Beauty isn’t skin deep. It’s soul deep. And, often that soul beauty has been forged through experiences that have tested our character.
Our MEA faculty member (and UC Berkeley professor) Dacher Keltner describes moral beauty as “simple everyday acts that inspire awe on the part of those who witness them.” It’s when we see kindness, compassion, courage, resilience, equanimity, and the best humanity has to offer. And, as is true of all emotions, moral beauty is contagious. When we see someone else exhibiting it, we want to reciprocate.
Moral beauty is also the most common source of awe in the world as Dacher points out in his 2023 book, “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.” It is around us all the time if we look for it: exceptional virtue, character, and ability, marked by a purity and goodness of intention and action. And, it’s not just when we impersonate Mister Rogers. Dacher says that overcoming obstacles and thriving in a world of challenging circumstances also create profound moral beauty. We witness this in every workshop at MEA. Some people go to the Grand Canyon to experience awe while others come to MEA.
For the sixth time since we opened, Dacher will be leading his pre-holiday “Cultivating Awe” workshop Dec 16-21 at MEA Baja. This tends to sell out so you may want to enroll now as you deserve a little more awe in your life.
-Chip