photo by jennifer picard photography

a reflection on compassionate eating

thoughts from a one year herbivore man.

some people will throw rocks at this, but this is a reflection of mine, an experience, an opinion. it’s on my first year lived as a completely compassionate based, ethical eater. you see, i am now a one year herbivore, a healthy happy vegan man.

and yes, i realize the cliche: the new vegan who stands up and shouts. so be it.

so in reflection, it’s astonishing how many don’t realize their own hypocrisy as they campaign in defence of animal rights and liberties, for freedom and compassion, all while they cozy up to a hot bowl of Tuscan Meatball Soup, Creamy Chicken Alfredo, Veal Parmigiana, Roasted Rosemary Lamb Stew, or a Full English (complete with sausage and eggs).

you see, bacon had a mom too. and yes, even veal can smile (if they’re given a reason to).

all animals have eyes with which they can witness their humiliation at the hands of humans. livestock have emotions and can feel fear and pain, despite being renamed and treated as product, shrink-wrapped in plastic, rubber stamped with AAA, and sold. compassion for animals can’t be restricted to just those whom you invite into your home, to those furry creatures whom you bathe in affection and dress in fancy wee clothes. all animals have eyes that are capable of seeing the injustices we betray upon them.

all animals have personalities, unique as you and i.

all animals have faces capable of expression, capable of showing you their happiness (if they have any at all).

you finance and propagate pain with every Chicken Penne Pesto you buy and with each and every steak you baste and toss upon a grill. i’m sorry to say, but despite your good intent, a side salad or a Meatless Monday does not extinguish the misery induced by manufactured mass farming.

there is blood on your hands. with each plate served, a holocaust. suffering, en masse.

remember, these are lives of sentient beings on which you dine. it is with incredulous naiveté that we think our actions, in pursuit of fancy taste, have no consequence. it is with complete disregard to the untold suffering of others that we continue to pursue the comforts of our carefully prepared culinary cuisine and delicacies. ignorance may be bliss for you and your palate, but it is hell on earth for those upon whom you decide to feast and chew. we no longer need meat to survive. we need not dine on a smorgasbord of suffering. humans have evolved beyond a meat eating tribal necessity. man’s continued evolution can only come when we embrace and respect all life, on a global scale. when man no longer thinks of only himself.

if this thinking intrigues you, i invite you to pursue a life well-lived, guilt free. embrace compassion, with respect for all living beings. pursue a plant based diet. rest your head easy at night, knowing no murders were caused by nothing more than your insatiable penchant for a juicy salted sandwich of death, dipped in cheesy gooey drops of pain.