[split] "Some people eat animals, some don't."

[Monica]

People do get hurt and offended though, and while it may be true that such reactions come from inside, I still think it is beneficial to approach such sensitive topics with delicacy and a light touch.

Over the course of 5 years, I've learned that it doesn't matter. When the vegetarians/vegans were super sweet and walked on eggshells, we still got nasty insulted flung our way. It didn't matter how nice we were. When we were told we were 'too serious' and then tried to lighten up, we were then accused of being sarcastic, when what we intended was just a little humor, and maybe facetiousness at best, Not even to the point of sarcasm. It really was a matter of damned if you do, damned if you don't.

We've been told probably hundreds of times that we are supposed to 'accept' the choice to enslave and kill animals. Well if we're being expected to accept that, then I think they can accept our passion and conviction, as well as our sometimes lame attempts at humor.  

It works both ways!

That way, everyone feels invited to participate and contribute, and the discussion produces more fruit.

Hmmm....how do you determine whether any fruit has been produced or not?

Ironically, I've observed the opposite. In the early days, when we were treading delicately and overly sweet, trying to avoid ever offending anyone, we actually got MORE nasty insults than we did later when we were more open and free in our comments. Yes, 'tis true! I've actually been marveling at how fruitful the discussion has been lately, in comparison to the early days. And by 'fruitful' I don't mean how many people decide to go vegan; I mean simply focused, respectful discussion, as in the exchange of ideas.  

I am conflicted though, as I want to show compassion towards people on both sides of the argument, without however weakening my own convictions.  I disagree with the slaughter and consumption of animals, and I wish to see it end, but whenever I explain to others why I don't eat meat and their faces tense up at my response, I feel it necessary to not pursue any further unless questions are asked of me.

I think that folks do want to have a discussion about this topic, but fear of judgement holds them back from doing so.  Again, personal catalyst, but it can be worked through more effectively with the assistance of those offering it.  

We all go through that, my friend. It's a very difficult task that has been entrusted to us. I wish I knew the answer to that but I don't. All I can offer is my own experience.

In real life, I focus mostly on the health benefits of a plant-based diet. That is less threatening to most people because it doesn't trigger their guilt mechanism. I really don't care if they decide to go plant-based just for selfish health reasons, because the end result is the same, at least from the perspective of the animals. Whenever I talk with people in real life, I endeavor to remain focused in my heart center. That comes easily to me. I just naturally feel compassion for people, and, contrary to what some might think, I feel very compassionate towards people who are struggling with the meat issue. As an example, my best friend from high school is the daughter of a rancher, and she sometimes see my vegan postings on facebook. One of my vegan friends got into an exchange with her, and I pm'ed the vegan and asked her to be gentle with my friend, who had probably never even questioned her lifestyle. Yet I know that she is seeing what I post, and she has asked some questions. And get this: Her own daughter seems very progressive, with tattoos, and calls herself 'the animal rescuer'!! So my friend is being shown, from different sides, the information.

On the other hand, when my bigoted brothers start their rants, I'm much stronger in my demeanor and words. Why? Because that's the only language they know. It's called rapport. It's all about tuning into that particular person and focusing on LOVING them, and then the right words will flow. It happens every time, when we stay centered in the heart. We WILL say the right words, the exact right words that they need to hear, and they will receive them, to whatever degree they are ready for. And if, in some cases, they stiffen and look uncomfortable, that too is part of the process. That is NOT a bad thing. That might actually be necessary, to tear down the walls blocking their heart, and trigger new neuropathways in the brain.

Sometimes, depending on the situation, I might cheerily and brightly say "Did you know that pigs are smarter than dogs?" when someone is talking about their dog. Then I tell them about some intelligence experiments with pigs, or maybe I tell them about the cows forming friendships, or the bear saving the life of the bird, or the swans feeding the goldfish, or whatever...something to invite them to think and question what they've long believed. Sometimes all I can do is plant the seed, because that's all they're ready for.

If they are open and receptive, then yes, I absolutely do tell them about the atrocities of the meat/dairy industry. I do speak up, on behalf of those who are oppressed. It just depends on the person, as to HOW I speak up.

Sometimes, when offered meat, I shudder and look horrified, and say "Oh gosh, no thank you, I don't eat dead animals!" as though that were the most vile, disgusting thing in the world. This isn't an act; it's how I really feel. Why should I pretend otherwise? Why must I suppress myself just because I'm a minority? Again, just by me being me, it may trigger some new neuropathways in their brain. Whether it does or not, thought, isn't my concern in that moment. I'm just being REAL, just being who I really am. Why shouldn't I be?

Other times, depending on the social setting, I don't have that luxury. I must suppress my normal reaction and just politely say "No thank you, I'm a vegan" and leave it at that. This is fake to me, but because I have business and social commitments, I must suppress who I really am and what I really think. I don't like doing that, but I understand the reasons for it, and accept it. But, at the very least, I always do say I'm a vegan. I have that right. I'm Not judging them or saying anything at all about them; I'm simply expressing who I am.

Here, in a group dedicated to the study of the most advanced spiritual teaching in the land, I think it's appropriate to delve more deeply into the spiritual implications of eating animals, than we do with mainstream people we bump into at the grocery store, who might never have even questioned it before. Even then, vegans ARE making a HUGE impact, and most of them have never read the Law of One! Some are Christians, many are atheists. And yet they are out there, talking to people, and effecting change to the tune of meat consumption plummeting (in the words of the Huffington Post).

Then there are some who take more aggressive actions, going to grocery stores and other public places, and talking to the crowd with a megaphone. These are the ones who are more 'in your face' and annoying to the meat-eaters. But they DO have an impact too. They do have their place. I don't work like that; I lack the courage and the inclination. I prefer to work more one-on-one, in my everyday life, with the people I come into contact with. Since those are mostly mainstream people, it's only here that I can really get into the deeper implications, from a spiritual perspective.

All of these methods work, at different times, for different people. By 'work' I mean simply to raise awareness. What people do with that awareness is up to them.

Focus on Love, to all, human AND animal, and find the resolution of paradox. Refuse to choose between love for animals and love for humans. Love is love. Compassion is compassion. It makes NO difference whether it's directed towards 2D or 3D. Those are just arbitrary demarcations, which cause more blockages. Express love and compassion FREELY, towards human and animal alike. You CAN do BOTH! Indeed, doing both is the only way to be effective.

...