leaning towards elimination of meat

[Lavazza]

It is indeed a personal choice, and we on this forum understand and respect that with our hearts and minds.

Yes. Along side this issue (as with so many other issues) there is usually a feeling of smugness or superiority when one is sharing their personal values. It happens so often in every day life that I think we are simply expecting it or imagining that it is already there as we read each others' words. But I don't think anyone is feeling smug or superior here, thank heavens. As students of oneness, I feel we've collectively left this behind, for the great majority of our sharings. One of the many reasons I can't get enough of this place.

We are all one. All paths are valid.

[Peregrinus]

I try to feel less superior in every way irregardless of my choices. The path to the one is in humility and meekness, for the meek shall inherit the earth.

[ayadew]

I find it difficult to be humble for I have to do it consciously. It's not something actively encouraged from external sources, that's for sure.
The ego plays it's game: You find yourself looking if someone quotes you and feel proud for it. If someone agrees with your words, even better. If someone disagrees, heaven's no - how can this be. If someone tells you "thank you", well, that was expected, for you are so wise.
When I find myself thinking in these naive patterns I remind myself that all of you people posting might as well have been me. Well, you are me. Each gratitude amined towards any of you is an equal gratitude towards myself. Each gratitude I am towards you is also towards myself.

I am so happy to read all that which you say, regardless of what it is. This is what I want to feel, even though I do not sometimes.
Forgiveness of self..

[Ali Quadir]

I agree with what was said before about becoming vegetarian if you feel the moral pull. I however, do not feel such a pull. I love meat, and I have no qualms about eating it. I believe that there is nothing wrong with eating meat, as it is a natural source of energy. The ways that meat is harvested, while not the best, is just the way it is in my point of view. Would I support a more humane way of getting meat? Of course I would, but I simply don't feel the need to stop eating it. It is a very personal decision, and if a person feels that it is the right path for them, then more power to them!

I bought a chicken breast today, as a gift. I may not eat meat, but my house mate does. That'll teach her right? hah!

Don't feel judged Colorado, all of my best friends eat meat. If I had to drop all meat eaters from my list of friends I'd have one friend left. It's not that I dislike them. I just hardly know any and I don't feel the need to go looking for them.

Sometimes we need to be bold and stand for our beliefs. There is value in any position if we look for it. And this value can be expressed. Must be expressed if we are to find common grounds. This just isn't a belief to push unto others. I don't think I want good people to be humble and bad people to not be humble. Be proud of who you are, be proud of the fact that you accept others as they are. It is a good thing.

My sufi friend told me once that everyone is entitled to my opinion. Just in case I have something good to say, it would be a waste if it went unheard. Humility can be seen in different ways, first of all disregard of self. I don't think we're talking about that particular version. The other is regard for others and I think that's the value we're sharing in this thread.

Sometimes the most humble persons are the ones who step up because they feel they have something important and useful to share.

[AnthroHeart]

What you say is interesting Ali. I've been reading about not just offering opinion unless it's asked for. Well, I actually do like to test myself, as sometimes I'll have an urge to say something, even if it's silly, to be funny. I work toward being at peace even if I can't get my opinion out. So sometimes I have an urge to do something that brings up anxiety in me. It helps me a lot to sometimes not give into that urge, to learn to be ok in any situation.

[norral]

i was following the discussion about vegetarianism . i was a vegan for
about 6 to 7 years and then went back to eating meat again.

lately though definitely been thinking about becoming vegan again.
2 reasons meat is probably the hardest thing to digest and
secondly i dont like the way the animals are treated. its inhumane
imho . hunting an animal yourself is a much more honest way of eating
if you are going to eat meat. the way we treat our farm animals for
eating is brutal and unnatural. i will continue to eat fish for whatever
reason i dont have a problem with that right now . just thought
id post im not criticizing anybody i am not a vegan yet so i am contributing still to the suffering the animals go thru so im not judging anybody at all

love and light
norral

[Ashim]

Nice post norral. I have similar experiences. I became vegetarian in my 20's for a couple of years but then sort of felt I was denying myself something. It was almost that I had forced myself out of some sort of moral obligation to not eat meat.

I am a huge fan of good food and enjoy being the cook in our family. For me it’s a great way to chill after work, being in the kitchen, chatting with my folks and creating a lovely curry.
So meat was back on the menu, at least for a while.

During the course of my spiritual development I began blessing and thanking the animals for their sacrifice. The message of Ra, for me personally was starting to become very natural. There was little resistance to this change and I just transformed back to a non-meat eater in a 'moment'.
This time I feel very 'natural' about this path, there is no sense of obligation rather only gratitude.

