Savoring Life

You’ve probably heard the adage You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But I’ve discovered that is not true at all—and all it took was getting a puppy to make me realize this.

My sweetheart and I welcomed a beautiful seven-month-old Labradoodle, named Benji, into our lives. I’ve gone my whole life without owning a dog, and like Princess Jasmine sings in Aladdin “It’s a whole new world.” Seven weeks in, as our new schedule becomes a routine, I find myself not only more present but also happier in the moment.

Dogs know how to savor life and it’s contagious. They say dogs live in the moment, and witnessing Benji in action—it’s true. Our first ritual to start the day is potty time in the backyard. Benji takes an unhurried moment to stretch, and I can’t help but giggle because it looks just like a downward dog.  The early morning air is usually crisp; as I inhale, it feels fresh and new.

Before Benji gets down to business, he takes another unhurried moment to look around. If he happens to see a butterfly float by or a hummingbird zipping around, or any number of songbirds taking a dip in the fountain, he’ll freeze in fascinated wonder. I cannot help but stare with him, as if appreciating the sight for the first time.

I find myself slowing down and savoring the moment right along with Benji, allowing myself to appreciate the beauty of nature in my little backyard.  Gratitude bubbles up and warms me with its presence—I savor the experience. 

So, what does it mean to savor? How can we do more of it? Those were questions I found myself pondering after my mornings with Benji. I realized that savoring meant fully appreciating what I was doing while I was doing it. It has to do with single-minded attention, as we live fully in the moment, enjoying it as if it was happening very, very slowly. Focusing my attention so I could savor the weather, my food, a drive to work, my conversations with people (and Benji!), gave my life a much richer context. That’s what I want for you!

Begin by adding at least one savoring ritual to your daily or weekly routine. Allow yourself to be fully present without other thoughts or distractions, engrossed and appreciative of what is happening in the present moment.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

  1. Wake up early and savor the stillness and silence of the morning. Then savor the following quiet time with a meditation before your day starts.
  2. Savor your food. Slow down when you eat and actively notice the taste of each bite; pay attention to the texture, the smell, the taste; reflect on where it came from, who made it, what went into it, and what it will do for your body.  It’s hard to overeat when you savor each bite and take the time to appreciate it.
  3. Savor your exercising—yes, know it can be challenging at times. You can, however, savor a good walk or a run. Give the workout some space, and fully be in the moment as you do it, fully notice your body as it moves and works, fully notice your breathing and your feet as they touch the ground. Savoring exercise makes it more enjoyable and makes you more likely to do it.
  4. Savor your connections. Savoring the things you treasure about your family and friends strengthens your connection with them. 

Savoring can teach you to be mindful and appreciate each moment as a golden opportunity to enjoy a little more happiness in what you already have. Savoring is about learning to live in the present moment, by giving it the space, focus and attention it deserves. Savoring takes practice, but it’s a practice worth savoring.