I recently rediscovered a curious animal behavior that evoked a delightful sense of awe and wonder. As I watched a very brief video of starlings flying, my eyes opened wider. I experienced goosebumps! To be clear, I was neither fearful or chilly. In fact, I felt silly. I grinned and gasped with delight. I felt like a curious and excited six-year-old.
Getting Geeky?
Goosebumps, sometimes called frissons, are often associated with intense emotions – usually fear. I think of them as an involuntary response, as if your body cannot help but react to something. Scientists explain that in dangerous circumstances, adrenaline is released to prepare us to fight, take flight, or somehow respond to the danger. The adrenaline, surging through our skin, causes hair folicles to contract. If you want to learn more about the science of goosebumps, our friends at Wikipedia have lots to say.
Getting the Feels?
Besides the goosebumps that are caused by cold and fear, there are goosebumps caused by positive emotions and positive states of mind. That’s what I was feeling the first time I watched this video. Interestingly, I felt the same way the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth time I watched the video, and I like the way my brain feels when I’m in that state of wonder. I associate it with childhood. Maybe that’s a result of the “grow up,” or “get serious,” mindset of our culture. But I think I’m going to try to “grow down” and “get curious” more often.
Please watch this video, and let me know how it makes you feel!
If you got goosebumps or any other positive emotional feelings from watching this video, keep doing it! Maybe you didn’t get goosebumps, but when was the last time you did? Are there songs or types of music that make you feel that sense of awe and wonder? Let’s remember those things the next time we’re having a low energy day or need a safe little emotional boost.
I read that goosebumps can occur when adrenaline and/or dopamine is released. I have a theory that oxytocin may play a role in the “awe and wonder” goosebumps (but not the fear and danger type.) I noticd that every time I shared the video with friends, that I experienced a heightened sense of connectedness with them. While I’m not a scientist, that sounds like oxytocin to me.
Please leave comments below! I’m really curious about your reaction to the video and what else give you this happy sense of wonder. Thank you!
