- And otherwise
Do something good for yourself. #2: Indulgence.
Indulgence – that is something extremely individual. For a friend of mine, the greatest thing is running through the ice-cold backyard after the sauna (in winter!). My boyfriend raves about the peaty, smoky aromas of his Islay whisky. And for me, enjoying a velvety-soft, chocolate-flavored Mount Hagen crema on the couch – snuggled up in my blanket and my dog on my feet – is unbeatable.
Babette Lichtenford
Is indulgence happiness? Or even a matter of happiness?
How can it be that indulgence is so different for everyone and yet always has the same effect? It reduces stress. Promotes satisfaction, resilience, and serenity. And it even improves your health. Not to mention the enhanced feelings of happiness.
We did a little digging and discovered that that savoring research (no joke) was already being conducted in the 1980s, particularly by the US social psychologists Fred Bryant and Joseph Veroff. They gave the term “savoring” a central role in research. A term that goes far beyond the purely sensual experience and defines four fundamental aspects of enjoyment:
1. Gratitude.
It produces positive emotions – and it doesn’t matter what you’re grateful for: A warm sweater when you’re shivering, an unexpected smile on the street, the delicious aroma when you are served coffee in bed.
I can only confirm that I am very grateful for my coffee – its aromas, its scent, its warmth – and that I am very happy about it.
2. Amazement.
Think of marveling at ice flowers on the pond, marveling at the buds on bushes and trees in spring. But here too, it is not important what you marvel at, but only that you do it.
Personally, I am amazed by my crema every day. Did I mention its incredible chocolate flavors? How can it be that something so great can come from such small beans? Simply amazing!
3. Be proud.
Of yourself. Most people find this difficult (including me). But if we try (as various life coaches suggest) to simply remember the “Yes!” when we did something really well, then we have that figured out as well.
In this context, my first “recipe” for the portafilter machine comes to my mind. It felt like it took me forever to find the right temperature with the right grind and the right dosage. But then the result was amazing: A fine, stable, golden crema (with “tiger stripes”), a terrific aroma and then these flavors… The variety, the opulence! A tiny bit bitter, velvet, chocolate, a hint of hazelnut. Elegant, with a fruity, fresh acidity, totally harmonious. Oh yes, this is what a perfect espresso should taste like.
By the way: For all those who also want to enjoy such a great cup of coffee – just take a look at the link section, where you will find the most important tips on that. And in the info box: The right dosages for the different coffee preparations for starters (we recommend to print it out and keep it right beside the coffee machine until you get the hang of it).
The right dosage for a really good coffee.
- Hand filter (17 fl oz): 1.1-1.2 oz ground coffee (e.g. Mount Hagen Organic Arabica), medium-fine ground
- French Press (34 fl oz): 2.1-2.3 oz coffee grounds (e.g. Mount Hagen Organic Arabica Crema), finely ground
- Chemex (20 fl oz): 1.3-1.5 oz coffee grounds (e.g. Mount Hagen Demeter Single Origin Peru), medium-fine ground
- Stove top coffee maker (up to the valve): Fill up the sieve (e.g. Mount Hagen Organic Espresso), slightly coarser grind than for the portafilter
- Portafilter (0.85 fl oz): 0.25-0.28 oz ground coffee (e.g. Mount Hagen Barista Organic Espresso), very finely ground
4. Indulge your senses.
So there it is: The feel-good moment. Without distractions. Without cell phones, Insta, TV and chatter. Some call it “mindfulness”, others “quiet enjoyment”. I call it the “coffee moment” (of course).
These 4 principles are the common denominator for enjoyment, for moments of happiness. The question remains: What can we do to integrate more of these into our everyday lives?
Savoring strategies?
The above-mentioned researchers Bryant and Veroff developed 3 basic strategic approaches to enhance savoring and higher spirits:
- Prolonging pleasure by remembering
- Deepen enjoyment by avoiding distraction and involving all the senses
- Conscious enjoyment through a mindful lifestyle
Findings that are not entirely new but are slowly taking root in people’s minds thanks to the coaching hype and mindfulness training. Some people also talk about “a positive work-life balance”. To be honest, I personally think that’s wrong. “Work” is always a part of “life”. “Work” is not an antagonist. It’s not a part that you exclude. On the contrary. Isn’t it more about making everyday working life a little more enjoyable?
From my own experience, I can say that a cup of Mount Hagen coffee helps enormously. Not only because Mount Hagen is produced with respect for the environment and the coffee farmers, but also because it offers all aspects of enjoyment and savoring with its opulent aromas.
Which makes the 4th strategy for more enjoyment clear: More Mount Hagen.
