#75 Share the Joy

Have you ever felt particularly moved, and connected to those around you, while you were at a concert, a religious ceremony, or a sporting event?

As psychologist Dr. Shira Gabriel explains, this powerful feeling is called collective effervescence, and it’s a form of awe we feel when we experience something transcendent with others.

Gabriel’s research reveals that collective effervescence fulfills the human need for belonging, and can improve our wellbeing by reducing loneliness, increasing our sense of meaning, and building confidence.

While joining large crowds may 𝘯𝘰𝘵 be for everyone, we can also experience collective effervescence in unexpected places, like on this flight in South Africa when passengers burst into song after their plane turned back in a storm.

So, during this holiday season, keep an eye out for opportunities to enjoy some effervescence with those around you – or consider 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 a little magic if things don’t go as planned.