We tend to think of moments of awe as being rare. The birth of a child. Staring into the depths of the Grand Canyon. Taking in the vastness of Machu Picchu. Events that we can count on one hand, two if we are lucky. Yet, there are opportunities to experience awe many times in a single day.
If you have been dedicating resources to personal growth and transformation, you have undoubtedly worked to quiet many of the nagging “issues” that we as humans accumulate while being alive. You have opened up space for something else. Why not fill it with a practice of finding awe. Why awe? Because awe is truly a magical emotion! According to Dacher Kelter, professor of psychology at UC Berkeley, awe transforms us “by quieting the nagging, self-critical, overbearing, status-conscious voice of our self, or ego, and empowering us to collaborate, open our minds to wonders and to see the deep patterns of life…awe brings us joy, meaning, community, healthier bodies and more creative minds”. And we can learn how to put ourselves in positions to experience moments of awe on a daily basis.
This is the essence of “Everyday Awe: Savoring Moments of Wonder,” the Magnum Debut workshop crafted by Betty Jo Waxman. We will learn about the eight wonders of life – the conditions that make awe more likely to occur. We will practice creating them! And we will immerse ourselves in moments of wonder, surrounded by the infectious enthusiasm and deep expertise of Betty Jo Waxman and her lifelong collaborator, Lindon O. Crow.
Awe has the extraordinary ability to expand how we see the world and ourselves within it. It makes us feel alive, connected, and part of something greater. At this retreat, Betty Jo guides you to unlock these moments daily, not just in grand vistas but in the smile of a friend, the brush of wind against skin, or the quiet perseverance of nature. Perched majestically amidst the rolling hills outside Edinburgh, our castle retreat exudes an air of otherworldly wonder, with its soaring towers and ivy-clad walls creating a fantastical backdrop for our journey into the emotion of awe. Enveloped by lush, mystical landscapes and the gentle echo of history, you’ll find yourself immersed in a sanctuary where awe is not just felt but lived!
Journey Through Awe – What You Will Take Home:
“Everyday Awe: Savoring Moments of Wonder” isn’t just a retreat—it’s a transformative journey that beckons you to live a life punctuated by awe, making ordinary moments extraordinary. Join us to embrace this magnificent emotion that quietly shapes our health, happiness, and understanding of the universe.
Workshop Details:
Workshop Dates: Sunday August 2nd – Tuesday August 11th, 2026
Workshop Timing: TBD
Hotel: Thornbury Castle in Great Britian
Meals: 2 meals included per day; 1 meal on own
Tuition Covers: Workshop, lodging based on double occupancy, activities and all ground transportation; Flight on own
International Learning Intensive