Exploring Spiritual Wellness Through Veganism

I have never considered myself a religious person. But recently, I have become a quite spiritual one. Because even if it doesn’t seem obvious, religion and spiritualism are two different things. I am not talking here about energies or taking to our ancestors, but about a way of life, furthermore, a key contributor to our wellbeing.

What is Spiritual Wellness?

Spiritual Wellness is one of the dimensions of holistic wellness. This means that, in order to achieve our optional level of functioning, we need to have it covered.

In the framework of holistic health, Spiritual Wellness is defined by three aspects:

1. How we treat ourselves and others: the respect and appreciation that we show for ourselves and those around us. Compassion, gratitude, empathy and assertive communication are tools we can use in this area.
2. Our values, and living by them: what is important to us, and how our actions demonstrate these ideas. Talk the talk and walk the walk.
3. Our purpose: our why, what helps us wake up and keep going during the day. This can be really anything, from winning a competition, to attending our granddaughter’s graduation. Anything that is relevant to you, as an individual.

If you practice a religion, it probably will give you all of this. But you can still live by these three aspects outside of a formal religion, by treating yourself and others with respect, having and demonstrating values, and fostering a purpose.

What is veganism?

Veganism goes beyond food choices. According to the Vegan Society, a UK based charity who formally created the concept back in 1944:

Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals. – The Vegan Society

So veganism is way of living. There is no mention to health in the definition. It is all about how we interact with the environment, with animals and, as a result, with ourselves and others. Said this, most vegans are quite health conscious, although it would be technically feasible to be a vegan eating only Oreo cookies (which happen to be vegan) and French fries!

Veganism and Spiritual Wellbeing

To me, the definition of veganism matches the three aspects of spiritual wellbeing:

1. We treat ourselves with respect, putting the best fuel in our body. It’s not just eating and getting energy, it’s about optimal health beyond the lack of sick symptoms.
2. We love animals – all of them, not only our pets. We appreciate the Earth and care about it. We eat, dress and live accordingly.
3. Most vegan are activist to some extent. We spread the word, the benefits of turning vegan, to those who want to learn more. In my particular case, as a holistic nutritionist and a health and wellness coach, my purpose is to help people reap the benefits of a plant-forward diet adapted to their individual needs and circumstances, in order to achieve optimal health and wellbeing, and manage the risk of chronic conditions.

The result? You feel good, in an out. Your acts are aligned with your values and purpose. You have the Spiritual Wellness dimension covered and your overall wellbeing improves.

Are vegans still tempted by non-vegan foods?

A common misconception is that vegans are refraining themselves, that they are still tempted by non-vegan foods or products but they are making the conscious choice of not eating or using them. And this could be true if you approach veganism from a pure health point of view.

But if you approach veganism from a spiritual point of view, there are no temptations. You live based on your values; you walk the walk. You don’t feel any calling for that food. Simply, you don’t want to take part in that exploitation chain, and don’t want to put in your body something that you think is working against you and the planet, because this goes against your values. It is no sacrifice or willpower – it becomes a moral choice. Of the same strength as why you would not steal or lie.

My journey: from a diet to a spiritual pledge

I did not become vegan overnight. It was a progressive process, driven by health reasons. I went from omnivorous (cheese and red meat lover!), to flexatarian, to vegetarian, to vegan, in about 1 year. And as I was in this journey, besides feeling better physically and mentally, I started discovering more and more about what being vegan really meant. As a life-long animal and nature lover, what I learned was eye opening and profoundly resonated with me. And I embraced it fully. Perhaps the book I read that was really the tipping point was Never Too Late to Go Vegan, by Carol J. Adams, Patti Breitman and Virginia Messina.

Nowadays, I consider myself vegan due to spiritual reasons. The health results are one of the many positive outcomes.

Because being vegan, in the end, is an spiritual decision. Not a diet.

Empower yourself with knowledge

This month, I invite you to learn more about veganism. Some resources are:

• The Vegan Society : start here! These are the founders of the concept of veganism.
• Veganuary: UK based charity that promotes a vegan lifestyle, with an annual kick-off challenge in January.
• No Meat May: Australia based charity that promotes a vegan lifestyle, with an annual kick-of challenge in May. Quite similar in shape and form to Veganuary, with nuances.
• Vegan Food and Living: UK based magazine promoting a vegan lifestyle. Great source for plant-based recipes.
• Never Too Late to Go Vegan: if you think you are too old to make changes in your lifestyle… you are not! And this book will show you. Great reading for everyone, regardless age. I really recommend it.

Be well, and take care of your spirit.

Isabel

PS: Did the definition of veganism from a spiritual point of view surprised you? Let me know in the comments!