Definitely not the end.

As this semester draws to a close I think it's only appropriate to chat a bit about the book I read via books on tape!  I read Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn.  I wish I could say I devoured it and loved every minute of it (and perhaps I was too much in the trenches of work and school to enjoy it!) but the ideas seemed a little too...  elementary, for lack of a better word.  I'm going to give it another try, but he basically gave many meditation options that are fantastic for those that are just starting to delve into the world of meditation.  However, I wanted a bit more.  He did talk quite a bit about somatic functioning... in other words, as my Human Behavior professor says, "If you don't scream, your body will."  I won't dissect the book anymore, except to say that I would like to give it a chance by reading it book, not book on tape form!  His voice was so soothing that I often lost the point!

After reading the book I took a little self assessment of how kindly I am treating my self...
Eating:  I recommend anyone check out Skinny Bitch for a quick, funny read about the dairy/cattle/poultry industries.  The authors give you really really down to earth advice about actual NUTRITION as opposed to what will make you lose the most weight.  Yes, they advocate a vegan diet, but I think their general concepts, even if you don't plan on following a vegan diet, are worthwhile!  Also, as social-workers, I find that we not only love to advocate for humans, but we also love and respect animals!  This book covers a lot of the abusive big farm industry and makes one think twice about what we put in our bodies!  Even if you don't read a book, use common sense.  We're busy, I know I made the mistake of eating whatever was easiest and at the next drive through at the beginning of the semester.  Now, I feel a WORLD of difference in how I'm able to concentrate and do school work!  Plus, I just feeeeel better!

Exercise:  Whereas I ran a 10K a month or so ago, I've found that when work and school get hectic, exercise is the first to go.  I'm planning to run a 1/2 marathon in October, so I better get crackin'!  Again, no surprise that I just FEEL better when I'm running regularly (as opposed to sitting on my rear for 4 hours straight).  This is definitely an area that could use some revamping.  Any ideas for how one might choose an exercise plan and stick to it even when it's super busy? 

Sleep:  I wonder if I am just going to have to do my best with this one and kind of come to the realization that I will never have much sleep.  I have been doing better with my sleep because, mostly, I can't survive on as little sleep as I used to.

Mindefulness:I am going to continue to see literature on mindfulness and post on my blog.  I don't feel that I have reached even close to my potential.  Mindfulness is quite possibly the most important area of holistic health and I have a long way to go!

Any suggestions and ways to improve, I am always open!  Thank goodness we made it to the end of the semester!!!  So I leave you (for the moment) with my favorite compassion fatigue quote:


What is to give light must endure burning.
-Viktor Frankl