As I continue on my journey, I watch closely the relationship between the causes and effects of my life. Where am I moving toward unconditional love and where do I still have a lack of awareness and lessons to learn?

2 years ago when I was backpacking through Asia, I had the opportunity to visit a friend Mario’s chicken farm. Now, for me, this was one of those experiences similar to the first time watched a high school mate brutally beat up another boy from class over a kickball game. I did not understand it at all. My heart hurt as I watched to boy bleed all over the school blacktop. From that day on, I pretty much avoided every fight I could and since the night at the chicken farm, have not chosen to eat meats as well.

For me, in this moment, it all clicked. The following weeks, the universe provided me with additional reasons not to eat meat and before I knew it, it was no longer a part of my life. But, being health conscious my whole adult life and an avid gym buff since I was 20, I wondered how this “apparent” lack of protein would affect my body, on a general health and a physical level.

I have to say, even though I have lost some weight (mainly fat), at 38 years of age, I feel as good as I can ever remember and my body, physically, looks extremely healthy and lean. My flexibility has improved tremendously and my morning neck and back pains are gone. Also, I have to say, that it just feels good to know that no animals are suffering on my behalf.

As most are well aware, the eating of meat today – for the animal – involves a long and cruel process of forced imprisonment, biological manipulation, transportation over long distances in crowded and unsanitary conditions, and finally, a violent death in the slaughter house. I can’t help but wonder how I would have felt had I seen this as a child.  Imagine the karmic effects  of these unconscious acts on us personally and on the human race as a whole?  If we look around.. the effects are clear. (read food, fasting & karma)

Fasting certainly helped me make this seemingly difficult transition away from meat. I never thought that I would give up meat, but each time I fast, my relationship with food changes but more importantly, my relationship with myself transforms. There is a reason most of the well known philosophers and spiritual teachers throughout history have fasted. They are a powerful and vital path in the evolution toward physical, mental, emotional and spiritual transformation and freedom.

“Fast are for the inner world, as the eyes are for the outer.”- Gandhi

For some, choosing to be a vegetarian/vegan is consciously choosing compassion, ecological preservation, health and simplicity.  But for me, I did not choose to be a vegetarian, I just starting choosing other options besides meat.  It  just did not fit with me any longer.   I felt better without it.  As everything in this universe is inter-connected, each decision we make affect not only ourselves, but that of our neighbors, the planet, and all the creatures that share our earth home. So I plant this seed with you today, not to advise you, but to bring new awareness into your life so you can make more informed decisions for yourself.

I believe in complete acceptance for one’s journey.  Know that wherever you are and whatever you are eating today is perfect for today.  Tomorrow that may change for you and I.  Many people become vegetarian overnight, while others make the change gradually. I prefer to allow things to fall out of my life when they no longer resonate. Do what works best for you. If you are considering vegetarianism, you may want to  click here to receive a free vegetarian starter kit.  Maybe you want to try it one day a week. Begin to explore how eating without meat tastes and feels.  The experiment alone will enrich your experience of life whether you decide to adopt it or not.

Namaste.