03-30-2010, 06:57 PM
I just wanted to write a quick final post in this thread to thank everyone for sharing their perspectives on this topic.
While I certainly don't agree with those last comments truly reflecting the reality of the economics of meat versus vegetable production, nor on the relevance of a fruit bat's choices to my own, I appreciate what you guys are trying to convey, I really do.
I personally did not change my core beliefs about meat eating -- and I rather suspect neither did anyone else participating in this thread -- but I do feel that despite the tense moments, I learned a great deal. Reading this thread helped me to better understand and accept other views on an issue that is very dear to my heart. I wrote things in this thread that I've never spoken aloud in "mixed company" and I feel that I received the same level of honesty in kind from those who do not refrain from meat consumption. I recognize these posts as gifts to each other -- gifts of openness and honesty - a true peek into the hearts of beloved Other-Selves coming from different places.
Monica's posts helped me a great deal to clarify my inner thoughts, to know that I am not alone in my struggle, and to enhance my understanding of my own conclusions. Fairyfarmgirl, thefool, and others helped me to take a more balanced, nuanced view of the other side of this question and to really ponder deeply the VALIDITY of other points of view. Thank you, thank you, for such thoughtful catalyst.
I hope that both those who choose to eat meat and those who choose to refrain will help raise the bar on these kinds of conversations in the wider world. All too frequently, vegetarians get arrogant and feel superior or angry at meat eaters. At the same time, it is far too common of an experience for a vegetarian quietly making their choice to be harassed and antagonized by those who will not respect this choice. Let's be honest, here -- outside of a loving place such as this forum, these attitudes are common. I propose we try to take the spirit of the forum with us the next time the topic arises with those who are not quite so spiritually-oriented. Let's raise the compassion and love in this debate -- remember how we respect each other and try to help others find the love and common ground even in disagreement.
I'd like to focus on the love in each and every moment. There's not much more to say on this topic, really. The words we have already written, from all angles, stand on their own, echoing through the ether at their own level of vibration. It is my sincere wish that this dialogue be helpful to others that may one day read them.
One thing I found particularly heartening is that everyone seemed to have a well-thought and multi-dimensional stance on the topic, as opposed to unconscious habit or unthinking fanaticism. We may choose differently than each other, but clearly we are doing so with AWARENESS.
I am walking my own personal STO path to the best of my ability, following my heart and the Creator's gentle guidance. While I do so, I will endeavor to remember that our paths are all unique, as are our very beings, but that at our core, we are One. Each of you are beautiful, sacred expressions of the One Infinite Creator that is All. To everyone, even to those with whom I do not agree, I respect your path, honor the validity of your perspective, and thank you for this civil and open dialogue.
Thank you so much, dear brothers and sisters, for teaching me, for challenging me, for sharing your innermost thoughts, and for loving me. I am humbled and filled with gratitude and joy that you are here with me on this Journey.
Love to all
While I certainly don't agree with those last comments truly reflecting the reality of the economics of meat versus vegetable production, nor on the relevance of a fruit bat's choices to my own, I appreciate what you guys are trying to convey, I really do.
I personally did not change my core beliefs about meat eating -- and I rather suspect neither did anyone else participating in this thread -- but I do feel that despite the tense moments, I learned a great deal. Reading this thread helped me to better understand and accept other views on an issue that is very dear to my heart. I wrote things in this thread that I've never spoken aloud in "mixed company" and I feel that I received the same level of honesty in kind from those who do not refrain from meat consumption. I recognize these posts as gifts to each other -- gifts of openness and honesty - a true peek into the hearts of beloved Other-Selves coming from different places.
Monica's posts helped me a great deal to clarify my inner thoughts, to know that I am not alone in my struggle, and to enhance my understanding of my own conclusions. Fairyfarmgirl, thefool, and others helped me to take a more balanced, nuanced view of the other side of this question and to really ponder deeply the VALIDITY of other points of view. Thank you, thank you, for such thoughtful catalyst.
I hope that both those who choose to eat meat and those who choose to refrain will help raise the bar on these kinds of conversations in the wider world. All too frequently, vegetarians get arrogant and feel superior or angry at meat eaters. At the same time, it is far too common of an experience for a vegetarian quietly making their choice to be harassed and antagonized by those who will not respect this choice. Let's be honest, here -- outside of a loving place such as this forum, these attitudes are common. I propose we try to take the spirit of the forum with us the next time the topic arises with those who are not quite so spiritually-oriented. Let's raise the compassion and love in this debate -- remember how we respect each other and try to help others find the love and common ground even in disagreement.
I'd like to focus on the love in each and every moment. There's not much more to say on this topic, really. The words we have already written, from all angles, stand on their own, echoing through the ether at their own level of vibration. It is my sincere wish that this dialogue be helpful to others that may one day read them.
One thing I found particularly heartening is that everyone seemed to have a well-thought and multi-dimensional stance on the topic, as opposed to unconscious habit or unthinking fanaticism. We may choose differently than each other, but clearly we are doing so with AWARENESS.
I am walking my own personal STO path to the best of my ability, following my heart and the Creator's gentle guidance. While I do so, I will endeavor to remember that our paths are all unique, as are our very beings, but that at our core, we are One. Each of you are beautiful, sacred expressions of the One Infinite Creator that is All. To everyone, even to those with whom I do not agree, I respect your path, honor the validity of your perspective, and thank you for this civil and open dialogue.
Thank you so much, dear brothers and sisters, for teaching me, for challenging me, for sharing your innermost thoughts, and for loving me. I am humbled and filled with gratitude and joy that you are here with me on this Journey.
Love to all