Are you powering through only to get somewhere? Or are you actually seizing the moment and noticing the pleasant things that are happening right now?
Summer has always been a whirlwind of socializing, going and doing, participating and being fully booked for a lot of people. The warm weather and buzz of activity can get you excited for all that the season holds - flowers in full bloom, food and barbeques, long nights spent catching up with friends, and so much more.
While all of this doing is fun, I want to ensure we are all actually enjoying each moment as it happens. Because are we?
It’s so easy to get caught up in what’s next, especially in seasons that offer so much to look forward to.
And if you're not intentional about delighting in what’s in front of you, it will fly past you. What a horrible tragedy that would be.
This summer (and beyond) the theme in life should be to savor the moment.
For me, savoring means taking a break in the day to simply be in that moment. It means enjoying the perfect bite of a meal. It means being silly with the people I love. Savoring means looking around, watching the wind move through the trees, enjoying my tea, taking the city in and noticing others as they pass by.
Savoring is not about doing all the things or getting the absolute most out of your schedule.
Rather, it’s about realizing what’s important to you. It’s about prioritizing those things when possible and focusing on them fully when they’re happening.
The brain is not necessarily equipped to appreciate all the facets of being alive (especially for those with mental illnesses like anxiety or depression). Its core motive is to help us survive and respond to danger cues, whether those cues pose an imminent or, in most cases, perceived threat. With that in mind, I know not everyone can simply savor every single moment with effortless ease - yet, we can try when it is possible.
As you enter the summer season, I invite you to think about what it means for you to savor the moment. What are things you can create to be in the moment? And how can you enjoy these moments with more intention?
The act of savoring may feel a bit silly in a sense. However, I think focusing on the joys of the present moment, no matter how small, is fundamental to what our souls need.
To savor the moment is an act of self-love and compassion, and that’s something we all deserve.