Being in a minority group requires courage. Due to life circumstances, and my personal choices, I have experienced the challenge many times. It is empowering, but not easy.
If there’s a field where I have faced direct questioning or even criticism, that’s my choice of following a vegan lifestyle. Some people ask because they are curious, and that’s certainly a nice thing. Others will question, provoke or even confront you. For your peace of mind, you need to learn how to navigate these situations.
In a recent chat with a lifelong friend, she was questioning my (to her) radical approach and even said that she did not find consistent caring about the animals, when we are still harming each other as humans. I get and respect her point. I don’t agree.
My response? It is not contradictory because all belongs to the same principle, the principle of Ahimsa or non-harm. Non-harm or non-violence towards ourselves, other human beings, animals, and the environment. I added that we need to focus on what is more immediate and easy, and things that we can control. We may not be able to end the war in the word, but we can foster a more kind world around us: our circle of friends and family, the animals and the Earth.
Just a few days later, I stumbled upon an article published on the printed copy of “Vegan Food and Living” UK, titled “Nobody’s perfect” and written by Rachel Higgins. Her work was in line with my response: it’s all about small, perhaps imperfect, steps in the right direction. Maybe this is my favorite part of the article:
“The most powerful change doesn’t come from flawless effort. It comes from millions of imperfect steps, all moving in the right direction. For many, being vegan is the next natural step – one simple shift at a time, turning everyday meals into choices that support animals, health, and the planet” – Rachel Higgins
Certainly, when we try to do things perfectly, like ending with human violence before considering animal violence, we may well end up doing nothing; and nothing changes. Human violence persists. Animal violence continues. Perfectionism creates a controlling, all or nothing mindset. Life is rarely black and white.
For me, living vegan is a spiritual choice. It creates peace in my life, in my mind, and I know that I am taking care of myself at the same time. We are free to choose our path, and my path, my imperfect path, is Ahimsa. I will make mistakes, and that’s OK.
Be well, be kind, and always be self-compassionate,
Isabel
thrivebytheslice.com 