Positive Psychology: The Difference Between Savouring And Flow

Image by JWilsher

During my last positive psychology class we discussed how to distinguish between savouring and flow, two ways of appreciating moments of happiness.

Savouring is the appreciation and enjoyment of a current moment. Example: When I went to the beach a couple of weeks ago I stood on the shore and took the moment in. I enjoyed the beautiful scenery, I felt the sand underneath my feet, I could feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, I listened to the sound of the waves and the screeching of the seabirds and took a deep breath of the salty sea air. I savoured this moment and didn’t want to get out of it. I decided to make a picture of the scene. Now the photograph is hanging on my wall, but it’s not just a pretty picture. Whenever I feel like it, I look at it more closely and recall the moment with all it’s associated impressions and feelings.