Right now, you may be caught up in the moment and experiencing the intensity of your day from work and after work. Even in the moments of overwhelm there may be something that you can look forward to. What is it?
Savoring provides you with a way to extend the positive experiences you have. You get to look forward to something pleasant, experience it in the moment and recall it once it has past. Savor to tap into your well-being.
Allow yourself to imagine or re-experience the future or past at times when your full attention is not needed, for example while waiting in line, anticipate or reminisce rather than checking your phone. And while in the experience, be present to savor the moment as it is occurring.
In The How of Happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky states that “the ability to savor the positive experiences in your life is one of the most important ingredients of happiness.” I am doing a lot of savoring now. Frankly, there are moments when I can’t believe this is really me. I’m going on a 2 week vacation with my husband to Italy. This will be quite an adventure. I recall the intensity of raising our kids and the priorities for our time and funds going elsewhere. Now, with all 3 graduates of college, celebrating their success and our own coming of age in a new way, we are exploring the world anew. It is exciting to plan and anticipate what is in store for us.
So, what is this savoring offering me?
- This too shall pass – the intensity of preparation, organizing and getting it all done, or ‘at least in order,’ shall pass and then I will be there.
- Prolonged pleasure – I get to extend some of the pleasure to now and earlier planning, looking at where we’ll be going, reading ahead and imagining myself there.
- Enhanced optimism – Not only do I have the joy of anticipation, I also have a sense of mental practice which allows me to feel more at ease about going to a new and foreign place.
What are you looking forward too?
Here are several ideas to help you savor:
- Appreciate ordinary experiences – take a moment to appreciate something you normally take for granted, a meal, clean laundry, taking a shower.
- Make plans to get together with family or friends – then spend some time anticipating the joy of being together; what you’ll be doing and where, and how you feel when you’re together in this way.
- Take a mini-vacation – Imagine yourself on vacation someplace where you feel comfortable, at ease and joyful. Travel to this mental destination, and allow yourself to experience being there.
To explore what supports your well-being, contact me.
Revitalize Your Life,
Dina, Well-Being Coach
203.744.YOU3 (9683)
If you like this post and know others who may benefit from it, please share. If you’re not yet on my list, please sign up at HeartofWellBeing.com to receive articles regularly.
