Savoring the Season: A Midlife Invitation to Slow Down and Enjoy the Light
Savoring the Season: How to Slow Down When Life Speeds Up
School’s out. Graduation season is behind us. And just like that—it’s June. For so many midlife women I know (myself included), this marks the beginning of a long-awaited travel season: time to get away, play, rest, or maybe even finally start that project we’ve been putting off since winter.
But if we’re not intentional, even our downtime can feel rushed. The to-do lists still follow us, the packing takes over, and the desire to “make the most of summer” can leave us feeling depleted instead of restored.
That’s why I want to offer a gentle reminder as we approach the final two weeks of spring: this is the time to savor.
What Does It Mean to Savor?
Savoring isn’t just about food—though fresh, juicy cantaloupe with lime and mint is definitely part of it (more on that below!). Savoring is a mindset. A practice. An act of reclaiming your time and presence.
It’s also especially powerful during this seasonal transition.
We’re now in the brightest days of the year. Technically, the summer solstice brings the longest day, but until then, the daylight is stretching at its peak. After the solstice, the sun will slowly begin to wane—though we still have long days ahead, the light starts its gentle return inward.
Rather than rush forward into summer, what if you paused to soak in these final spring days?
Slowing Down Starts with Awareness
I’ll be honest: spring isn’t my favorite season. My joints ache more than usual, I often feel unbalanced, and I find it hard to come out of winter’s quiet. But late spring is different. There’s a ripeness to the air. My garden is starting to thrive. And today, I picked up a cantaloupe at the market—maybe a little early, but I’m excited to check it each day for ripeness.
One of my favorite treats?
✨ A wedge of melon, a squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a few fresh mint leaves from the garden.
The colors, the aroma, the taste—it’s a celebration of the senses.
What springtime flavors do you look forward to?
What seasonal treats help you feel present in your body?
“In an age of acceleration, nothing can be more exhilarating than slowing down.”
Savoring is a Mindful Practice
Dr. Lynn Rossy, author of Savor Every Bite, reminds us that slowing down isn’t just for meals.
Here are a few of her practical suggestions to help us slow down in everyday life:
Eat slower. You’ll enjoy your food more—and likely feel more satisfied.
Drive slower. (If traffic allows. I’m still working on this one!)
Talk slower. People may actually hear you more clearly.
Shop slower. Today, I lingered in the produce aisle and discovered a new kind of melon. It made my entire grocery trip more joyful.
Even just slowing down a little can shift how we feel.
A Personal Challenge: Savor These Last Two Weeks of Spring
As a yoga and Qigong teacher, I’m committed to teaching outside as much as possible now that the weather allows. I want to feel the breeze, hear the birds, and let the earth remind me to breathe deeper and move more freely.
My personal challenge to myself—and maybe to you too—is this:
Slow down. Savor the sunlight. Savor your meals. Savor your mornings and evenings. Savor your movement. Savor what’s growing in your heart.
Let the light reveal what’s ready to blossom—inside and out.
What About You?
What are you savoring right now?
Is there a fruit, flower, or feeling you’ve been waiting to enjoy?
Let me know in the comments or come share in one of my live classes. Let’s keep reminding each other that it’s okay—essential, even—to slow down.
Wishing you sunlight, slowness, and the sweetness of the season,
Satya
