Let the Cleansing Begin!

{a gift from a good friend!}

So it's Monday.... and the start of a new month. I am struggling to remain positive today, but determined to do so! I assumed that my work would be cancelled {or at the very least delayed} and spent the evening drinking wine, watching movies & hanging out with my hubby until wayyyyy past my bedtime. To say the least, digging my car out this morning and "sliding" to work was not fun. But I am here, and I will make today a positive one. Besides, this weekend was very special because I was snowed in with Sean & the pups... and we never stay up late on Sunday's so I can't be too angry about the extra time I was able to spend with my husband.

February 1st has come - which means the transition to my new macrobiotic diet is finally about to begin. I am making a trip to Whole Foods this weekend {after I get some $$} and stocking up on all things organic and healthy. I am taking this week to prepare by planning practical meal plans and building a shopping list of basic supplies. This weekend was fun because we got to clean all of the "junk" out of our fridge -- meaning lots and lots of pancakes, frozen pizza, soda & veggie nuggets... mm mm mm! A huge part of Macrobiotics is being aware of what you are putting into your body, and there is a special focus placed on chewing your food properly. For example, when you are eating in your car {if you are anything like me!} you probably stuff your face and swalllow without chewing all of your food - I know... I probably gross a lot of people out when they see me doing this, but who cares. The point is, you should chew your food 30-50 times before swallowing so that the food can be broken down and all of the nutrients can be absorbed by your body. Also, it allows for mealtime to be a form of meditation... since you are focusing on counting rather than watching tv or talking. Macrobiotics is going to be an improved way of life, and I am optimistic and ready for a change.

I have learned a lot so far about Macrobiotics and it continues to facinate me. As a Buddhist, anything that brings about more awareness is awesome. I am excited about being more healthy and developing a new relationship with my body by taking better care of it. Also, I love any chance to build more meditation into my routine - so bring on 3 new meditation sessions a day!

On a lighter note, the photo above is a gift from one of my very good friends. When she gave it to me, I mentioned that in the past I haven't been the best at keeping plants alive. My husband often jokes about how I killed a bamboo plant within a week.... which is supposedly impressive. Not in a good way. I am really proud of myself every time I look at that plant and see how much it continues to grow. Maybe it's my inner Buddha nature coming to surface! Being aware is a good thing, and I welcome you to enjoy every moment of life because in an instant it can all be over.

"Be happy in the moment - that's enough. Each moment is all we need - not more." {Mother Teresa}