I read this quote from Sharon Draper last week. It caught my attention and I have been musing about it ever since. What does it mean for me if joy does come in sips, not gulps?
I set such big goals and expectations for myself. I have to admit I set them on others sometimes, too. Do you also have this habit? When I pause and think I realise it’s not helpful to set my sights so high. We don’t need to rush at things and demand so much. We rob ourselves of so much joy when we only notice the grand events.
I was reflecting on how quickly my boys devoured their Easter eggs. I wondered if they were in their mouths long enough for them to even taste the chocolate! But I am no different gulping in the precious things in my life.
I started thinking about an old-fashioned word - savour. It can be defined as ‘to enjoy an experience, activity, or feeling as much as you can and for as long as you can.’ Macmillan dictionary
Synonyms for savour are: to relish, to delight in, to revel in, and to feel.
I’d say more than just being a little-used word to savour is now a little practised process. I like a quote often attributed to Bob Marley but probably from Roger Miller.
Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.
I want to be the kind of person who at least feels the rain. Dancing in it would be even better. Perhaps even to return to my childhood and splash in some puddles.
Tara Brach, a doctor in psychology has some advice for us if you’re with me in wanting to get better at savouring:
The way to develop the habit of savoring is to pause when something is beautiful and good and catches our attention - the sound of rain, the look of the night sky - the glow in a child's eyes, or when we witness some kindness. Pause... then totally immerse in the experience of savoring it.
I’ve put this quote together with an unfinished painting of mine. I felt I had captured the joy in the girl’s eyes. I’m stopping now to savour the expression and meaning it had for me at that time. It was so much bigger and more joyful than the finished painting.
Are you going to pause and savour this week?