Happiness in savoring the summer

A provider’s perspective…

I hear from many of my clients how quickly summer goes by, how fleeting it is. As true as that may be, particularly as we get older, it is also important to learn to savor. In fact, when researchers study what happy people do, savoring is one of the activities that evidence shows brings true happiness. As the season explodes in color, flavor and other sensations, it is a perfect time for you to dabble in savoring to see what happens to your happiness and well-being.

Here are three tips for savoring moments that make you happy:

1. Relish ordinary experiences. The great thing about this activity is that you don't have to be wealthy or even in perfect health to experience this. Last weekend I picked basil from our plants and combined that with a tomato and fresh mozzarella from the local farmer's market. As my seriously ill partner and I experienced this amazing combination of flavors on our patio, we smiled at each other and said, "It doesn't get better than this." The next time you are outdoors pay special attention to what you smell, see and hear. When you make your bed with fresh sheets, open a fresh loaf of bread, or pick up locally grown produce, take a few minutes to take the experience in and then to say, "How cool is that?"

2. Savor and reminisce with family and friends—sharing the experience doubles the enjoyment! Think about the top moments in your life—my guess is that most of them were in the context of others. When you share that perfect sunset or burger, or cross a finish line together, your joy is reflected back in those you are with and multiplied. Reliving and retelling the experience creates the same wonderful chemicals in your brain that you gained when you actually did the experience—harness that by retelling or reliving it in your mind.

3. Be open to beauty and excellence. We know that life can be stressful, trying and painful. We also know that beauty and transcendence co-exist with all of that. When we are open to finding pockets, swatches, and moments of beauty, we are happier. I made a point of finding some beauty on my way to work this morning. Just by setting my intention, I saw lovely things, heard laughter and smelled the earth in a way that I hadn't previously. Nothing had actually changed except for my openness.

Consider some of these savoring ways. We are never too busy for this—give it a try and see what you might discover.