Article Summary:
In this article, Arthur C. Brooks explores the concept of “savoring” as a path to greater happiness, inspired by the author’s mother’s advice about drawing: truly seeing something requires careful, detailed observation. Psychologists define savoring as the ability to appreciate and enhance positive experiences across past, present, and future moments.
Research demonstrates that savoring can stimulate the brain’s reward processing region and lower depression symptoms. Studies show that deliberately focusing on positive experiences increases happiness, particularly for those experiencing fewer positive events. Participants who were instructed to savor experiences reported more vivid memories and greater enjoyment.
Humans naturally have a “negativity bias” that makes us more attentive to adverse events—an evolutionary survival mechanism that’s now maladaptive in modern life. To counteract this, the article suggests two key principles for cultivating savoring:
1. Engage with experiences across three temporal dimensions: past (reminiscence), present (conscious enjoyment), and future (anticipation).
2. Utilize effective savoring techniques, including:
- Behavioral display (expressing positive emotions)
- Being present (mindful focus)
- Capitalizing (celebrating experiences with others)
- Positive mental time travel (vivid reminiscence or anticipation)