A Savoring Walk

Day Three Gratitude Practice

Good morning!

In today's digital age, it's all too easy to get caught up in our screens while walking down the street, causing us to miss out on the simple joys that can bring us happiness - a picturesque view, a heartwarming interaction, or a charming child.

A Savoring Walk
A Savoring Walk is a simple yet effective practice of taking a 20-minute solitary walk each week, preferably along a new path each time, and focusing on the positive sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Studies by Fred Bryant and Joseph Veroff have shown that this gratitude stroll can boost one's happiness level up to a week later.

Not only does the practice of paying closer attention to your environment lead to positive feelings, but it also opens up opportunities to connect with others, even if it's just through exchanging a friendly smile.

Why It Works
Paying attention to the small pleasures in life, a practice known as 'savoring,' has been found to increase happiness and amplify feelings of gratitude and appreciation. This technique allows us to fully absorb positive experiences and prevent them from slipping away unnoticed.

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God’s handwriting — a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

By developing a greater awareness of our surroundings, we may also increase our chances of making connections with others, whether it's through a simple exchange of smiles or a shared moment of joy.

How To Do It
Set aside 20 minutes to take a walk outside every day for a week. Try to stick to this schedule unless the weather is extremely bad. You can still do this exercise in a light rain—provided you have a decent umbrella and rain jacket.

As you walk, try to notice as many positive things around you as you can. These can be:

• sights

• sounds

• smells

• other sensations

For example, you could focus on the breathtaking height of a tree you never really noticed before, the intricate architecture of a building on your block, the dance of sunshine off a window or puddle, the smell of grass or flowers, or the way other people look out for each other as they navigate crowded streets.

As you notice each of these positive things, acknowledge each one in your mind—don’t just let them slip past you. Pause for a moment as you hear or see each thing and make sure it registers with your conscious awareness, really take it in. Try to identify what it is about that thing that makes it pleasurable to you.

Try to walk a different route each day so you don’t become too accustomed to any of these things and start to take them for granted.

Keep up the good work and I'll see you in your inbox tomorrow!

Mike