Life Aboard: In Awe

As boaters, one of the greatest gifts we get from time on the water is perspective.

Those of us fortunate enough to be living aboard a cruising yacht, likely had some measure of success, because let’s be honest, this is not an inexpensive endeavor. Success in our culture is frequently measured by having people in awe of your accomplishments; personally, I have no need for that attention. I don’t want people to be in awe of me, I want to feel awe in the presence of something greater than myself. Our life aboard does that for me.

One of my favorite things when underway, is to look out aft from our pilothouse door, watching the wake grow ever distant. My gaze follows the gentle wave towards the horizon, where the infinite expanse of ocean meets the sky. The rhythmic sound of the hull gliding through the water is a melodic symphony that resonates deep within my soul. In these moments, I am overcome with a profound sense of appreciation for this vast body of water that stretches beyond the limits of my imagination. In those moments, a feeling of awe washes over me no matter how many times I witness this.

Neuroscientist and experimental psychologist Ethan Kross describes awe as, “The wonder we feel when we encounter something powerful that we can’t easily explain.” When we witness something grand, this is to experience awe. It’s easy to be reverential when something so vast as the ocean surrounds you. I will never tire of the feeling I get as the boat is leaving the protection of the jetties, when the open ocean welcomes us. This, is to experience a sense of wonder.

Samuel Ullman captures this so well in this excerpt from his poem Youth: “Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every being’s heart the love of wonder, the sweet amazement at the stars and the starlike things and thoughts, the undaunted challenge of events, the unfailing childlike appetite for what next, and the joy of the game of living.”

Dacher Keltner opens his recently released book “Awe” with a quote by Lao Tzu: “From wonder to wonder, existence opens.” The opportunity of waking up every day in a new place or to a new view, leads to a sense of amazement and awe. The sense of wonder and the feeling of awe may be similar as experienced in the form of an unexpected surprise, but awe can also invoke a sense of fear or respect that typically is not present in wonder. On the water, fear can be a healthy aspect of respect, and can serve a helpful dose of caution.

In research conducted by Michiel van Elk for the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, when people experience awe, it appears they have reduced levels of self-reflective thought. They tend to perceive themselves as smaller in size. It seems that awe-inspiring experiences cause us to see ourselves as more insignificant compared to that which is before us. When in the presence of something so great, our brain is challenged, we question preformed assumptions, and are forced to take more notice of what is in front of us. In simple terms, we feel more alive.

One of the reasons I enjoy the open ocean; is the humbleness I feel in its presence. Its depths, concealing mysteries yet to be explored. It reminds me of the boundless knowledge that exists beyond my comprehension. My view is the ocean is not something to be conquered or tamed, but to be admired and protected. I am reminded of its vital role in sustaining life, regulating our climate and providing sustenance to countless species.

To quote Jacques Cousteau, who so accurately captured our feeling about cruising and our relationship to the ocean when he said: “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” In the presence of the ocean, I am reminded of the beauty and fragility of our world. I am filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude, knowing that I am fortunate enough to witness and experience its majesty. Nowhere do I feel this more than when we are cruising aboard our boat. The ocean, with its immeasurable depths and timeless presence, remind me that I am connected to something greater than myself.

View the original article to see embedded media.

This article originally appeared in the January 2024 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.

Source: https://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/column/life-aboard-in-awe