March 01, 2020 at 10:00PM by CWC As we enter March, one of the most potent months of the year, we step into unprecedented astrological opportunity. Cosmically speaking, the next few weeks don’t mess around, so neither should you. Mars, who represents passion, vigor, aggression, and action, travels at 9 degrees of Capricorn on March 1 and moves into Aquarius on March 30. Throughout this month of Mars in Capricorn, he’ll ignite three of the most massive planets—Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn—who also travel in the practical sign of the sea goat. This astrological phrase for three or more planets acting as one is known as stellium, and as Mars conjoins each, he ignites fury, adding his force to an already dynamic combination. While yes, this means certain tense situations will reach a boiling point, when it comes to unleashing your ambition, consider now the best time to devise a plan for action. Even with Mercury being retrograde until March 9, use this first week of the month to consider your deepest hopes, dreams, and wishes. With focus and dedication to work at hand, you can evolve your life during the next few weeks. The planets offer the conditions that govern the atmosphere, but the outcome is in your hands: How will you use this high-octane planetary fuel? While Mars is in Capricorn, he’ll also ignite three of the most massive planets, igniting fury, and adding his force to an already dynamic combination. So consider now the best time to devise
Day: March 1, 2020
Finding community—and resolving conflict—in the bleachers at Wrigley Field
March 01, 2020 at 09:20PM by CWC On a beautiful Thursday afternoon in August, I decided to do what any Chicago North Sider in their right mind might do—I closed my computer, donned a cap and some sunscreen, and headed to the Cubs game at Wrigley Field. When I purchased my ticket that morning, there was only one section I checked for availability—the bleachers. Bleachers seating at Wrigley Field, for me, was a no-brainer. They were where my friends and I had stationed ourselves for the better part of our adult lives, ever since we were old enough to navigate the “L” train to Addison Street and walk the single block to hometown revelry. We’d grab hot dogs, nachos, and peanuts, find seats, and, elbows on knees, spend the next three-plus hours mesmerized by Sosa’s swings, Farnsworth’s fastballs, and Alou’s sans glove batting style. It was all it took for several of us to later rent an apartment two blocks from the stadium, which served as home base for us for our first year out of college. If prime sun and an unhindered vantage point drew us to the bleachers, it was the fans that caused us to stay. In every Wrigley Field outing, it seemed as though my friends and I left with new game-day acquaintances, whom we had befriended somewhere between the home run high fives, 7th-inning stretch singalong, and requisite, post-win chanting of “Go Cubs Go.” The bleachers beckoned camaraderie. It didn’t matter the fronts we were
These easy, gut-healthy, plant-based meatballs come together in just 15 minutes
March 01, 2020 at 06:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJIyAiLh4IU] Confession: If it’s a weeknight and a recipe says it takes longer than 30 minutes, I swipe left on that faster than I would on a guy who says he’s sapiosexual on his Bumble profile. (Softboy alert!) This rule is generally a good idea, but it also means that some of my favorite foods are just off-limits if I’m cooking at home because of my self-imposed time constraints. Lasagna, dumplings, meatballs…I miss you all so much. Well, we have the fix for at least one of those foods. In the latest episode of Well+Good’s new video series Cook With Us, holistic nutritionist Kelly LeVeque created a plant-based Italian soup with vegan lentil meatballs (!). And reader, she made the entire meal in under 30 minutes. “My mom always used to make spaghetti and meatballs, and I was looking for a healthier alternative,” she says. But no alt-meat products here; as mentioned, LeVeque instead uses lentils as the protein base for her “meat”balls. It’s a pretty clever tweak, IMO. One cup of cooked lentils contains a whopping 18 grams of protein. These legumes are also full of fiber, which makes them great for digestive health, as well as disease-fighting polyphenols (aka plant compounds with antioxidant properties). Thanks to the combo of protein and fiber, they’re not going to leave you hungry an hour after you eat. “It’s gonna fill you up,” LeVeque says. She notes that you can buy dried lentils and
The germiest spot at your desk will have you wiping down every surface immediately
