The Traveling Vegetarian » veganism

Veganism, Energy and Getting Aligned with Your Beliefs

Yvonne Smith — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 06:38:10 +0000

Veganism really is one of my top loves. It’s a broad topic and there are so many reasons to be vegan and to promote it as a lifestyle. Many people expect me to be a healthy eating guru and I have had some interest in that, but it’s not what drives me to get up in the morning. I have tremendous passion for animal rights, the environment, human rights and all the reasons for being vegan, but the thing that’s resonating the most with me right now is veganism with relation to spirituality. There are a lot of people communicating to me about how eating animals and animal products isn’t feeling right to them. We as spiritual people talk about how everything is energy, but we aren’t acknowledging the energy of a scared, tortured fellow earthling and how it affects our energy every time we take that into our bodies. Lots of folks are realizing that eating animals isn’t sitting well with who they are inside and what they value. They know that they are contributing to so much suffering and cruelty, but they don’t know what to do about it.

Here’s what you can do – Stop. Just stop. Do some research – it’s all out there on the internet. Start with the resources page on my site if you like, but if not, there are so many more sites and resources. Find what works for you – Read books and articles, watch films, go to a restaurant and try a vegan dish or learn to cook a few simple things in your own kitchen. Plan a romantic vegan meal for you and your love and see how you both feel afterward. Repeat as necessary.

Yes, I’m calling you out right now! If you consider yourself an animal lover or an advocate for those less fortunate than you, you can choose to stop contributing to the extreme suffering of animals and humans.

Vegans aren’t perfect. I don’t know a single one who claims to be. What I’m saying is that you have the ability to get in line with your beliefs. If something doesn’t feel right to you, you have the power to stop and take another path.

Love, love, love.

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Do you know I haven’t done an episode of The Traveling Vegetarian since 2007? All my shows were self-funded and well, the money ran out. I would love to do more. I would love to document more vegan adventures around the world, but it all takes cash and opportunity. I’m sure it’s out there, but if you’re wondering why I’m not doing shows or writing as many travel blogs, that’s why…

VeganBreak.com

Yvonne Smith — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:05:15 +0000

Hey, check out my good friend Michelle Taylor’s new site, VeganBreak.com. I met Michelle at AR 2008 and we became fast friends. I definitely put her in the One-to-Watch category as she is young, enthusiastic and beautiful and has already done so much for the animals and veganism. Expect great things from her!

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.