It’s roughly half a week since I last ate meat, and so far so extremely good. The very best part is that I feel I’m returning to my authentic self. Whether this sense of peace and clear-headedness is owed to a clear conscience regarding food, or to the cold, rainy weather we’ve been having, I don’t know. All I know is that I feel really, really peaceful.
A couple of food highlights: I spent a few minutes this morning turning loads of locally grown basil & garlic and other good things into pesto to be used in the beautiful grey months ahead. Earlier this week, I enjoyed a dish of lovely black bean soup with a tomato/mozzarella Panini. And there was the joy of preparing an apple/cranberry crisp.
I think part of the sense of well-being comes from enjoying the ingredients I’m working with. When peeling apples or pulling the leaves from basil plants, I feel an inner, timeless connection with those who have stood in kitchens and performed the same tasks. I’m not distracted by revulsion and mourning for a chicken I’ve never met.
In my house this very moment are the same foods which tripped me up last week: Oreos, chips, and so on. But they don’t hold the allure which herbs and grains, fruits and veggies do.
I'm also happy to report that a) since my most recent bike repair and despite roadwork, I've logged a few miles on my bike (especially handy to bike home after leaving the minivan with the mechanic); and b) I've found a counselor who, I'm hoping, will help me continue to learn to balance my needs with those of my family, friends, and society at-large.
And in the background of all this I occasionally set my sights on those two triathlons next summer.
Like I said, so far so good.
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