Finding My Comfort Level – Almost 1 Year Later

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My one year anniversary being vegetarian is two days away and to say that temptation to slip into my previous eating habits hasn’t come across my mind would be a lie. However tempting it may be to order a filet mignon, I still rather eat a baked potato, steamed veggies and a side order of garden salad. It’s funny how I’ll watch a commercial for a steakhouse and as normal people would drool at the sight of a piece of cow on a plate, instead I’m focused on the side dishes of mashed potatoes, salad and garlic bread.

I’m still coming to terms of my comfort level in my vegetarianism – where to draw the line so to speak. As in my previous post, there is suffering in every aspect of life whether intentional or not. Many animal products are used in items that most people would not think that they would have. Many foods, although considered vegetarian or vegan, will state that their product may include or have come into contact with dairy or other animal by-products. I believe the point to be vegetarian or vegan, is to reduce your own direct impact or involvement of the suffering or use and consumption of animal products. One shouldn’t become militaristic in this venture, because as much as you try, some things may be unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean you should give up your beliefs if you feel passionately about it.

For instance, I try to avoid candies and items that include gelatin, like gummy candies and marshmallows. Gelatin is derived from the collagen inside animals’ skin and bones – sounds pretty nasty, right? When I can avoid it, I do. But, even some medications in capsule forms include gelatin. Sure, you can avoid those ones that contain it and opt for others that are vegan friendly. But, what if you received a prescription for a medication you really needed and your health depended on it, and you’re vegan, would you deny your health for the sake of staying true to your belief? May sound harsh, but in that case, I would want to get better and take the medication for the sake of my health and to stay healthy for my family.

Due to my own health concerns that I face, I find that I should consume Omega-3 on a daily basis. Omega-3 can be found in many other foods other than shellfish and fish, although the highest concentrations are found in fish. I have sometimes contemplated eating fish, but my new found morals conflict with the science that I know. I know there are supplements, and I’m still looking for the right ones available near me. I have considered Omega-3 supplements; however, most on the market are from either fish or krill. Although I’m not eating the flesh of the fish, it is from fish and therefore not vegetarian.

Buddhism in general doesn’t teach of a vegetarian diet, but compassion to all is the main theme. Buddha himself wasn’t exactly vegetarian and even the 14^th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, who is vegetarian mostly when he is at home in Dharamsala, India eats meat occasionally as a recommendation from his doctors. I suppose, a vegetarian diet as proven to have overall health benefits and is a compassionate diet, does not entirely show how compassionate one person is. A person, who lies, steals and cheats but is vegetarian, is not proven to be better morally than an honest, truthful and faithful person who eats meat.

These questions and philosophies conflict me, but they raise me up to think more about my beliefs and what I will stand for.

In general, I rarely crave to eat meat… like chicken when it looks tempting, but then I think of all the stuff that goes with the chicken, and I rather eat that! Food is a social commodity. We all have happy memories of eating with family and friends, and most likely there was meat involved and we’re attached to that feeling it brings us. Turkey at Thanksgiving and Christmas, birthday events, celebrations, etc. all have pleasant memories that keep us wanting to experience it again. Sure, I miss going to The Keg restaurant and eating a steak – it’ll look odd going to a steakhouse and asking for the filet mignon with side potato and veggies and to hold the steak. Paying $35 for a potato and veggies. It really is cheaper to eat at home.

A vegetarian diet is technically cheaper than a meat eating diet, and it has many benefits. I have thought of adding fish to my diet and I’m still on the fence. Will anyone understand what a pescatarian is? Will I be able to justify it? Will I only eat fish once a month? Once a week? A few times a year? Or do I just take fish supplements? But, then I wouldn’t be vegetarian. It becomes a social thing perhaps of what others will think in the vegetarian community. But, perhaps, it shouldn’t matter. What should matter is compassion to all, kindness to all, and helping others, and if you can’t then at least do not harm them.

As my one year mark approaches, I can be proud of myself, but I still have some growing and soul searching to do. Kudos to anyone starting, continuing and surpassing the vegetarian diet and I will continue it as best I can. Tomorrow for lunch, Indian vegetarian curry and jasmine rice with salad.

Namaste.

Namaste

 “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” – Mahatma Gandhi

Like most people, I didn’t think much in terms of animal rights or lives further than my own pets in my care. Ever since I was little, I loved animals, but was raised eating meat like most families; not much thought was put into where the meat came from, but rather “what’s to eat tonight?” It wasn’t until a year ago, when I began searching for more purpose in my life to fill a spiritual void. I had everything I could need and want, but felt I lacked purpose within everything.  A year ago, I came across Meat Free Mondays / Meatless Mondays, discovered information on PETA.org and came to the decision to be vegetarian. It wasn’t easy at first, but there are so many vegetarian and vegan options. A year later, it’s become my nature to eat vegetarian. Months later, I discovered yoga and then Buddhism. The philosophies of Buddhism and yoga have added guidance and purpose.

If we all make simple changes we can change our lives, our health and our environment. Many of us live mindlessly concerning only ourselves and our immediates. But, if we expand our compassion and love to the less fortunate and those without voices, we increase our return on our actions (karma).

Here I hope to share thoughts on vegetarianism, veganism, animal rights, yoga and Buddhism.

~ When we lose our compassion for other sentient beings, we lose our humanity. ~