A Wine Tasting Epiphany

I was in California last week.  My trip was half vacation (a friend’s wedding) and half work (interviewing massage therapists for the new San Francisco office of our largest client) and in the middle of both activities I managed to squeeze in an afternoon of wine-tasting.  

I was sitting at a picnic table at Rutherford Hill Winery, enjoying the gorgeous view and the gentle breeze, really savoring the complexity of a wonderful 2014 Sangiovese, when it hit me that part of what makes wine-tasting such a special event is… mindfulness!  Tuning in to the sight, smell, taste, and touch (well, “mouth feel” as the sommeliers say) of the wine.  Taking time to really be AWARE and ENJOY the experience.

  

And that got me thinking about my own life; how important it is to savor each experience…to be fully present in the moment.  It can be so easy to let moments pass us by and get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  All too often we’re waiting for what’s to come, always moving forward and toward something else, whether it’s simply the weekend or our biggest goals in life.  There’s nothing wrong with looking forward, but it’s important to remember to fully take in the present too.

Mindfulness is “the basic human ability to be fully present.”  If you pay attention I think you’ll find that what really makes life truly beautiful is more than just your greatest achievements and treasured relationships…it’s all the little things too.  The smile of a stranger passing you by, the warmth of the sun on your skin, singing your favorite song on the way to work, even just the breath filling your lungs.

So next time you find yourself in a rut, try this: take in everything about where you are in that moment.  The sights, sounds, and sensations that makes that moment unique.  I think you’ll find there’s always something a little different to savor, just like in wine tasting.  Don’t let the moments of your life pass you by.

And by the way, the best way to really get the most out of your massage is also by being completely present in the moment and enjoying the sensations of complete relaxation that allow you to forget about anything else.

Let us help you be present. 

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