It’s no surprise my taste buds changed since my tastes in everything else changed. It wasn’t that I was all “spiritual” now, so I shouldn’t eat meat, but I believe a rise in my consciousness contributed to this. I’ve always been empathic, especially towards animals, but now my empathy is on full blast since I removed all of the ice blocks from my heart. It can be so intense sometimes that I’ve had to learn how to turn it down energetically- otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to hang out here on Earth. This epiphany came from an unlikely source because, as far as I know, this woman isn’t vegan or vegetarian, and this was not the message she was trying to convey when I was watching her show. It was Lisa Vanderpump from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
I was putting on my makeup, so I wasn’t paying close attention, but it was an episode where she was putting on a benefit to save dogs from the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China. Although I appreciate her raising awareness, saving many dogs, and helping them get adopted, I wanted to know what made a dog’s life more valuable than a cow’s. For many Hindus, the cow is sacred, so did that mean they looked at me the way I looked at people who ate dogs?
I know Lisa Vanderpump serves meat at her restaurants, so is she any better? Was I any better?? One could argue it’s about savagery, but the truth is that Lisa, I, and most people just purchase the meat. We don’t know what goes on before that. Or do we just refuse to acknowledge it? That way, we can say we’re better and blame others. Is there even a way to kill humanely??
Then I had another unsettling thought. Would I have participated in this festival if I’d been born in this culture? Even though I know my soul is the same no matter what vehicle it’s in or where it is, we all know family and traditions shape us until we grow up. That’s part of the contract we sign up for before reincarnating here. Then if we’re lucky, we spend a good amount of our adult lives undoing this programming. I tried to put myself in their shoes, just doing what their parents did, their parents doing what their parents did before them, and so on. Although I think everyone should be aware of cruelty, I didn’t grow up there.
Instead of disgust and judgment, I decided to be the change I wanted to see. I’d tried to be a vegetarian in the past, but it only lasted a month. I knew that if I wanted this to be a permanent lifestyle choice this time, I would have to wean myself off meat slowly. The fake meats did help as a transition. Even though I know they’re not the healthiest, I did it for the animals, not to lose weight. I knew I wouldn’t go straight to eating salads and fruit.
It took about six months, but I’ve been a vegetarian for almost two years. I’m what you could call “predominantly plant-based.” I make my meats out of beans, nuts, and various plants. I use only a few natural ingredients. My food tastes good, but I’m also not trying to win any Michelin stars, so sometimes they fall apart since I choose not to use artificial binders. Yes, I’m the girl who brings carrot hot dogs to barbecues, but hey, at least they’re real!
There have been a few times people gave me the wrong food. I could swallow it at first, but now I can’t. I have way more friends as animals than humans now, so it’s a form of cannibalism to me. I’m not saying anyone else should feel this way, and I’m not here to shame anyone who eats meat. I actually might get shamed for not being fully vegan.
At home and when I get to pick the restaurant, I’m vegan. I try my best only to purchase vegan items at the grocery store (although I’ve been surprised many times that what I thought was vegan wasn’t) and vegan and cruelty-free products. I still have some non-vegan clothing and shoes I bought before I made this decision. I was also gifted some suede skates for my birthday. Instead of giving them away, I kept them, so please don’t throw red paint on me if you see me skating by.
I want to be transparent because I’m in no position to tell others how to live, and I would never want to anyway. I just want to create a safe space to get the conversation going! No one wants to be shamed into doing something, which is why fear-mongering ads don’t always work.
I like how Gregg Braden says he eats the best for his body at that moment. He mentions he’s vegan at home, too, but this diet isn’t always accessible when he travels worldwide. Instead of labeling, I invite everyone interested in adopting this sentiment. I always tell people that if they’re thinking about giving up meat, start with one meal, then work your way up. If everyone gave up a meat meal or two, that would help the planet and animals so much!
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a vegetarian/vegan, NOW IS THE TIME! Going vegan is easier and more accessible than ever because of all the grocery store items, restaurants, and recipes. I also find vegan food to be art. The things you can make out of a can of chickpeas still amaze me. It’s a great time to be alive and vegan!
So hopefully, I won’t get ridiculed if someone sees me put a piece of cheese in my mouth at a party. Let’s encourage each other and not condemn! But a little food for thought I want to leave you with is to remember that if you ever get abducted by aliens, it could just be your turn to feel what it’s like to be the animal.
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed physician. Anything expressed in my videos, website, and all social media accounts is my personal opinion and should be viewed for entertainment purposes only.
