Misleading Myth #20 … “But going vegan is so difficult” (07/26/14)
Contrary to popular belief, going vegan is not a sacrifice at all. Being true to our innate Caring Nature is not a sacrifice — it is an Awakening. Ironically, it is our non-vegan choices that are the real sacrifice — castrating our inherent sense of Compassion every time we callously look away from the suffering we are supporting; forfeiting our ability to be authentically Kind every time we side with ease over ethics and pleasure over principle.
Admittedly, there IS a difference between those who note that veganism is easy and those who believe that veganism is hard, and that difference is this: those who say it’s easy are primarily focused on the victims of the meat/milk industry, while those who say it’s difficult are primarily focused on themselves.
And THAT is the true crux of the matter — the sudden comprehension that veganism is not about YOU having a clearer conscience (though it will be), or YOU being healthier & happier (though you will be), or YOU having a better life (though you most certainly will). Indeed, veganism is not about YOU at all.
No, my Friends, veganism is about the animals … It is about THEIR state of well-being — both the massive harm that they are currently enduring at our hands, as well as the Joy & Peace that they could one day know and that they most certainly deserve.
Veganism is about the animals … It is about THEIR right to freedom from torture. It is about THEIR being recognized as conscious, equally worthy individuals, and then being treated with according gentleness & respect.
Veganism is about the animals … It is about THEIR cry for justice & mercy, and us finally having both the humility and the courage to actively answer that call.
And once we wake up and see veganism from this equally valid and far more just perspective, we simultaneously understand that going vegan is not a limitation at all. We actually see it for what it truly is — an expansion of our ability to LOVE; a blossoming of our sense of Justice & Compassion; a re-awakening to the truly Caring Person we once were — and the truly Caring Person we could be once again.
Amen … Let it one day be so; and — at the very least in your own life — let that day be today.
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