How to Savor Every Moment of Your Life

 photo credit: woodleywonderworks

This is a guest post by John Anyasor.

John is the creator of HiLife2B. There he gives advice on personal development, inspiration, and motivation. A second year undergrad, he seeks to one day break the cycle of entering the dreaded 9-5 to achieve the life he wants. Follow him on Twitter  and become a fan on Facebook.

Speed, efficiency, and mobility: no doubt these words have had significant impact on all of our lives. I mean, it’s amazing the things we have created. Social mediums (such as Facebook and Twitter) have allowed us to connect with people faster than ever before. We no longer have to stumble our way across town in order to reach our destination: our handy, dandy, GPS will make sure we’re never lost.

But as with everything else in life, this newly acquired speed and efficiency comes at a cost. With better modes of transportation available, if you don’t have a pet, you are free to stick with taking the bus or driving a car. No more scenic, long walks to work for you. And now that we can easily connect with people online, getting to know others off the web is a habit becoming less and less common.

There are times when fast fun, and quick enjoyment can be favorable, but to get the utmost pleasure from life, it’s better to seek a slower, more relaxed sense of gratification. When I’m in a state of relaxed enjoyment, I feel like every second, every minute, and every hour of the day was spent to the best of it’s ability. It’s the same as when you read a quote that just resonates with you on every level.

So, how does one reach this state of mitigated euphoria in such a way that every moment in life can be savored to the fullest? Easy. Just keep in mind these tips and you’ll be well on your way to enlightenment:

1. Stop and smell the roses (literally)

We all know the saying: “Take time to stop and smell the roses.” I know that much. But let me ask you something. Have you ever literally tried to smell the flowers on your way to work? Or tried take a whiff of any of the vegetation that surrounds us everyday? If not, you’re missing out on an excellent experience. Our world is much more than the cold steel of the city and green paper everyone seems to want more of. First and foremost, our planet is nature. It is life that makes the world go round, so why not do you and it a favor, and appreciate it a bit more?

2. Live in the present, not the past

To get the most out of life, you’ve got to keep the matters of the present constantly in mind. The errors, blunders, and failures of the past should only be referred to to supplement the actions happening right now. To sacrifice moments in your life now for those that are dead and gone is a wasteful endeavor.

3. Listen to an entire album in one sitting

In our age of techno-gadgetry, it’s easy for us to just listen to 3-minute songs on several occasions throughout the day. While this is convenient in many cases, you unfortunately miss out listening to the complete message of the composer. Gone are the days where people would sit for hours listening to masterpieces. Nowadays, 99 cent compositions are all the rage. Well, it’s time to bring the good old days back. Try listening to one entire album in one sitting and try internalizing the musician’s message: this is something a 3-minute snippet will not teach you.

4. Eat your food slooooowly

To all you fast eaters out there: if you finish your meal MUCH earlier than everyone else or you’re busy shoveling food into your mouth MUCH quicker than everyone else, you’re eating too fast. I understand that whether or not you eat fast or slow, your body will still receive the benefit from your food consumption anyway. But when you’re looking to savor every moment, taking slow chomps instead of fast ones are where it’s at. Actually TASTE the food: feel it’s texture, differentiate the components, and savor the flavor. I mean, you’re getting the nutrients anyway; why not enjoy it?

5. Don’t let good weather go to waste

It’s pretty rare, at least here in Chicago, to get a really nice day in terms of weather. However, when that comes along, I don’t hesitate to capture it before the chance escapes me. When a perfect combination of just the right sun, just the right temperature, and just the right cloud coverage strikes you on the just the right day, don’t forget to get your swim trunks and your sunscreen to head on down to the beach!

6. Live without regret

The culmination of all of these tips lies in the monumental advice of living well and without regret. All the negative emotions (depression, guilt, regret) over something you should’ve done or shouldn’t have done will impede your ability to truly enjoy life. By getting rid of these types of emotions, you’ll reach your highest savoring potential. No longer should you feel guilty for spending a few hours listening to an entire album, eating your food too slowly, or even stopping to smell the roses for a bit. Instead, you’ll just feel awesome.

Live life to the fullest. Savor every moment.

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