I like experimenting with my body, and seeing how my mind reacts. This year I have given up alcohol, just to see how I’d react in moments of stress and in social life. All going good so far, nearly reaching 10 months without drinking. Even over these last few months, with so much going on for me, I didn’t think once of asking help from a glass of wine 😉 it’s really good to see how body and mind change when we change habits.

I haven’t either drunk much coffee in the past couple of years. I haven’t given up coffee completely but I’ve been careful when drinking coffee as I’ve noticed it agitates my mind. So I’ve been drinking decaf instead, or simply chai/tea. It’s interesting how coffee is such an addiction everywhere – here at the retreat we have a designated person for coffee making as seva! Even though we have Italian coffee here, I don’t feel like having it. I feel so happy that I’m super determined to make habits change. Specially now, with so much uncertainty, I wouldn’t want an even more anxious mind.

And another experiment – I’m trying to eat a vegan diet for these five weeks. Our meals here are vegan (prepared with local, seasonal produce!), but some people have brought cheese in from town (I don’t blame them!) or other animal products. I’m determined though to avoid these and stick with vegan meals, and see how my body and mind will react over these five weeks. So far I feel light, my bowels are working wonderfully every day and I’ve been sleeping well. Winning!