The Traveling Vegetarian » compassion

On Being Vegan

Yvonne Smith — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:37:33 +0000

I was talking to a friend last night about being vegan. I told him about my lunch at VegNews and how wonderful it is to sit at a table with seven other vegans enjoying a delicious cruelty-free meal created with love by friends. I told him about Vegetarian Summerfest and AR 2008 and how amazing it is to be in a room with hundreds of people who all share the common bond of non-violence and compassion. As I relived those experiences, I started to well up with tears at the sheer emotion I felt.

I love being a part of the vegan community. I truly, truly love it. I don’t live in a place where there are a lot of vegans. We don’t have any vegan restaurants here…yet. I do know lots of fabulous, compassionate, wonderful people in Nashville and I’m not complaining, but going to festivals and events where you know most everyone there shares your knowledge and lifestyle is really an uplifting experience like no other.

For me, veganism isn’t about giving up anything. Since I made this decision, I have only gained. I feel better, I look better, I have more spiritual clarity and I’m part of a community that I absolutely adore. What have I lost? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I eat amazing food that energizes me and tastes great. I eat more vegetables and whole foods than I ever have and I feel vibrant, healthy, strong and nourished. It truly is the best decision I’ve ever made.

I don’t think I’m better than anyone else. I try my best not to judge those who don’t feel the same way I do. I believe everyone is on their own path and we all need to discover our own truths on our own time lines. At the same time though, I also know that the way we’re living right now, especially in this country, is not sustainable.

So, I want to help. I want to help the humans, the animals and the planet by doing what I feel is best for all and best for my own person. I choose the world I want to live in with every meal I eat. I will not force my views on others, but I will always be here to answer questions.

Thank you so much for reading. I am so grateful for all of you. ALL of you.

Vegetarian Summerfest

Yvonne Smith — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:44:26 +0000

I just got back from the North American Vegetarian Society’s Vegetarian Summerfest and I can honestly say it changed my life. I have felt passion for veganism, animal rights, health, the environment, etc., for a long time, but I can’t even begin to tell you how inspiring it was to spend five days with 600 other like-minded individuals who genuinely care about the same things I care about. The beautiful thing about Summerfest is that I didn’t just get to meet people. I got to have in-depth conversations with people I have long admired. I was able to talk about my TV show and my film project and gain support from folks who wanted to know more and help promote what I do. I was in class for several hours each day learning about nutrition, cancer, heart disease, protein, fats, antioxidants, how to read food labels, etc. I learned about subjects ranging from vegan athletes to the horrors of factory farming to how animals think, feel and relate to each other. I watched cooking demos and sampled foods from amazing chefs and learned how to use a pressure cooker. I bought books and had them signed by the authors, many of whom I now consider good friends. I ate healthy vegan meals three times a day with a different group of people each time. It was truly wonderful.

I felt very emotional the last two days. I was nearly brought to tears every time I thought about how beautiful it was to share this time with this group of people who are smart, compassionate, loving and friendly. I never went to summer camp as a kid, but I now know what that must have been like for those who did. Here we were, grown adults staying in college dorm rooms and tearfully hugging each other goodbye upon departure while saying, “See you next year!” Every time I was asked if I will return to Summerfest, my answer was “Hell yeah!” I can’t believe I have to wait a whole year. If any of you are reading this, thank you. Thank you for an incredible, inspiring experience.

See you next year!

Farm Sanctuary’s Gene Baur and me at Vegetarian Summerfest