Over the years, in my role as a psychologist specializing in mindfulness-based interventions, I’ve taught individuals how to savor meals, physical movement, and time spent connecting with nature. And often as a community garden volunteer, I’ve shared the joys of savoring through the senses with families, too!
The science of savoring has roots in the fields of mindfulness and positive psychology. Here’s one definition from the Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook (Neff & Germer, 2018), a program I trained in extensively from 2018 – 2019:
“Savoring involves noticing and appreciating the positive aspects of life – taking them in, letting them linger, and then letting them go. It is more than pleasure – savoring involves mindful awareness of the experience of pleasure…” (p.161)
Savoring practice should not be confused with toxic positivity (“good vibes only”); in fact, we know that acknowledging painful thoughts and feelings with self-compassion is just as important.
Savoring is like “switching on the high beam” so we can fully “drink in” moments of awe, joy, gratitude, belonging, and other positive experiences. I also think of savoring practice as “the secret sauce” that sweetens our relationship with food and our bodies, which too often is over-seasoned with feelings of deprivation or shame.
Savoring is available to everyone. We can savor memories from the past, bring mindful attention to pleasurable current experiences (including time spent engaging with plants and nature), and anticipate good things headed our way in the future.
In the coming year, I’ll share more about savoring and other research-supported strategies in psychotherapy and educational sessions. You’ll also be able to join me for a Stroll & Savor in specific Pacific Northwest locations, for free or at low cost.
In the meantime, check out these additional articles:
Is Savoring the New Mindfulness? Outside Magazine. https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/savoring-new-mindfulness/
What’s a delightful way to get more time out of the day? Savoring. https://ideas.ted.com/whats-a-delightful-way-to-get-more-time-out-of-the-day-savoring/
Take a savoring walk – https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/savoring_walk
Dawnn Meiers, Psy.D 