This post is in response to a comment made by blog reader, Bliss Doubt, on this post. My comments were getting so long I decided to just turn it into another post.
Bliss Doubt:
I think when I’m talking about being self-righteousness, I see it coming more from the veganism for health movement (many raw foodists, for example, although please don’t think I’m saying that ALL raw foodists are self-righteous or obsessive), rather than the veganism for animals crowd. I know few vegans personally, so my interaction is mostly online and for a brief time with various “vegan for health” groups. I simply can’t swallow or live in such a way where I never touch anything processed again. It’s too strict for my taste, and the all-or-nothing approach is unrealistic for me.
I agree with you though, I believe most vegans are helpful, non-judgemental, and fairly easy going. I worry that it’s not accurate or fair of me to put labels on people or groups, like vegans, because in doing so, I’m doing that one thing that I work so hard in NOT doing–being judgmental or unfair in my assumptions about people.
I’m particularly sensitive to this issue, because I’ve gone through periods of my veganism where I’ve been so dead set on following one way (ie. no meat analogues, no white flour, no high fat foods, ect.) and I saw myself being self-righteous about my choices. I have read Dr. Esselstyn’s book, Dr. McDougall, Dr. Furhman, Dr. Barnard. All doctors who use some variation of the vegan diet to help heart disease patients, diabetics, and others with chronic disease. It’s quite miraculous what a whole foods, vegan diet can do, but I’ve learned that there’s not really a right way for everyone. There are variables that ought to be considered. Do I have chronic disease? Am I overweight or obese? Do I exercise? I’ve found the best diet is one that is based mostly or primarily on plant foods, and I think that there is room for other foods, if you so choose, without compromising your health.
To me, veganism is more than the way I eat. It has colored the way I see the world, made me more aware of how I treat others (not just animals), hopefully made me more compassionate, more understanding of where people are coming from. I haven’t “arrived,” still as imperfect as ever, but I do believe being vegan helps me to be my better self.
One thing that I try to be very conscious about is going to extremes, because I’m prone to extremes (again, the all-or-nothing approach, it’s my weakness). Diet IS important, but I don’t believe it’s EVERYTHING. I don’t want to live my life thinking about food, preparing & eating food, all day long. A good diet just simply helps me live a good life. It is by no means my life. Likewise, I believe exercise is important. But it’s not my life. A good diet and exercise are just two of many things that help me stay sane and feeling good. Similar to taking a shower or brushing my teeth, these things help keep my spiritual/physical/mental self healthy and fit.
Thanks for your comments, I do appreciate them!
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