Eating Animals

I have been reading the book 'Eating Animals' by Jonathan Safran Foer for the last few weeks.  It is definitely a book that has opened my eyes and opened my heart. 

I read a few pages each day - there are so many stories, so many facts and figures - so much heartbreak.

I saw this book promoted on 'Ellen' and I loved hearing the author talk about his Mission to create Conversations after reading his book.  This book definitely has the ability to create Conversations.  It has the capacity to change lives - change the world - one by one.  I am Inspired to make changes in my life.

I could retype sections or paragraphs from the book - there is so much in this book - yet there are some parts in the book that really stand out for me.  The author talks about his dog, how much he loves his dog and offers the space for us to consider why it would never be okay (in most countries) for us to eat our dogs, yet that we find it easy to eat meat from cows, chickens, pigs.  Another similar story that stands out for me is the story of Knut, the first polar bear born to Berlin Zoo in 30 years, and how much Knut was loved by the City with people crowding into the zoo to watch Knut - yet just a few metres away from Knut's enclosure was a stand selling "Wurst de Knut", made from the flesh of factory-farmed pigs, "which are at least as intelligent and deserving of our regard as Knut.  This is the species barrier."

 

It is surprising to me, when I read about "Bycatch" - the amount of species that are regularly killed in pursuit of "seafood" - "What if there were labeling on our food letting us know how many animals were killed to bring our desired animal to our plate?... Imagine being served a plate of sushi.  But this plate also holds all of the animals that were killed for your serving of sushi.  The plate might have to be five feet across."

This statement stands out for me - "Factory farming's success depends on consumers' nostalgic images of food production - the fisherman reeling in fish, the pig farmer knowing each of his pigs as individuals, the turkey rancher watching beaks break through eggs - because these images correspond to something we respect and trust."  It is interesting - I believe it is all about Awareness and Consciousness - if the regular consumer was aware of the facts and images behind Eating Animals - I am sure that people would make different choices.  It is similar to the plight of Orang-utans - I am sure if people had a Consciousness that using regular soap means chopping down tress that threaten Orang-utans, than I am sure that people would look for alternatives.

Consciousness is a big thing for me - I am wanting to be Conscious of my choices in terms of the Environment and Eating Animals.  Recently we went to Yum Cha with friends - it was crazy (in my opinion) - we all sat around a round table and we just kept getting dishes and dishes and dishes and dishes and dishes served to us - I just kept hearing friends saying "yes" "yes" "yes" "yes" "yes" - and what appeared to be eating unconsciously between tangents of stories.  I love getting together with friends - and yet I was very happy that last week we met at a cafe, where I happily enjoyed a Vegetarian pizza with my Man and most of all enjoyed more space for great Conversations with friends - more opportunity to Connect, time of Spread The Yellow.

I am only halfway through the book - and I am distressed when I read descriptions of the suffering of cows, pigs and chickens.  The author has not included any photos - yet these are easy to find on the Internet.  Here is a site on what is happening in Australia - images and words are definitely upsetting - there is a lot of information on this site - http://www.all-creatures.org/articles/ar-mindless.html

I have previously been a Vegan - this was about 8 years ago.  At the same time I was very into my Running, and so I was very much into my carbs - eating a lot of pasta - rather than learning about healthy Vegan living.  I am now finding it more difficult to eat animal flesh - I don't eat chicken or red meat.  And I have been hesitant to take on the label of Vegetarian - even though this is definitely my preference - Eating Animals no longer works for me.

Last time I adopted a Vegan lifestyle, it was difficult - mentally, emotionally, socially.  I remember not wanting to use the same chopping board or knives as my ex-husband (yes, I was obsessive) - and I remember going out to dinner and asking the waiter 20 questions, such as, asking about the stock used in the risotto.  Looking back this was a stressful time - especially, since my relationship was not working.

I feel different now.  I do not want to get so stressed or restrictive - although I do want to make Conscious choices.  I also no longer want to get up on the soapbox and try and convince others to change or adopt a certain lifestyle.  I can only make choices for myself and be true to myself.  Most important for me is respecting the choices of others, where we meet in a peaceful space. 

In my heart, Eating Animals does not feel right for me.  Yet this is a journey - at this point I am still eating fish (Consciously) - although the facts in this book are definitely upsetting - and I am always conscious of blessing the fish before I eat them - although - it is still very hard for me.

And I live with my Man who enjoys eating meat.  I learnt a lot from living with my ex-husband and I want to always Learn from my experiences.  And so I accept our differences.  Tonight I eat a Vegetarian patty and salad, and although my Man would normally cook his own meat, he is working later, he has been working so hard, with so little sleep, and so I bless his meat and cook it for him.  In my Mission to Love and Serve through my Coaching and as I Spread The Yellow, it is important to me that I always make time and space for my Loved ones.  I am Grateful to be at home and we enjoy dinner together.