Should I be invited to dinner with friends and meat is on the menu, I would not like to put the host out and would accept the sacrifice of the animal and be grateful for the 'gift' of a nice meal in good company.
This again just 'feels' right to me at this time.

Another factor has been my love for plants and our garden.
Had I been told 20 years ago that my hobby would be 'gardening' I would never have believed it, but the closeness with nature has become such a great love and a fantastic tool for seeing the beauty of the Creation in every single experienced moment. This allows me to find the stillness that is so necessary for higher self dialogue.

To be honest and hopefully not have the 'men in black' appear at the door, my first 'gardening' attempts involved a grow lamp, a room that remained conspicuously 'off limits' during visits from my parents and a very pungent 'odour' within a 2 mile radius of the house. I thought I was being very 'low profile' only to discover that the entire village knew very well what I was up to. It was a big joke amongst my friends at the time.
Needless to say the 'fruits' of my garden today are more along the lines of salad, onions and beetroot.

Food you grow yourself tastes amazing.

I now really understand that there is nothing 'wrong' with eating meat. For me it's about honouring the sacrifice. We all do this in our own way.

Love & Light

[Ali Quadir]

Good Job Norral...
I'd suggest that if you'd feel inclined to take a lighter route you'd also be removing a lot of suffering from the world. A bit for a long time is often more than going to extremes for a shorter period. Ease yourself into it. By taking small but confident steps rather than leaps of faith.

[norral]

thanks guys for the responses.
i think the whole thing is tied into the fact that the energy coming
the earth right now is raising the vibration of everything.
personally its just making me more concious of the suffering
occuring here on this planet and the part i play in contributing to it.
what a ride this is!!!


peace and love to you my brothers
norral

[fairyfarmgirl]

Nice post norral. I have similar experiences. I became vegetarian in my 20's for a couple of years but then sort of felt I was denying myself something. It was almost that I had forced myself out of some sort of moral obligation to not eat meat.

I am a huge fan of good food and enjoy being the cook in our family. For me it’s a great way to chill after work, being in the kitchen, chatting with my folks and creating a lovely curry.
So meat was back on the menu, at least for a while.

During the course of my spiritual development I began blessing and thanking the animals for their sacrifice. The message of Ra, for me personally was starting to become very natural. There was little resistance to this change and I just transformed back to a non-meat eater in a 'moment'.
This time I feel very 'natural' about this path, there is no sense of obligation rather only gratitude.

Should I be invited to dinner with friends and meat is on the menu, I would not like to put the host out and would accept the sacrifice of the animal and be grateful for the 'gift' of a nice meal in good company.
This again just 'feels' right to me at this time.

Another factor has been my love for plants and our garden.
Had I been told 20 years ago that my hobby would be 'gardening' I would never have believed it, but the closeness with nature has become such a great love and a fantastic tool for seeing the beauty of the Creation in every single experienced moment. This allows me to find the stillness that is so necessary for higher self dialogue.

To be honest and hopefully not have the 'men in black' appear at the door, my first 'gardening' attempts involved a grow lamp, a room that remained conspicuously 'off limits' during visits from my parents and a very pungent 'odour' within a 2 mile radius of the house. I thought I was being very 'low profile' only to discover that the entire village knew very well what I was up to. It was a big joke amongst my friends at the time.
Needless to say the 'fruits' of my garden today are more along the lines of salad, onions and beetroot.

Food you grow yourself tastes amazing.

I now really understand that there is nothing 'wrong' with eating meat. For me it's about honouring the sacrifice. We all do this in our own way.

Love & Light

I am omnivorous as well--- I eat what is given and bless it every step of the way --- I am a big fan of Anastasia of the Ringing Cedars of Russia series by Vladmire Megre ---especially the 1st book.
love--

Fairyfarmgirl

[Monica]

Moderator note: Another thread on the same topic, that was originally posted in the Strictly Law of One sub-forum, has been merged with this thread.

Please see also: Life on Planet Earth > In regards to eating meat for more discussion on this topic.

[Aaron]

While I'm still omnivorous because I still do eat meat every once in a while, I now find myself eliminating meat from my diet just because it feels right. This feeling that started about 20 days ago has simply intensified. It's a feeling that meat reacts differently with my body and makes it less happy. It's not like I'm forcing myself to do anything, not like I'm taking any logical cognitive step towards identifying myself as a vegetarian. I'm not even going out of my way to avoid meat. I'm simply following a sudden and naturally occurring inclination to not consume meat or fish because it's not as much of a "good eat" as something meatless. It's very strange, and I don't quite understand where it comes from.

