Going vegan holds a perfect imperfection that is essentially what life is about. It’s not about perfectly avoiding killing every single being, or perfectly being able to take part in non-violence. I am fully aware that by eating fruits and vegetables that are harvested by machines, I am participating in the killing of critters and bugs, and their lives matter.
To me, being vegan is about doing my best for non-violence, as much as I can. Non-violence towards animals, the planet, other humans, and myself. It’s about strongly feeling a sense of connection to all people, creatures, and myself as well.
It’s not always easy. Sometimes the emotions entangled in being vegan, and doing it from such a vulnerable place, are tough to cope with. Sometimes, I feel a total sense of overwhelm in trying to stay connected and present to all the beauty and good, as well as all the ugliness in the world.
For me, going vegan is about staying in a place of conscious connection and really taking responsibility and charge for my actions on this planet, and being awake to all of the things I can do better.
Going vegan means opening your eyes to the cruelty and violence that you yourself were part of for so long, and even the small acts of violence you still commit daily by speaking a certain way to others, and also to yourself.
So yes, there is great complexity in the way I perceive being a vegan, and that complexity walks with me wherever I go, but it has also helped me grow so much as a human, and do my best to develop a beautiful relationship with myself and with all other beings where I no longer see myself as superior to anyone.
Join me, and learn and grow a little more every day.
