One of the best things about yoga (if not THE best), is that after each practice, you really do grow and you really do transcend into a higher self. You become enlightened by your own abilities and the miracles of your amazing body. You learn, you discover a lot about yourself, and you gain a great deal of humility. When all of this radiates from ourselves, we put peace into our lives and into the lives of those around us.
I DON’T LIVE?
So a couple of weeks ago, I went to dinner with a few people from work to a sushi place. Being vegan (and my colleagues know this about me), I ordered a veggie roll and some tofu udon soup. That udon was delicious, by the way. After everyone had put in their orders, I guess it was time for sake bombs.
Dude: “Nohea, c’mon! You doin’ one?”
Me: “Oh, nah…I’ll pass. I don’t drink.”
Dude: “You don’t eat, you don’t drink. You don’t live!”
Me: LOL
I really did get a chuckle out of that. I laughed, brushed it off my shoulders, and said, “To each his own.”
In this day and age, it’s almost unbelievable to hear someone say they do not drink alcohol; and those whose eyes and worlds have refused to open, it is a disgusting consternation to hear someone say they do not eat meat.
No, I do not drink. Yes, I have in the past; but it’s been two and a half years now since my last drink. My dad is a recovering alcoholic, who has been diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, amongst many other illnesses, who’s had family and loved ones crying by his bedside wondering if he will make it, whose life had almost been lost too many times to remember anymore. I have joined him in his journey of sobriety of almost three years.
And my other half, my best friend, my teacher, my strong man…I have joined him in his journey of sobriety of almost seven years. So nah…I don’t drink, and I’m totally okay and content with that.
I don’t live because I don’t eat meat? I have enhanced my life. I have lengthened my life. I have saved lives. Enough said.
Respect people and their decisions, and forgive those who have failed to observe that with you. We are all connected, let love flow.
In light.
He is an artist, regardless of species.
CURRENT WANTS/CONFESSIONS
I want…
- tea tree shampoo/oil.
- shea butter.
- a bunch of natural products.
- to make love.
- to live in the forest.
- people to just be nice to people.
- to be nice to myself.
- parents to stop thinking that their 2/3/4-freaking-year-old child NEEDS to be diagnosed with a behavioral/mental disorder to justify the child’s actions that they were unable to control.
- the beach.
- skin undisturbed by eczema.
- to stop feeling this sadness.
- to feel the earth, lay in the grass, put my feet in a brook, breath the air flowing through the mountains.
- a new phone.
- another pair of knitting needles.
- the holiday festivities to begin.
- to see the aurora borealis in all colors.
- animal cruelty to stop.
- more sleep.
Namaste.
This is so beautiful. If I smiled any bigger I would probably pull a muscle!
Here is the wonderful photo, full of JOY and HOPE, of dogs rescued from the butcher in China.
In the Jiangsu Province, animal rescuers paid $8,000 to buy all the dogs who were already in a truck on his way to the slaughter house. They posted this photo on Face Book after bringing all the rescued dogs to Ping An A Fu stray animal rescue.
Thank you so much to the rescuers and to this kind woman! ♥
Entire Story and more Photos:http://www.examiner.com/article/introducing-ping-an-a-fu-stray-animal-rescue
This makes me so happy.
(via meghanurasana)
I am a vegan myself! My perspective on veganism is like anything else I have an opinion on- if it fits YOU, do it. No shame. No regret. No guilt.
Every now and then, I get a few people who ask me why I became vegan. Initially, my transition to this diet, to this lifestyle, was solely for health purposes. It’s AMAAAAAZING what food can do to the body and health, good AND bad. However, before making such a drastic change, I did do a lot of research, I did do a lot of reading, and I did watch documentaries (and I continue to do so); not just on vegetarian and vegan diets, but diets that included animal products as well. I did NOT quit eating/drinking animal products cold-turkey. I don’t suggest quitting ANYTHING cold-turkey. Everything is a process, there is always movement, no matter how slow.
I started off by eliminating beef, pork, and chicken from my diet (I never really ate beef or pork, anyway). I still ate fish, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products. This lasted for a few months. Eventually and inevitably, with all the research I was doing, I learned about our food- where our food came from, how our food was processed, how our food was sustained, how our food was TREATED.
Now, when I am asked why I am vegan, I respond by saying, “Health reasons and animal cruelty.” Plain and simple, short and sweet. I don’t go into detail, nor do I preach about my food lifestyle. This is about me, not the other person. If I am sincerely asked to explain, sure, I’ll give you a more in-depth answer; but I will never try to convert you or belittle you for observing YOUR diet, and I expect the same in return.
I can honestly say, becoming vegan is one of the best choices I have ever made, for my body and for my soul. I have never felt better and I have never felt so healthy. BUT, this is MY body…and I’m not saying you can’t be healthy with a diet that includes animal products, because it totally works for a lot of people.
If any of you are interested in changing or improving your diet, or you’re just curious about the products we’re putting into our body, I suggest doing some homework. Don’t simply just take someone’s word for it because they’re doing it for THEIR body, and what they see and feel fit to their own.
So my perspective on veganism? If it works for you, carry on. If it doesn’t, carry on. Your body will tell you exactly what it needs when it needs it, just…listen. You are your body’s best teacher.
I hope this answers your question, Anon…sorry so long! Namaste :)
I don’t mind the questions at all :)
I practice a variety of Hatha yoga classes, and the bulk of my practice comes from the FLOW ^__^ Vinyasa flow, that is. The “flow” I’ve been trained in, of course, is a beautiful combination of Kundalini, Ashtanga, Bikram, and Anusara. I like to incorporate Kriya when I can. Kriya is very humbling. My yoga horizons are still very much thirsty for other styles and lineages, though, and my journey is ongoing. It is a privilege and an honor to do what I do.
As of now, I am a vegan. I’ve been an on-and-off vegetarian for years until now. I was never a big fan of meat (I hate steak), and when I did eat meat, it was chicken and fish. Oh, and here’s the thing- I couldn’t eat meat when it was attached to its skeleton, haha. Eventually, after tons of research and health evaluations, I asked myself, “Do I really need meat in my diet?” Slowly, I weaned myself off of meat (practically IMMEDIATELY after watching Earthlings and some other documentaries). When someone asks me why I don’t eat meat, I always tell them it’s for health reasons along with animal cruelty. I try to eat raw as much as I can, so a lot of fresh veggies and fruits. Oh…and I eat like a million times a day to keep my metabolism active, haha. Truthfully, my body feels so much better and healthier.
We’re all different, you know? To each his own. It’s important to listen to our body and we have to cater to it. I don’t ever preach to people about my diet, though. I don’t judge people for what they eat either. You are your body’s best teacher. You know your body best. Listen to your body, but also educate yourself about the foods you are putting into it. Our bodies really become what we eat. What I’m really saying is, just take care of yourself…meat-eater or not :)
After being a dedicated yogi, athlete, weight-lifter, runner, you eventually stop doing things that don’t feel right to your body. I’ve had somebody in my class tell me, “This is my second yoga class ever. I quit smoking after my first because after that day, the cigarettes didn’t feel right anymore.” Good for him.
Listen to your body, sweetheart. You know it best.
I truly appreciate the love, thank you.
In light.