I don't like preparing and cooking Animals, I don't like Eating Animals - yet, I love my Man - and I am glad to prepare a meal for him - since he has been happily enjoying all my Vegetarian dishes. 

I will continue to read this book and continue to embrace a preference for a Vegetarian lifestyle, without the label (for now), and I will see where this Journey flows...

My Wins Of The Day

One area I love about Coaching, among so many great postive aspects, is Celebrating Wins - Weekly Wins, Daily Wins, small Wins, big Wins, all Wins in our life.

Today I would have liked to get back out there running again - this would have been a great Win for me - yet as soon as I made a move out of bed, I felt my cold still lingering - so I decided to set myself some other Goals and launched into the day.  My ability to trust myself in knowing that I needed to continue to honour myself, by not pushing myself - that in itself is a Win for me.

Of course, I still had a whole plan of what I wanted to achieve for the day - get out early, grocery shopping for the salads to make for Easter Sunday lunch, get home, some housework, write and finish my Fairytale assignment for College, make one of the salads for tomorrow, plus clean my car.

I am aware of the ambitious part of myself, where I like to try and get a lot done.  This part is often hand in hand with the other part of me that is rush, rush, rush, go, go, go.  What I am realising, is that the greatest joy, is leaving space to be flexible.  I have discovered this lovely part of myself that is enjoying just being in a more relaxed mode.

As it turned out - I had the lovely opportunity to run into a friend at Cronulla (as I was sitting relaxing having a juice - certainly relaxing, no part of me showing signs of 'I have to rush and get on with my day') - and it was nice to Connect.  I also had the chance to Connect with my friend from College - just as I was about to sit down and write my Fairytale, I was having a quick look on Facebook, and had my first live chat - it was great - and it was nice to just share a space and share.  I really love these times, these unexpected times, when there was no plan, and what may seem to be a concidence, turns into a great time of Connection, no matter how brief - these times are definitely beautiful moments of Spread The Yellow.  These Connections are definitely part of My Wins Of The Day.

Another small Win to add to my list is that I bought 'Olive Leaf' Extract from the Health Food Store at Cronulla - and I am feeling that this will help me rebuild my strength (and stop this cold from taking hold) - so that I can get back out there Running.  Another Win is that I bought a Herbon Soap from the Health Food Store - palm oil free, help protect the Orang-utans.  I was surprised that the lady from the Health Food Store didn't know about palm oil and the Orang-utans - but then, I've also been living in ignorance for so long - so I shared an insight with the lady and happily bought my soap.

In terms of my Fairytale - well the ambitious part of myself, often gets overambitious, and so in terms of my plan to write and finish my Fairytale, well this Goal was not achieved.  And there was still a Win - I did get started and I found some great images that inspired me.  

I am also excited because I did achieve another Goal (after stopping my Fairytale for the day) - which is top of My Wins Of The Day.  My Goal has been to learn how to cook more vegetarian recipes, so that I can Spread The Yellow through the sharing of good, healthy food and also just enjoy the process of creation.  Feeling inspired this morning I had Googled Chickpea and Couscous - and found a great recipe - and so I set about making it this afternoon.  The recipe stated that it would take 8 minutes preparation + 6 minutes cooking = 14 minutes - well it took me 30 minutes, then 25 minutes to clean up - but it was so well worth it - I loved the chopping, and the grating, and the juicing, and the blending - I loved taste testing the finished Vegetarian salad with my boyfriend - tastes amazing - and it looks great.  This is a must make recipe!!!

CHICKPEA & COUSCOUS SALAD

8 minutes preparation + 6 minutes cooking
16 serves of vegies in this recipe - Serves 8

1½ cups vegetable or chicken stock
2 teaspoons ground cumin or curry powder
1½ cups couscous, uncooked
425g can chickpeas, drained
3 medium tomatoes, finely diced
¼ cup parsley, chopped
2 spring onions, sliced (include green tops)
Rind of 1 lemon or orange, grated
Juice of 2 oranges (150 mL)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Bring stock to the boil and add cumin. Remove from heat and mix in couscous.
Cover and allow to stand for 5 minutes until stock is absorbed. Mix in remaining ingredients.
Serve warm or cold.

