Savouring
Appreciation in action.
Dumping a scoop of dogfood into the bowl, my dog prances in anticipation. The moment she is allowed to eat, it is like a vacuum cleaner is sucking up the kibble. “Slow down!” I say, “you can’t even enjoy it.”
The irony of how applicable that statement is for me. Each activity of the day carried out with the intention of completion on my mind. Even those things that should be done with the intention of enjoyment and being in the moment, I breeze through with getting it over with in mind.
As I reflect on this proclivity, brief moments like that first time I was out climbing and just trying to problem solve my way through the ascent revealing the thought, “this is what life is about! These moments!” Or the time staring into the eyes of my baby and just not caring about getting anything done but more time with him.
I grew up with productivity as the way life is lived. My mother dusting her way through the house before the breakfast was served and the first cup of tea savoured and she urged four children out the door to school. Weekends were for berry picking, apples and pears in the fall, and stacking wood. These days, I would put my parents with the way I have exponentiated the focus on projects and getting things done.
The root cause… avoidance of stillness. By being productive I assure myself of my worthiness and I get to feel like I am not a lazy person.
What would my life feel like if I approached all tasks and actions with ease and an intent to savour the moment? What would your world look like if you didn’t jump on the productivity hamster wheel for just one day?
Try it with me.