“Aesthetic Chills”

Posted May 8th, 2010

Do you ever get “the chills”? When listening to music or a beautiful concept explained, or sharing a moment with someone?

It turns out only some of us do, and science doesn’t know why. They also don’t know what causes the sensation. “They’re important, somehow. It’s a physical reaction to something emotional,” says Sara Mattigetz, a student involved in a research project at McGill University. In 2009 they did a study, scanning brains as the people listened to music that gave them chills. They are trying to figure out what causes these “aesthetic chills” — they are different from chills that come from cold or from fear.

When listening to music, there are a couple of factors that make the chills more likely: “when a symphony turns from loud to quiet, upon entry of a solo voice or instrument, when two singers have contrasting voices.” It also helps if you know the song ahead of time, so you know when the build-ups and the releases will happen.

I don’t know the scientific explanation. But I know that for me, the chills radiate from my heart region. I call the phenomenon “Love.” If you’ve never felt this, I recommend meditating on the connection between your body and your emotions. Yoga is a great place to start. Or just go to your concert of choice, close your eyes, and let the Love flow.

Sources: Professor hopes to link goose bumps, personality,Why Music Gives Us the Chills