March 01, 2020 at 04:00PM by CWC You spend a lot of time at your desk. Like it or not, it’s basically your home away from home. It’s where you eat your healthy meal-prepped lunches there, get in some soothing full-body stretches, and occasionally get a workout in. It’s probably no surprise that the space is covered in germs—and one spot in particular will have you whipping out your all-purpose cleaner as soon as possible. According to microbiologist Jason Tetro, author of The Germ Files, there have been multiple different studies on the cleanliness of offices—desks included. “Obviously keyboards, mice, and devices have been identified as being quite germy,” he says. But a past study in PLoS One revealed two spots were especially germ-ridden: your chair and phone. “They’re the germiest places of all,” he says. Not only because of all the touching both encounter, but also because of the air circulation in the office. “Essentially, it’s a double whammy for these items.” Sure, your phone makes sense—you touch it constantly with who knows what on your hands, and you put it right up to your face. Your chair, however, is more surprising. But think about it: Even if you clean everything else in your desk area, when’s the last time you spent a few seconds tackling all the bacteria on your chair? It’s a desk staple that always gets forgotten about, even though you sit on it every single day. I don’t even want to think about the amount of times I’ve
Rock-Star Energy: The 4-step equinox ritual to help you spring forward in life
March 01, 2020 at 02:00PM by CWC There is nothing more important in spirituality and healing work than honestly facing yourself, embodying your unique gifts and high vibrations, and not spiritually bypassing anything. With monthly Rock-Star Energy forecasts, “Rock-Star Shaman” Alyson Charles represents those elements by communicating the wisdoms of both Earth (rock) and sky (star). Focusing on these Rock-Star elements for monthly energy forecasts assures that throughout our respective spiritual journey, we are grounding, rooting, and working on our lower chakras and our earthly, human tasks and behaviors. At the same time, we are also expanding, rising, working with the upper chakras, and connecting to the cosmos and stars to collaborate with the divine energy of the universe. Welcome to March, a month that can feel simultaneously thrilling, with the start of spring, and painful, as we navigate the time of change. What’s key for thriving this month is maintaining a strong sense of perspective and trust. Below, learn techniques for channeling the earthly energy of the “Rock” and also the ambitious growth energy of the “Star” that will help you make room in your life for what’s true to you. Rock We have spent the beginning of the decade working on ourselves, and for the last couple of months, we’ve been getting clearer than ever about what we want to come to fruition. March will be a pivotal time for moving us toward our goals in profound ways. But, one issue you may encounter is the need to cut
The ‘Fantastic Five’ to add some excitement to your leg day workout
March 01, 2020 at 12:00PM by CWC Leg day isn’t exactly the most exciting part of your workout routine. The exercises are generally the same week after week, so your main focus is probably checking them off your list and getting them over with. Well, not today, because—believe it or not—your leg day workout can actually be fun with a few simple tweaks. While you can only do so many basic squats before you’re over it, moving across the room while dropping it low can up the excitement. And instead of doing lunges, you can do a glide variation that will leave you sweating bullets—not to mention burning all over. “Having strong legs allows you to perform your best in workouts. Plus, glutes fall into the leg day category, and everyone wants a good peach,” says Oliver Lee, Peloton Tread instructor. The next time leg day rolls around, switch things up with the “Fantastic Five”—a group of trainer-approved exercises that allow you to work your legs and have fun doing it. Try the ‘Fantastic Five’ to make your leg day workout more interesting [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC8qXgXeQrE?start=141] 1. Low lunge glide Stand in a wide stance with your toes pointed out. Keeping your chest up and a straight line from your head to your tailbone, move your body from side to side in a low lunge. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-kPo9o-PvQ?start=46] 2. Pliés Stand in a wide stance with your toes pointed out. Keeping a neutral spine, bend your knees and lower your body into a