Variation - Substitute tomatoes with 1 red capsicum. Replace spring onions with ½ cup finely chopped red onion.
http://www.gofor2and5.com.au/

Another great part of my day was watching the Wins of others – watching the Open Women’s Beach Flags competition on tv, while having some lunch. I normally don’t like watching sport on tv, I would rather be live with the action - yet I was fascinated to watch this race.  It is a modern day musical chairs event – racing to get a flag, then 1 athlete gets eliminated, then the race is repeated, and another athlete gets eliminated, and on goes the race until there are just 2 athletes left competing for the Title – and then we have a Winner. It was really interesting to watch – Melissa Howard won the National Title – she was clearly in the lead every race. No doubt this was a BIG Win for Melissa Howard, defending her Title – and I believe it is also a Win for all the competitors. I am always in admiration of athletes and competitors – their ability to train and train and perfect their sport and get in there and have a go – their decisions and commitment and determination - they are all Winners. They are all Winners when they give their best.  They are all Winners when they congratulate other competitors, being graceful and supportive when they do not come 1st in the race. It was great to watch this Event.  While a big part of my journey is to be conscious of celebrating My Wins Of The Day - I am also honoured to be of witness to the Wins of others. 

I have had a great day!!  I am also feeling very happy and Yellow as Gareth gave me some beautiful sunflowers and put them in my beautiful crystal vase.  I am lucky to have a thoughtful, lovely boyfriend.

I am feeling so Yellow that I can be in Celebration of so many My Wins Of The Day - today - and everyday - it is a choice for me - I can choose to remember to choose this way of seeing my world - putting on my Yellow lenses.  For me, it is just a case of being in the moment, and paying attention, and bringing in the awareness of what is working, and what brings joy, celebrating and being joyous for the small steps along the way.  For me, I also want to remember to create space for the flow of Wonder, Surprises, Magic, Mystery, Miracles, Synchronicity...

“I am open to the guidance of Synchronicity, and do not let expectations hinder my path.” Dalai Lama

I Love Trees

Today was my rest day from running - for me it's not even about necessarily resting from running - but also having space to allow time for walking.  I love Running but I also love walking - not speed walking or power walking - or racing to get to a destination - just the type of walking where you allow your intuition to guide you - to take you on a journey - tapping into your body and getting out of your mind.

As I was putting on my joggers, my boyfriend was watching the news and it was heartbreaking to read about the 39 people who have been killed in Moscow as a result of 2 female suicide bombers who blew themselves up in two separate stations on the Moscow metro yesterday morning.  It was upsetting!! Watching or reading the news is always upsetting to me.  I remember years ago, our company challenged people reading the news - saying that it is all negative news - and encouraged everyone to invest time in positive material.  At the other end, my Dad has always challenged me to read the paper - or challenging me because I rarely read the news.  Even when I flick through the Sunday paper, I am selective in what I read - I choose to be selective - not ignorant - not not wanting to know.  It certainly does not mean I am not concerned with world affairs or big issues or the suffering - on the contrary - I am silenced and saddened by the suffering - and I am also dedicated to increasing my knowledge and awareness - to help me be more conscious - so that I may Spread The Yellow.

As I was walking out the door, I said to my boyfriend that I don't understand, why when there is often so much human suffering, that can happen so suddenly and outside our control, that brings such devastation, why humans choose to inflict suffering on others - or make life harder for others?  Hmm...

With that thought, I kiss my man goodbye, wishing him a happy day, and walk out into the world.  Today was a rainy day - but no reason not to walk - I grabbed my umbrella (yes, my Yellow umbrella) and was happy to be outside.  Yellow always brightens my day - even my Yellow umbrella on a rainy day.

                  

My walk was lovely and relaxing.  I found the sky a good analogy for life - despite the clouds, there is still a brightness and a beautiful glow.  I walked up along the beach, admiring the view.  I feel so blessed to live where I live - to be so close to the beachside. 

I love walking along the beach - and I also love walking along the Bay - Gunnamatta Bay.  My friends from up the coast once visited me and they absolutely loved Gunnamatta Bay - they kept saying "It's Gunna Matter" one day - they were so impressed with the area.  I love walking along the beach in low tide and I love just walking through the natural bush-setting park- it is so natural and peaceful.  My boyfriend had rung me just as I was entering the Park - but being free of the phone, free of words, quiet in silence is what makes this walk so special to me.  As I am walking through Gunnamatta Bay, I notice a tree that looks like it has been crying - it is the sap on the tree.  The tree is sparce, not many branches or leaves - but I am happy to see that the tree is still living and breathing and attracting life - a bird, a small insect, a centipede.  I am then delighted to see all the planting of new trees - they have probably been there before (have I been too busy, lost in thought, or trying to relax, that I have failed to notice?) - there are 30, 40, 50 baby trees, all being protected with wiring fences to give them space to grow.  It warms my heart.  I Love Trees.

