Body and Soul-Savoring Life, by Lucia Bettler

This savoring is a magical act. Savoring food is just a place to

start. You can savor anything and you should; its wonderful. It
changes EVERYTHING. Its about learning to live in the present, to
fully enjoy the gift of each moment, and to give that moment the
space and attention it deserves. (inspired by Leo Babatua) To
savor is to take pleasure and delight in, whether its a meal or a
caress, a soft pillow or a sunset.
Life Savors rejuvenate us and lift our souls when our hearts are withered and
wounded. Savoring life starts with a mindset that believes that excess, rushing, busyness,
distractedness isnt ideal. Instead, savoring life means we simplify, do less, slow down and be
mindful and present. In Europe, for example, people tend to eat slowly and linger for a while in
a caf as they watch people walk by or enjoy the company of their companions. Sometimes
when I go out, I just pretend I am in a caf in Paris or a trattoria in Rome., where I can just linger
and enjoy the ambience and food.
In the garden, we have benches that beckon us to sit and slow down. Instead, most of us see
what needs to be done: the weeding, the maintenance, the responsibility. The garden does call
us to enjoy what is there, to notice the dozen calendulas blooming happily, the lavender adding
their electric blue color to the garden...notice it, as you bless each plant, watering by hand.
Savor the changing seasons of the garden as we watch Summer sink into Autumn, Autumn
turning with a nod toward Winter, and Winter blossoming into Spring.
I have a hard time deciding which aspect of life gives me the most joy
Is it music? Opera- the strains of Puccinis La Boheme that sends me into ecstasy or is it Jazz?
the soulful music of my fathers home town, New Orleans, that lives in my spirit. There are
ballads and torch songs the Embraceable You of George Gershwin and 100s of other
standards or
Could it be food? Particular foods: pancakes made with real maple syrup, steamed artichokes
dipped in pesto butter, broiled scallops covered with thyme and shallots swimming in buttery
vermouth. Asiago cheese made with olive oil and rosemary with a slice of fresh cibatta bread
and a cold glass of Moscatto DAsti near by
Oh! But then, theres art art of Renaissance Italy, Da Vinci, Michelangelo the Impressionists
Mary Cassatt, Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh, as well the art of my friends who create
Then there are the aromas and fragrances that surround my life--lavender essential oil, scented
geraniums in the garden, the scents of amber and vanilla, patchouli, and rose.

Oh! But there is nothing like putting pen to paper, feeling the ink gliding onto the page, or
receiving a real letter in the mail and recognizing a friends handwriting on the envelope. The
written word, Shakespeare, novels that inspire, poetry, it all stirs my energy and stills my heart.
I have just barely begun to scratch the surface.
There is so much on this earth that captures my attention, delight, and awe. Such deliciousness!
Life savors are all around us: going to the bay and crabbing off the pier, sitting on the beach,
memorizing the waves. I love the rosey fingered clouds of dawn and the blue dusk of
eveningthe crescent moon and a night full of stars.
Side by side with the sorrows
and the sadness, the health
issues and challenges of life
that we deal with, these life
savors do indeed save us.
They keep us going, enjoying,
embracing, laughing, breathing.
Lucia Bettler is a native
Houstonian, former English
teacher, and graduate of the
University of St. Thomas. She is
the owner of Lucias Garden, a
well known Houston gift/herbal
shop and learning center that
strives to nourish the body and
spirit.
She has been passionate about
mythology, spirituality, books, and
herbs for over 25 years. Her
knowledge, travel, and extensive
mythological and folkloric research adds a rich dimension to Lucias teaching and business.
She currently serves as the Vice President on Brigid's Place's Board of Directors.