When was the last time you intentionally savored your senses? When did you fully immerse yourself in heightened smells, sights, sounds, touch, and taste simply by being in the moment? It may seem easy, but it can be quite challenging to master. Our minds can easily get pulled in many directions. However, if you can achieve this level of focus, clearing your mind for genuine moments allows you to discover a unique beauty. In those instances, you become a witness and observer of your surroundings. This practice is one of life’s simple hacks for recalibrating your nervous system.
When I find it difficult to collect my thoughts, recall conversations, or feel anxious about my to-do list, I realize it’s time to change something in my mindset or routine. Today, I felt a strong urge to appreciate the beautiful setting of my front yard. I am a big fan of nature; it is my happy place, especially near the water (which isn’t as often as I would like). However, like many people today, life’s constant demands distract me.
Today, I decided to shift my focus. With a cup of coffee and a warm blanket draped over me, I sat by my patio door. The rain prevented me from sitting outside, so I got as close as possible. It was a cool April morning with a light drizzle, but the creatures around me were very active.
I heard birds chirping to my left, raindrops tapping on the newly sprouted leaves, and a pileated woodpecker near our shed. I even heard a leaf blower down the street, which made me chuckle. Why was someone blowing leaves in the rain? My senses were fully engaged, and I felt more connected to my surroundings.
I remember when I participated in a month-long intensive yoga training in Colorado. My teacher asked us what “mindfulness” meant. We were all a little uncertain about our answer. As you can imagine, it’s not easy to define. To help us understand, she brought out apples for everyone to snack on. She then challenged us to take bites of our apple and chew each bite thirty times. Naturally, we looked at her in bewilderment. Who has time to take 30 bites of an apple, after all? But we complied. At first, it felt strange. As I sat there chewing, my mind wandered to all the other things I could be doing, and then I forgot the count. Hmmm. I would have to take another bite and stay more focused. But off I went into another thought process. It took a while for me to get the hang of this. Mindfulness is about doing something with complete intention and awareness, being present.
The story’s moral is about savoring the moment and appreciating the experience of eating an apple—focusing on its taste and how it makes us feel. I encourage you to try this exercise if you can. I was reminded of it this morning while enjoying my coffee. Holding the cup warmed my hands, and the aroma of the local beans was pleasantly strong. The combination of cream, ghee, coconut oil, and a dash of cinnamon created a perfect balance.
I often forget how beautiful the Blue Ridge Mountains and valleys can be, even in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Discovering little pockets of renewal and regrowth feels especially important. I cherish these moments: the fragrances of blooming flowers, the sweet sounds of birds chirping, the earthy smell of mulch, and the cool touch of morning dew on my skin. These experiences ground me and serve as reminders to listen to the whispers of my soul, knowing that the universe is here to support me. Its beauty is truly to be honored, and we must remember to take small moments to appreciate it.
Thank you universe for your gifts.
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