Michael Amster on The Power of Awe: Overcome Burnout and Anxiety, Ease Chronic Pain, Find Clarity and Purpose—in Less Than 1 Minute Per Day
In this episode of The Present Professional, John and Tony are joined by Dr. Michael Amster—pain management specialist, mindfulness teacher, and co-author of The Power of Awe. Together, they explore how awe—yes, actual moments of wonder—can be intentionally cultivated in as little as 15 seconds to reduce stress, ease chronic pain, increase emotional resilience, and expand your consciousness.
Dr. Amster shares how his lifelong commitment to medicine, mindfulness, and compassionate care led to the development of the A.W.E. Method: a three-step process (Attention – Wait – Exhale & Expand) backed by research at UC Berkeley and UC Davis. This conversation reveals not only the science behind awe, but also how accessible it is—even for people who think they “don’t have time to meditate.”
You’ll walk away with a transformative new way to navigate burnout, deepen your sense of presence, and awaken to the wonder that’s hiding in plain sight.
Key Themes:
What awe actually is—and why it’s more than a fleeting feeling
The neuroscience and physiological benefits of awe (including reduced inflammation)
How awe lowers depression and anxiety with just 1 minute a day
The connection between awe, mindfulness, and parasympathetic healing
How to use the A.W.E. Method to build resilience and presence in everyday moments
Awe as a scalable public health intervention
Why awe is not the same as gratitude, and how both work in the “ladder of consciousness”
The ripple effect of awe on relationships, leadership, and emotional intelligence
Real-life examples of awe—from making pancakes to changing diapers
A live, guided micro-practice you can return to anytime
What we discussed:
01:28 Mindfulness practice is beneficial
05:43 Micro meditations bring profound presence
13:13 Levels of consciousness impact perception
16:24 Gratitude practice changes consciousness
22:02 The practice of awe expands consciousness
27:13 Practice awe for mental health
32:08 The power of waiting in awe
41:34 Awe method reduces depression and anxiety
44:03 Awe practice is easily accessible
51:07 Awe method reduces inflammation
1:00:06 Awe can change the world
1:01:14 Share the awe method with others
Other ways to connect:
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