A major tenet of mindfulness is to live in the present moment. We are cautioned about venturing into the past, lest we ruminate in doubt and regret. Savouring is an emotion and state of being which can be based partly in the present tense and partly in the past, depending on how we practice it. So what is savouring?
Savouring is synonymous with appreciation. It covers all three senses of the word appreciate: to be thankful for something, to acknowledge the quality of something and to increase the value of something. It is about really noticing, appreciating and enhancing the positive experiences in our life. By savouring we slow down and consciously pay attention to all our senses (touch, taste, sight, sound and smell). We stretch out the experience and concentrate on noticing what it is that we really enjoy. Through learning to savour, we can increase our capacity to notice what is good about our life, as well as appreciate these moments more fully. Evolutionary psychology suggests that humans have an inbuilt survival mechanism, called the negativity bias, which means that we tend to notice bad things in life before we see the good things. By mindfully savouring, we can counteract this negativity bias and we can increase our well-being.*
Being in the present moment is about slowing down, concentrating on the positive aspects of our experience and pondering how and why it feels so special. What is the beauty that is lifting our spirits? Is it the colour, smell, shape that is bringing us joy? Speculate what is so right and if possible, share it with whomever you are with.
Savouring past joys is a habit I have matured. It often starts with mindfully causing wonderful memories with the specific intent of remembering and reliving these memories later. These are not ‘selfie’ memories, but rather special moments to savour now and remember for later. When I savour in the NOW, I ponder how I might re-create that serene moment again. At other times I rummage through my memories and see if there was a similar joyful moment earlier and join that recollection with this past experience. By savouring glorious moments, it crowds out disappointing incidents; I let go of those troublesome recollections and inventory my blessings. Savouring is pro-active gratitude.
For me, savouring is one of my most powerful and effective antidotes to disappointment and regret. Savouring fills me with gratitude and serenity, and life does not get much finer then that.
Reflection Source: www.Smallercup.org
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*: A Practical Guide to Positive Psychology: Achieve Lasting Happiness by Bridget Grenville-Cleave