Over here on the blog we usually cover topics that pertain to management and leadership, but every once in a while, we diverge and do something a little different. As I write this, it’s July 31st and it’s my favorite time of the year: blackberry season.

Now while I enjoy blackberries, the reason this is my favorite season isn’t about the berries at all, but the way the humans interact with them. You see, I haven’t found a demographic yet that doesn’t delight in standing close to the bushes, selecting the tastiest looking berry and then, promptly jamming them into their mouths. On our walk this morning alone, Quinn and I saw two middle aged women, a young couple, a college aged gentleman and a mother with two toddlers, happily receiving the fruit loot. There is something universal about the desire to enjoy this found treasure and for a few moments, revel in its splendor.

So why in the world is this behavior noteworthy? Well, most of us would agree things tend to feel pretty chaotic right now. There’s so much competing for our attention that our nervous systems are overtaxed and many of us feel constant strain. The blackberries invite us all to slow down and be fully present. You must give your complete attention when selecting your berry since thorns respect no one. Then when the sun soaked berry hits your palette, well you can’t be anywhere else but in heaven. 

It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from or what you do or don’t have, blackberry season is a great equalizer. It invites us all to slow down and be completely in the moment, delightfully dependent on nature’s gifts and our instinctual ability to select the tastiest berry.

We have all heard the quote, “stop and smell the roses.” Well interestingly, blackberries are part of the rose family. Think about it, they have the same kinds of thorns and the same potential for delight. Both smell incredible and offer sensory overwhelm, in the best possible way.

So this summer, I hope you will have a moment where you stumble upon nature’s tastiest surprise and indeed, you stop and taste their majesty. And when you do, remember that at the end of the day, we all want the same thing; for life to be berry sweet.