Savouring

Yesterday was planned to be full of admin, and tasks which needed to be done. Not necessarily things which bring me joy, or take me into a state of flow, but are necessary. I got to the co-work space and got into the todo list.

By the time I had eaten lunch my mind was racing; jumping between the different projects I’m juggling, as I try to keep myself on track. I knew it was no good, I needed to move myself out of the space I was in, reconnect with myself and find a moment of calm.

I took myself for a walk to the beach via the gelateria to my favourite spot on the beach, a boat almost by the path, full of holes. I sat. I breathed as I watched the sea, listened to chatter around me. I found stillness in all that was going on around me, and in my head by savouring not only the sweet treat, but the thing which i know will always bring a sense of calm; the sea.

I savoured the colours of it, I savoured its movement, its sound, its smell.

I was struck once again by how powerful such a simple act can be. Enabling a racing mind to quieten, and give me the space to refocus for my afternoon tasks.

Savouring isn’t always easy, but its worth a try.

Here are a couple of straightforward ways you can practice savouring:

Sharing with others - do something you enjoy with others and them them how much you value the experience

Sharpening perceptions - focus on an element you enjoy (like I did with the sea)

Absorption - let yourself get lost in an experience, trying not to think and focussing on your senses.