The Power of Awe: Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Dr. Michael Amster is a pain management specialist with over 20 years of experience in the field. He is also the founding director of the pain management department for Santa Cruz Community Health. Dr. Amster co-authored the book, The Power of Awe, with Jake Eagle which outlines how people can harness the power of awe in their lives. They coined the acronym A.W.E., standing for Attention, Wait, and Exhale/Expand, which was developed during the pandemic and has been shown to significantly reduce depression and anxiety. Dr. Amster has been a student of meditation for over 30 years and is also a certified yoga and meditation teacher.  

In today’s episode of the Conversations on Healing Podcast, host Shay Beider talks with Dr. Amster to define awe and the effects awe has on wellbeing. He talks about his development of the awe method with Jake Eagle and its incredible effects on increasing consciousness while resetting the nervous system during times of stress. Michael defines awe in terms of both perception and cognitive shifts in perspective that allow for internal healing. After working with chronic pain patients for over 20 years, he shares how this transformative practice can decrease inflammation and pain in the body, as well as raise awareness to the vaste wonder of everyday life.

Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing 

Show Notes:

Read more about Michael Amster here

Check out Santa Cruz Community Health

This podcast was created by Integrative Touch (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch is committed to ending isolation in illness and transforming trauma through togetherness. The mission is to provide connection, wellness and healing opportunities that change the lives of anyone touched by pain, suffering, or medical challenges. This includes kids with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. 

The organization reaches thousands of people each year at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, through Telehealth, and in hospitals and communities. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a Heal it Forward model that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org