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What is Savoring?
Savoring is defined as a mindful appreciation and enhancement of the positive experiences in our lives. It’ s not just having a positive experience, but really being aware of it, embodying it, and dwelling in wonder and curiosity of it. In summer, savoring can feel as natural as breathing.
My friend Kim spends her days at the beach relishing the feeling of the tide pulling back over her feet at the shore. My sister-in-law Patty, like me, embraces each new day with a ritual: sipping her coffee outside on the back porch while listening to birdsong and taking in her garden’ s progress.
To savor is to deliberately connect with our senses and surroundings, seeking out the things that bring us pleasure. To savor is to embrace a state of awareness and alertness to what fulfills us. Leaning into this practice helps us override our natural“ negativity bias” and fosters a deep sense of pleasure and resilience, ultimately leading to greater life satisfaction.
Why Savoring Is Good for Our Wellbeing
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Mindfulness and Presence: Savoring is a mindfulness practice. It trains our wandering brain to stay in the“ now” rather than worrying about the next item on the summer schedule.
Increased Happiness: Research shows that individuals who actively savor report higher levels of joy and contentment.
Enhanced Positive Emotions: Savoring amplifies feelings of gratitude, excitement, and awe allowing these emotions to benefit us longer.
Stress Reduction: Basking in a positive experience— like the warmth and beauty of a sunset— helps keep stress and anxiety at bay.
Improved Relationships: Sharing and savoring experiences with family and friends strengthens our social bonds.
WISDOM & SELF-GROWTH
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