Have you ever found yourself unexpectedly choked up at the end of a feel-good film, or felt tears welling during a friend's wedding vows? According to psychologists, these powerful reactions are not random. They are manifestations of a distinct, scientifically recognised emotion known as 'kama muta'.
What Exactly Is Kama Muta?
Kama muta describes a sudden, often overwhelming sense of being moved by a moment of love, connection, or profound belonging. It is the feeling that washes over you when you witness or experience a sudden intensification of a social bond. This could be the long-awaited reunion with a loved one at an airport, a collective moment of unity during a religious service, or even watching a stranger's act of kindness in a viral video.
Professor Thomas Schubert, a leading kama muta expert from the University of Oslo, explained the need for the precise term. "The English language has terms like 'being moved' or 'heartwarming', but some include too many other feelings, others don't include enough. Science needs more precision, so we borrowed the Sanskrit term 'kama muta'," he told the Daily Mail.
Much like the savoury taste of umami was only formally identified in the 1980s, kama muta names a universal human experience that has existed for millennia.
The Physical Signs and Evolutionary Purpose
This emotion is not just a mental state; it has distinct physical symptoms. When kama muta is strong, the body reacts in recognisable ways. Common signs include:
- A warm feeling in the centre of the chest.
- Moist eyes, tears, or weeping.
- Goosebumps or chills.
- A lump in the throat or feeling choked up.
- An involuntary exclamation like "aww".
Scientists believe kama muta played a crucial role in human evolution. An emotion that rewards experiences of connection would encourage us to seek out and maintain the relationships that were vital for our ancestors' survival, says Professor Schubert. The outward signs, like tears, may even act as social signals, showing others we are invested in bonding.
How to Cultivate More Kama Muta in Your Life
Experiencing kama muta is linked to significant personal benefits. Studies associate it with feeling closer to others, increased generosity, greater commitment to relationships, and a stronger sense of meaning in life.
Fortunately, inviting more of this emotion into your daily routine is accessible. Because we can feel it by witnessing others' connections, consuming certain media is an easy trigger. Watching emotional films, heartwarming adverts, or even cute animal videos can spark the feeling.
However, for the most potent experiences, passive observation is not enough. Professor Alan Fiske, a psychological anthropologist from UCLA, advises actively seeking kama muta in person-to-person life. This means being fully present during reunions, joining community groups, participating in team sports, or simply making time for meaningful conversations with loved ones.
Professor Schubert summarises: "People can cultivate kama muta by being present and attentive during moments of connection - rather than rushing through reunions, celebrations, or expressions of love." In a world often focused on division, understanding and seeking out this 'moved' emotion could be a simple key to greater social satisfaction and wellbeing.
