Think Thursday: The Science of AWE-How it Changes Us

02/20/25 • 17 min

Alcohol Minimalist: Change Your Drinking Habits!

In this week’s Think Thursday, we’re diving deep into the science of awe—an often-overlooked emotion that has the power to shift our thinking, reduce stress, and deepen our connection to the world around us. Inspired by the book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner, this episode explores how awe isn’t just reserved for grand, life-changing moments but can be cultivated as a daily practice to improve our well-being.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

🔹 What awe really is and why it’s more than just an emotional reaction
🔹 How experiencing awe quiets the default mode network (DMN) in the brain, reducing ego and increasing connection
🔹 The eight major sources of awe, including nature, music, visual design, moral beauty, and collective effervescence
🔹 How to cultivate everyday awe to bring more peace and perspective into your life
🔹 Why integrating awe into your mindset can help shift your relationship with alcohol and break unhelpful thought patterns

Key Takeaways:

✅ Awe shrinks self-importance and expands connection to the world
✅ Neuroscience confirms that awe calms the mind and reduces stress
✅ Seeking out small moments of awe can be a powerful tool for reframing your perspective on life and habits
✅ By noticing the wonders around us, we can train our brains to experience more fulfillment and gratitude

Episode Challenge:

This week, I challenge you to intentionally seek out one moment of awe each day—whether it’s looking at the sky, listening to music, or witnessing an act of kindness. How does it change your mood and mindset?

Resources & Links:

📖 Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner
🔗 Greater Good Science Center – Research on Awe
💬 Join the Alcohol Minimalists Facebook Group to discuss this episode and share your moments of awe!

🔊 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who could use a little more awe in their life!

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What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Key Takeaways:

Episode Challenge:

Resources & Links:

🔊 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who could use a little more awe in their life!

★ Support this podcast ★

Previous Episode

Revisiting: When You LOVE Drinking Alcohol

Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Molly Watts revisits a key discussion from 2022, exploring the challenge of changing your relationship with alcohol when you genuinely enjoy drinking. Molly shares insights on how to shift your habits without guilt, deprivation, or an all-or-nothing mindset. She discusses four key strategies for breaking the cycle of daily drinking while still being able to enjoy alcohol in moderation.

Molly also reflects on the launch of Step One, a foundational program that is now an integral part of Making Peace with Alcohol. She recounts her own journey of overcoming a long-standing daily drinking habit and provides actionable tips for listeners who want to redefine their drinking patterns.

Whether you're struggling with the idea of drinking less or simply looking for ways to be more intentional about your alcohol consumption, this episode is packed with science-backed strategies and real-life wisdom to help you on your journey.

Key Topics Covered:

✔️ The mindset shift required to change your drinking without feeling deprived
✔️ Why the "I just love to drink" thought keeps you stuck
✔️ How to reframe your beliefs about alcohol without relying on fear-based messaging
✔️ Understanding the science behind habit formation and alcohol consumption
✔️ Four key actions you can take to create a more peaceful relationship with alcohol

Mentioned in This Episode:

🔹 Making Peace with Alcohol – Molly’s 12-month group coaching program
🔹 Step One – A self-paced online course that helps you build healthier drinking habits
🔹 William Porter’s perspective on alcohol and why Molly takes a different approach
🔹 The power of cognitive behavioral strategies in changing your drinking patterns

Resources & Links:

🔗 Learn more about Making Peace with Alcohol: Visit Here
🔗 Join the Alcohol Minimalist Facebook Community: Join Here
🔗 Follow Molly on Instagram: @alcoholminimalist
🔗 Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Platforms

Episode Takeaway:

Changing your drinking habits doesn’t mean giving up alcohol completely. It means learning how to be in control, so alcohol is no longer in control of you.

👉 If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review!
Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:

Healthy men under 65:

No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.

Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.

One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.

Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.

Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.

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Next Episode

Why "It's Just a Habit" is Holding You Back

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly Watts unpacks a common misconception that keeps people stuck in their drinking habits: the belief that “It’s just a habit.” While it may seem like a harmless or even helpful perspective, this thought can actually prevent meaningful change.

Molly discusses how drinking is not just a habit like brushing your teeth—it’s often an emotional response to deeper triggers. She explores how shifting your mindset from breaking a habit to addressing the underlying thoughts and emotions can lead to lasting, sustainable change.

If you’ve ever said to yourself, “My drinking is just a habit,” this episode is a must-listen. Tune in as Molly helps you reframe your relationship with alcohol and move toward a more peaceful, intentional way of drinking.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why the phrase “It’s just a habit” can actually keep you stuck
✅ The difference between habits and emotional triggers related to drinking
✅ How your thoughts create feelings, which then drive your desire to drink
✅ Why focusing only on breaking the pattern (e.g., swapping a drink for tea) isn’t enough
✅ How shifting your perspective can lead to sustainable change

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Drinking isn’t just about routine; it’s driven by thoughts and emotions.
🔹 If you only focus on breaking the drinking habit (e.g., changing your routine), you’re missing the deeper cause.
🔹 The key to sustainable change is addressing the why behind your drinking.
🔹 Creating a peaceful relationship with alcohol requires looking beyond actions to thoughts and emotions.

👉 If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review!

Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:

Healthy men under 65:

No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.

Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.

One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.

★ Support this podcast ★