I love reading all the research I can about how to live better. This week, I’m reading about savoring. Savoring means you focus your attention on the positive emotions (or pleasure) of an experience. It means you engage all your senses to notice what you love about anything from autumn leaves, a cat’s purr, a conversation with a friend, a cozy sweater, a great meal, or even a memory with a loved one. People who savor during the day experience less depression and anxiety, they manage uncertainty better, and they generally enjoy life more.
The coolest thing I’ve read about savoring involves how the brain uses the same mechanisms for savoring as it does for worrying or ruminating (both negative), but with savoring, you fixate on something positive or pleasurable, turning it over in your mind like a pebble. Others do this when they worry or ruminate, but if you decide to practice savoring instead, you’ll see immediate benefits. I read research about savoring protecting you against the negative impacts of highly stressful situation. I read about how savoring improves well-being, friendships, and life purpose.
When savoring, you’re intensifying pleasure. You can call up a great memory to your mind. You can focus on blessings. Then, you can share your joy with others to reinforce the savoring. As I continue to study the psalms, I see David savoring God. I cannot wait to learn more. I sit here, savoring my cool sip of water, my lovely instrumental music, the hum of the heater, and the crisp tartness of my apple.