At the same time, I've been eating healthier foods and feeling my body's feedback of "great!". However, this feedback is entirely separate from the random inclination towards not eating meat.

[AnthroHeart]

I'm doing the same thing more lately with dairy, eating virtually no cheese, and haven't had milk in so long, instead using almond milk. Ranch dressing will take a bit but cutting out meat and dairy seem to be easier.

I too haven't cut them out completely. About once a month or so I have had meat in the last couple months.

Next is eliminating caffeine and sugar. My body definitely feels better without these.

[Gohava Sebi]

I eat everything in moderation, but try to eat more vegetables than anything. I'm thankful for any food that I can afford to get my hands on!

[fairyfarmgirl]

Gohava Sebi--- Thank you, I can relate! --fairyfarmgirl

[unity100]

I'm thankful for any food that I can afford to get my hands on!

in the spiritual context, whether the food you get your hands on feels thankful or not, also matters.

[CircleofOne]

Some really meaty conversation here! (oh I went there ;P)

I honestly wonder if we aren't all getting more and more of an internal 'nudge' towards vegetarian diets? I wonder this because I, someone who can make a meal of nothing but meat from the grill, have been slowly shifting towards more and more vegetables, really without much thought going into it until recently. It looks like others here are experiencing the same? My girlfriend and I work at the local farmers markets a few days a week, and we end up taking home a lot of vegetables that I've been learning to cook in different ways, with some truly mouthwatering results.

Some mentioned earlier the prices of whole foods being so much higher, and I wanted to share some info. Organic stores like Whole Foods, or Co-ops do carry good local foods, and usually have a fairly large selection, but of course the price can be a real curbstomp to the wallet. Did you know you can get a lot of those same foods, sometimes the exact same crops, for much cheaper by cutting out the middle man? If you have never been to a local farmer's market, it is a great experience, and not just in that you come away with naturally DELICIOUS foods. The atmosphere tends to be very friendly, very communal. Suddenly you can put a face with that ear of corn you're buying. You know that that person spent their time, sweat, and energy to plant it, tend it, and harvest it. The taste of real farm-raised, as opposed to factory farm-raised, produce is amazing. I have never been a fan of squash, but after eating some from a local farmer I seriously cannot get enough! I think many Americans grow up with a dislike for vegetables because they only eat the stuff you get in the grocery store or Walmart, which is usually not very good: skimpy, tasteless, uncared for. Love really does make it taste better! If you live in a larger city, you may be blessed with more of an open-air market where you can find TONS of delicious, and sometimes unusual foods.

Further, if you've never tried gardening, a lot of people are pleasantly surprised the first time they do it. I'm not even necessarily talking about squaring off your backyard if you have one. My gf and I have a good sized garden on the front porch of a studio apartment, all in plastic bins. Some vegetables will almost grow themselves, and all you need to do is water them, and of course LOVE them. No pesticides are needed because the containers keep out the "bad" bugs. Even having something as simple as an herb garden can make a huge difference in your meals if you like or love to cook. Being able to add fresh garlic chives, rosemary, and basil to pasta with a homemade tomato-cream sauce...that's a perfect meal my friends! Sorry if that got off on a little tanget, I think you can probably tell I'm passionate about it!

I'm thinking I might embark on this little vegetarian adventure and see where it takes me! But tomorrow, because I've got some fresh tomatoes waiting to go on some BLTs! Cheers! L/L!

[Monica]

in the spiritual context, whether the food you get your hands on feels thankful or not, also matters.

Profound! :idea:

---

I honestly wonder if we aren't all getting more and more of an internal 'nudge' towards vegetarian diets?

Hi CircleofOne and welcome to Bring4th!

That does seem to be a trend. What I find interesting is that it seems to be happening to a lot of people without their conscious decisions, so it does seem to indicate a guidance.

Thanks for the endorsement of the local farmers' markets! Any suggestions on how to go about finding them?

We just planted some fruit trees and built a garden...planting for the fall! And sprouting is cheap and easy as well.

[CircleofOne]

I've only lived in 2 towns, granted they're 600 miles apart from each other, but each state (TN and KS) has a heavy agricultural background. I would think from what I've seen that most markets are held in a "downtown" location, even though that has a wide range of definitions depending on what kind of area you live in. If you know any farmers, or just someone who has a mid-sized garden, they can probably tell you where it is and when it meets. A web search might be useful too. If there isn't one in your home town, you might check the surrounding counties. It could turn into a bit of a drive, but I would drive to the end of the world for a perfect tomato! Good luck with your garden!

[Monica]

Thanks! I'm very excited about the garden and the fruit trees. Last time, I gave up on gardening after finding a rattlesnake wedged between the railroad ties, and because of the bugs. But now I have a solution for both. And I'm now wondering why I didn't plant fruit trees 25 years ago!

