In like a Lion… out like a lamb: Tackling March’s goals and setting ones for April
And so yet another month has gone and slipped through my little vegan fingers. Time sure flies this time of year, doesn’t it? Just like the enormous yellow clouds of pollen that keep blowing around these days, the weeks seems to flutter by in a warm springy breeze. It’s already the first day of April, meaning it’s time for me to re-evaluate my goals for March and see how far I’ve come and set some new ones for April. So, here goes! Let’s see how we did this month.
March’s monthly wrap-up:
1. Deepening my body mindfulness.
I set about this goal in early February, and decided to continue and elaborate on it during the month of March. I began reading Ken Dychtwald’s book Bodymind that was recommended to me by my therapist. Although I haven’t finished reading the book yet, it’s inspired me to look more closely at my body/mind connections and practice body mindfulness in everything I do. I’ve been largely successful in this goal, noticing my different body sensations in response to different stimuli, both physical and emotional. This has manifested itself in a few surprising ways, leading to my next goal…
2. Revamping my workout plan.
I’ve posted about this goal numerous times over the course of the past month, as it’s been one of the more surprisingly life altering goals I’ve tackled this year. As I’ve become more in tuned to my bodymind, I’ve noticed a variety of physical sensations as I both exercise and as my body recovers from my workouts. And let me tell you, I’ve been loving it! It’s been a while since I altered anything with my workout, and the addition of weight machines and different exercises has made a world of difference for me. I’ve loved every minute of my workouts over the course of the past month, and I’ve learned something new from each one. I’ve also learned to (re)appreciate parts of my body that I often neglect due to my busy schedule and preoccupation with other things. My belly and I have learned to reconnect, and I’ve become more aware of the power and energy of this and other parts of my body.
3. Eating more raw foods
The makings of yesterday's green juice: several stalks of celery, a handful of Far Mar spinach, and some lettuce leaves that fell off the bunch...
This was also a goal for February that I chose to continue into march. I’ve been gradually adding more and more raw foods into my diet in the forms of salads and delicious raw fruits and veggies. Unfortunately, the season and my schedule haven’t allowed for a lot of experimenting with raw desserts over the course of March (late winter/early spring isn’t exactly the time of year for an 
abundance of fresh fruit) but this is something that I’m looking forward to as the weather gets warmer. That being, said I been on a HUGE salad kick of late. When Maddie asks what I want to do for dinner, my answer is always along the lines of “Hmm… I don’t know but it needs to have a salad…” I’ve made it my business to eat something raw everyday either via juicing, a salad, or a raw dessert. Exhibit A, seen to the right, was a raw white chocolate truffle that I bought yesterday right here in beautiful downtown Carrboro. There’s even a raw foods truck in the area, and they’ll be right up the street from us next week. Unfortunately, the dishes that I myself have made haven’t been raw central. But, that brings me to the second part of this post:
April Showers: Setting a new attack plan for April
1. The raw foods thing. Again.
Believe it or not, the majority of this was RAW! I love to combine both raw and cooked foods in one dish to hit both my taste buds and a variety of nutrients!
I know this is the third month in a row that I’ve set this particular goal, but I have my sights set on incorporating more raw foods into my diet. What I’ve done so far has been great, and left me feeling even better, but I’d really like to expand on it over the course of April. I’d like to try my hand at creating more raw dishes at home, in addition to sampling ones at other venues, i.e. that food truck I’ve yet to try. I feel that if each month I can slowly add more and more raw foods into my diet, I can truly reap the benefits of this delicious cuisine and healthful way of eating.
2. Yoga
Maddie and I often stretch together. You'd be amazed at how much of a difference you see when you're working off of the energy of your beloved! I'm hoping she'll join me in this goal this month and we can do yoga together!
Last month, I set about to revamp my workout regimen, and so far so good. This month I’d like to add yet another layer to that goal by trying out an exercise form that I’ve loved in the past, but have never really made an exercise priority: yoga. There are several classes at the gym where I workout, but lately my schedule hasn’t allowed me to go to any. I’m going to try and snag at least one this month in addition to doing yoga at home. Flexibility has always been one of my weaknesses as an athlete, and I’m hoping that yoga can help me build on this area and give me a new way to relax and experience exercise.
3. De-stress fest
Our precious little cilantro seedlings, craning their little necks towards the beautiful spring sunlight.
These days, my life seems to be going in hyper speed. The semester is ending, my 2 jobs are picking up, exams are looming, and paper due dates are just around the ever present corner. This month I’d like to try and take some time for myself, to de-stress, readjust and relax. I simply don’t do this enough. I think it’s really easy for us to be on “Go! Go! Go!” mode 24/7, especially when we’re multitasking. This month, I’d like to refocus on a few things that are really important to me: journaling, art, and nature. I’d like to journal more and chronicle my experiences here and in my own little book I treasure so dearly. I’d also like to actually create some art for myself again, something I’ve been neglecting due to classes and other obligations. I’d also like to reconnect with the natural world around me through gardening, hiking, and spending more time out of doors.
So, stay tuned for the posts chronicling my journey to reaching these goals! And help keep me in check!
What goals do you have for the upcoming month? Any thing you’d like to work on too? Comment and let me know, and we’ll help keep each other on track!
Bisous!
Rachel
amazing article thanks for sharing.
http://loveinvestigator.wordpress.com/
Yoga: yes!! I’ve gotten back into doing it a few times a week after much neglect and I love it. Makes such a difference. Love your beautiful cilantro seedlings! Heck, I love cilantro!