What is a Feast of Awe?
Let's start with awe.
Awe is an emotion of overwhelming wonder, admiration, respect, or fear elicited by something grand, sublime, or extremely powerful. It involves a sense of bewilderment, astonishment, and transcendence in the face of something that defies our usual frames of reference.
Awe makes us feel small in comparison to the vastness of the universe, yet also connected to forces larger than ourselves.
The word "awe" traces back to Old English "ege", meaning fear or terror. In other languages it is conveyed by words like "sublime" (French), "Ehrfurcht" (German), "temor" (Spanish), "timore" (Italian), "畏" (Chinese), "भयंकर" (Hindi), and "畏れ" (Japanese).
Experiencing awe, both the awesome and awful, can be an antidote to apathy. It can challenge our current understanding of the world. It can awaken our interconnectedness.
What is a Feast?
Imagine an evening where the world slows down, and you find yourself in the company of strangers who spend much of their time striving for the positive future of our planet in one way or another. An assembly of people each navigating the chaos and possibility of this time.
This is the essence of a Feast of Awe - an intimate, curated dinner gathering designed to reignite our connection to wonder, the universal experiences of awe and each other.
We gather around a table, but the true feast lies beyond the plate. The 'Feast' is one of conversation and moments shared.
What makes a Feast of Awe special?
Intimate and diverse: Each Feast brings together 8-10 individuals from varied backgrounds - leaders, artists, scientists, activists, and more. The beauty lies in the unexpected mix.
Anonymous attendance: To foster openness and genuine connection, guests attend anonymously, leaving titles and preconceptions at the door.
A moment of respite: In a world of constant striving, the Feast offers a pause - a chance to connect differently.
No agenda, just presence: Unlike typical networking events, there's no output or goal. The magic happens in simply being present and open to the experience.
Awakening awe: Awe is a universal human experience, yet like a muscle, it requires regular exercise to remain vibrant. Through shared explorations, we rediscover wonder and enchantement together.
Global movement: Feasts have been held across four continents, each one unique yet united in purpose.
Meet the Feast Facilitators
About Awe Exchange
Feast of Awe is an initiative by the Awe Exchange, a non profit lab on a mission to develop a compelling case for awe in changemaking, recognizing that the capacity for wonder is universal and transformative.
At the Awe Exchange, we believe that every individual possesses the innate ability to experience awe, wonder, and the full spectrum of the awful to the awesome. These profound experiences have the power to reshape perspectives, inspire action, and fuel positive change.