                           

As I am feeling so happy about the planting of Trees - I am then devastated by the sight of a Tree being cut down.  About 4 workmen are putting up a baracade, and one man is up a Tree with an electric saw.  Instantly, I feel pained in my heart.  This beautiful Tree being cut down.  I stand nearby in shock.  I then ask a workman the reason why this Tree is being cut down - he tells me that they are clearing space for a new marina.  I am speechless.  I look at the tree branches cut into pieces on the ground and the tree is gradually being cut, one painful piece at a time. I look around at the other Trees in the local area - the slight breeze is softly blowing the leaves - it seems that they are waving goodbye to their friend.  Now I know why the other Tree is crying.  I now have a knowing what must drive the Greenies - the feeling that I too could chain myself to save a Tree.  It is not the exact image below -but can you image -just being present to the destruction.

                                         

And this is just 1 tree - which immediately turns my attention to deforestation - I realise that I need to be more conscious.  Did you know that an area of forest equal to 20 football or rugby fields is lost every minute?  I turn to the Internet to learn more - http://www.rain-tree.com/facts.htm. Just some of the facts from this website include:

- Rainforests once covered 14% of the earth's land surface; now they cover a mere 6%

- Experts estimate that the last remaining rainforests could be consumed in less than 40 years

- Experts estimates that we are losing 137 plant, animal and insect species every single day due to rainforest deforestation - that equals 50,000 species a year

- As rainforest species disappear, so do many possible cures for life-threatening diseases - currently, 121 prescription drugs sold worldwide come from plant-derived sources

- Most rainforests are cleared by chainsaws, bulldozers and fires for its timber value and then are followed by farming and ranching operations

- There were an estimated ten million Indians living in the Amazonian Rainforest five centuries ago - today there are less than 200,000.
- When a medicine man dies without passing his arts on to the next generation, the tribe and the world loses thousands of years of irreplaceable knowledge about medicinal plants

- Experts agree that by leaving the rainforests intact and harvesting it's many nuts, fruits, oil-producing plants, and medicinal plants, the rainforest has more economic value than if they were cut down to make grazing land for cattle or for timber - the latest statistics show that rainforest land converted to cattle operations yields the land owner $60 per acre, and if timber is harvested, the land is worth $400 per acre - however, if these renewable and sustainable resources are harvested, the land will yield the land owner $2,400 per acre.

If these facts aren't heartbreaking enough - my attention then turns to the plight of the Orang-utans - reading that their rainforest is being destroyed for palm oil at such an overwhelming rate, costing the lives of 50 Orang-utans per week.  Now that breaks my heart.  Experts predict that Orang-utans will be extinct within 20 years.  There are some terrible, heartbreaking images on the web but I have chosen to show a beautiful image of the Orang-utan - I love that Orang-utan comes from the Malay language and means 'person of the forest'. 

While the image above captures the beauty, if you are interested in learning more, there are so many websites that further explore the horror of this situation. 

But now for the hope - what can be done - what can I do?  I Love Trees, I Love Animals - what can I do?  I instantly draw in strength from one of my favourite quotes - "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." (Helen Keller)..." my philosophy - my principles - my wanting to Make A Difference.  And I remember that my being aware and conscious in my daily choices, can Make A Difference.  I can choose to use recycled paper and less paper, stop getting throw-away cups from Gloria Jeans.  I can also be more conscious of choosing palm oil free products - see this great website http://www.orangutans.com.au/Orangutans-Survival-Information/Helping-you-buy-responsibly-Palm-oil-free-alternatives.aspx.  I have been so shocked of how many products contain palm oil - but pleasantly excited by the opportunity to be aware and make better decisions.  It is good to see that Lindt Gold Bunnies are confirmed as palm oil free and Cadbury has also confirmed that its dairy milk Easter range is palm oil free.  I am also happy to see that my boyfriend's favourite cereal, Sultana Bran is free of palm oil.  I am also happy to see that soap without palm oil is available, including, to my surprise, a Woolworths Select Brand and Herbon from selected health food stores.  Huge day today - so much to consider...

In fact I was happy to have some lightness and be introduced to a wonderful story on Today Tonight about the 'Free Hugs' You Tube Clip - that was one of the most popular in Australia - YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS - http://hubpages.com/hub/Best-Youtube-Video-Free-Hugs - this clip makes my heart sing.  This guy, during a time of his own darkness, was given a hug by a stranger and he felt wonderful - so he was inspired to go out and Make A Difference - I am inspired by this guy, who clearly is a great man, who in such a simple way is able to Spread The Yellow.

If you read my Blog - I invite you to become more aware and more active in your choices so that we can Make A Difference, Save Trees, Save Animals, Spread The Yellow, Offer and Embrace Free Hugs...