As I sat and wondered what to write about this week, I was also watching the above documentary.
I had written a 2017 year in review for myself, the things I've done, places I've been and shifts I've had in myself; more learnings about who I am and how I want to live.
One change I made was to stop eating meat (again). I was vegetarian for 6 years in my late 20s and then ate it again, then stopped and started and it was always a moral decision not a health or dislike of the taste. Did I want to be part of an industry that treated another living being the way the meat (which includes fish) industry does.
The turning point for me this year was watching a movie and on it was a farmer who picked one of his ducks to kill for dinner that night. I stopped and thought, "could I do that?" "could I take a cleaver and cut the duck's head off?"
The answer was no.
I decided then to stop meat and for a while I cut out all dairy and animal products (vegan basically).
How did I feel?
Honestly, I felt better morally but physically I felt a bit willowy is the best word to describe it. I didn't feel as solid in myself so I added in eggs and cheese and I felt 'solid' again.
I've carried on that way for maybe 4 months now - I still wonder about eating cheese and having watched the above I will look into alternative sources to reduce the amount of dairy I take. (And yes it can be challenging when going out to eat)
Why? Why do I and so many others want to eat this way?
We can all find research for our own beliefs and whether meat is good for us, we have carnivorous teeth and our digestive system is designed to be able to digest meat as well as plants.
But that's not the point - or at least not for me.
My point and stand is that we don't need to keep animals or slaughter them in the way we do and we are destroying the planet with the amount of meat we produce. If I ever go out and kill something by my own hand to eat, I would - that's the how we evolved; as hunters. Shopping in a supermarket (for the cheapest price) is not hunting.
I know plenty reading this won't agree and that's fine, we all make our own choices and we can all live together with differing opinions!
I personally think if we stopped and thought a little more about where our food comes from, how it is treated, and consider the fact that it is a sentient being and how we treat it is a reflection on us as human beings; maybe we wouldn't eat as much or only go to sources that are 'kinder' (yes I appreciate it costs more)....
I also watched the Blue Planet - what a stunning documentary and what an amazing planet we live on.
I wonder how this planet will be in 50 years time if we continue the way we do - I might still be about to see. Why should I care though when I'm not going to be here eventually?? Excellent question!!! My best answer is because if we all cared a little more, maybe we'd have less wars, less suffering and more compassion and understanding for all beings. It will never be eradicated I know that, my glasses aren't that rose tinted - but a little less would surely be a better way to live?
I am often a little nervous when I voice my opinions about controversial topics, I am not aiming to preach at all - as I said we are all free to make our own choice, and I am choosing to put my thoughts out there.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and as always I am open to comments and love to discuss these sorts of topics!
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