[CircleofOne]

My solution for the poisonous snakes (BLEH!!!) would be something like a bazooka, or anti-matter plasma cannon, but I'm glad you found a solution If you ever need tips, my wife is a horticultural expert and would be glad to give advice through pms.

[Monica]

If you ever need tips, my wife is a horticultural expert and would be glad to give advice through pms.

Thanks! I will take you up on that!

[Monica]

Here is what we just ate for lunch. We just got this book entitled Raw Foods Made Easy by Jennifer Cornbleet, and this is the first recipe we've made. This took a bit more work, but I think next time we can to it a lot faster. Crust is cashews (or coconut), walnuts, pitted dates and a dash of Celtic salt in a food processor. Topping is mango pudding, topped with berries.

This looks like a dessert, but actually it's a complete meal! Fruit provides calories and lots of nutrients, and nuts provide the healthy oils and protein.

For dinner we'll have something with veggies. Greens provide lots of protein too.

[unity100]

usage of enough butter and vegetable oil, and salt and spices in your foods will probably give most of the satisfaction eating meat provides.

[Lavazza]

Hey Monica, can you slide one of those over my way? Lookin' good!

[Monica]

Hey Monica, can you slide one of those over my way? Lookin' good!

Sure! C'mon over for lunch!

I feel like a whole new world has opened up. I've been a vegetarian for almost 30 years, but last time I tried to do raw foods vegan, there was very little in the way of resources. All the raw vegan recipes were just variations of glop, nut patties, and more glop...all seasoned with "Bragg's liquid aminos to taste." Bleh!!!

But now, OMG there are literally dozens, maybe even hundreds, of raw vegan recipe books, some based on upscale gourmet restaurants. Now, the food is not only edible, but actually delicious! And some are even quite decadent seeming...like rich pies made with cashew custard...yet the oils are healthy oils, not fattening. (Although you can definitely overdo the fats, so common sense does come into play.)

These veggie threads actually inspired me take that leap to vegan (no redeeming value in dairy foods, except free-range eggs and raw goats' milk, imo) and get inspired about raw vegan. Now, instead of feeling deprived, pursuing such a diet can actually be very exciting and a feast for the taste buds!

Oh, for dinner yesterday we had gazpacho and spicy guacamole-stuffed red bell peppers. Yum! I cheated and had a slice of spelt bread, so it wasn't totally raw. But guess what, I didn't feel guilty in the least!

I picked up a dehydrator at a garage sale, found that the cheap ones don't always work very well, so I decided to get a better one. I like having something munchy, and with a dehydrator, we can make all sorts of sprouted-nut-and-grain-based delicious breads, crackers and even cookies! All enzymatically intact and full of life-force.

[Monica]

usage of enough butter and vegetable oil, and salt and spices in your foods will probably give most of the satisfaction eating meat provides.

I agree with the gist of what you're saying, though I would suggest more plant-based oils like avocadoes, nuts and seeds, with less reliance on butter and cheeses, though they certainly can fill in the gaps when on a transitional diet.

Many would-be vegetarians went back to eating animals because they tried to live on salads and celery sticks. Better to stay satisfied and yes, getting enough oils (preferably healthy oils) and spices can make the difference between feeling satisfied and not feeling satisfied.

There are lots of great veg. cookbooks featuring tofu and other plant-based proteins, that feature meals so hearty you won't even miss the animal parts! I regularly fed my family lasagne, enchiladas, pizza, stir-fry, veggie burgers, chili, and other hearty dishes. No one will miss the meat with these!

[unity100]

i subsist on bread, cheese, yoghurt etc.

[CircleofOne]

That looks like it was really tasty Monica!

Has anyone here every tried a juice diet? The investment in a juicing machine puts it out my reach for now, but it sounded really interesting because you just take whatever fruits and vegetables you want and just drink the juices from them. I like drinking more than eating anyway!

[Monica]

That looks like it was really tasty Monica!

Yes, it tasted even better than it looked!

Has anyone here every tried a juice diet? The investment in a juicing machine puts it out my reach for now, but it sounded really interesting because you just take whatever fruits and vegetables you want and just drink the juices from them. I like drinking more than eating anyway!

I have done juice fasts for up to 3 weeks at a time, many many times. It invigorates the body and mind and touches the soul!

Try your local craigslist. There are usually some juicers for cheap. After my last juicer died (after 15 years of faithful, daily use), I found a nearly-new machine for $30 on craigslist. It's a good brand so I know I'll get at least another 10 years out of it. What a deal!