.
Self-transcendence can also have positive mental health effects on the individual himself. A 2021 study found that higher levels of self-transcendence and openness to change were associated with lower levels of depression and loneliness.
The researchers suggest that this may be because focusing on the needs of others above your own can enhance empathy, compassion and connection with others, enhancing their sense of purpose and interpersonal relationships.
Research shows that self-transcendence can also encourage individuals to regulate negative emotional responses such as anger during conflict, further protecting their interpersonal connections.
In addition, a 2023 study found that the experience of self-transcendence can help a person endure personal pain by enhancing positive emotions, allowing them to see their pain as surmountable in the grand scheme of things, and channeling their emotions into positive coping strategies , such as being altruistic rather than negative. such as engaging in substance abuse.
Thus, self-transcendence can play a key role in cultivating resilience. Researchers of 2021 study offer the following prompts to develop self-transcendence in the face of uncertainty:
- Seek first to step out of context and ask yourself how specifically could you contribute and challenge what you are facing?
- What positive life-oriented meaning can be found in this context?
- What personal development or realization of your potential is this situation asking of you? Are you in a situation where you can and desire to be of service to others? How can you achieve this?
- How can you achieve your positive intention while taking care of the stress and strain you may face?
- Are you willing to identify and engage in tasks or activities that balance your challenges and skills, and being absorbed in work allows you to flow, learn and grow while also giving to others?
- How could you carefully maintain your attention to your experiences, considering the needs of great difficulties as well as the contribution that small acts can make cumulatively to work in this context?
- How willing are you to allow events to unfold in a way where you cede control to something greater? How can you “trust the process”?
2. Awe-inspiring experiences
The overview effect is awe-inspiring. A 2023 study found that the experience of awe has powerful effects on mental and physical health. The researchers describe how experiences in naturespiritual contemplation, feeling moved by music, dance or the use of psychedelics can induce awe, which in turn reduces the emphasis on his own needs, enhancing socially beneficial behavior, a sense of meaning and the individual’s well-being.
In addition, a 2023 study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that the experience of awe can also spark inspiration, creativity, and the ability to see one’s problems from a more useful perspective. “Think of awe as a ‘wow’ moment, something that makes your jaw drop and your eyes open. When people feel a deep sense of awe, they often feel motivated to act. For example, some may feel so amazed that they begin to believe in God. Regardless of where they come from or how old they are, people tend to feel more inspired when they feel awe,” suggest co-authors Dr. Yuwan Dai and Dr. Tonglin Jiang.
In social relationships, research shows that awe can reduce a person’s sense of entitlement in the relationship, make them more generous, and increase their ability to engage in moral decision making.
The experience of awe can also affect physical well-being. A 2023 study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic found that experiencing awe can reduce anxiety and improve physical health symptoms such as pain.
Although most of us may never travel to space, we can still capture the essence of this transformative experience here on Earth. You don’t have to leave the planet to create a more meaningful life. You just have to open yourself up to the wonders around you.
Wondering if you’ve experienced self-transcendence? Take this test to get a science-based answer: Ego Dissolution Scale
