Cultivating the Heart: The Practice of Savoring
I have to be intentional about savoring what's in front of me.
I'm a fairly serious person with serious goals, serious ambitions, and a serious work ethic. It's served me well for many things in life. I do like to get things done. But I also need to learn to enjoy life a little bit more. Life isn't just about getting things done. It's also about enjoying the various moments that come my way.
The third practice I incorporate into my life to help cultivate my heart is what I call The Practice of Savoring. Savoring things in life—enjoying them—helps me develop my emotional wellbeing. It also contributes to having stronger relationships with people, especially when we can enjoy things together.
The Practice of Slowing Down and The Practice of Stopping opens up space for me to be able to engage in The Practice of Savoring. If I don't slow down or stop at appropriate times, I won't have the time or energy to engage in activities that bring me joy. And even if I do slow down or stop certain activities, I need to remember to be present enough to actually enjoy what's happening in the moment. I have to be intentional about savoring what's in front of me.
Here are some examples of The Practice of Savoring in action:
Savoring a meal that's in front of me rather than gulping it down as quickly as possible. This includes refusing to do other activities at the same time while I'm eating (like working).
Savoring a cup of coffee. Most of the time, I drink coffee to give me that quick jolt of caffeine while working. I can learn to pause once in a while to simply enjoy that lovely sip of java.
Savoring mundane chores like vacuuming the floor and washing the dishes or savoring routine personal care activities like brushing my teeth and taking a hot shower. Even routine tasks can be enjoyable with enough presence of mind.
Savoring a conversation with a loved one or a friend.
Savoring "boring" tasks like writing an email.
Pretty much anything in life can be savored and enjoyed if we slow down enough and become present to whatever is in front of us. And we don't have to savor just the big things in life. We can savor even the small and simple moments. In fact, it might be more important to savor the small everyday things. Enjoying the moment can have a positive effect on our emotional wellbeing. We're more present and attune to what's happening in our lives. It also has a positive effect on our relationships as we're much more present and engaged with the people we love and care about.
Barnabas the Monastic
Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.
