Ahimsa & Eating Plants

So....for about the past month I have been eating a plant based, whole foods diet. I have always enjoyed vegetables, eaten lots of them, i ate meat too, but leaned to vegetarian recipes and felt great when doing so. Transitioning to...and I hate to use the term "veganism" (people like to bust my chops about being a "vegan" - so i will stick to "plant based, whole foods" when describing my dietary choices)...but transitioning to this lifestyle choice was relatively easy for me. I knew my body felt better eating these types of foods and now that I have done much reading and research in the field - I feel confident about my choice.

Wanted to bring up an important point that relates to the "Yama" (rules or codes of conduct for living). The Yogic Philosophy of Ahimsa or non-violence, non-harming, compassion and respect.

As I am quite an open person - I like to share my life experiences and choices with my family and friends but with that I have noticed a lot of skepticism and criticism tends to drift my way. I have always been one to carve my own path (keeping in mind that sometimes it is important to keep other's opinion's in mind)... I continue to live my life the way i know and feel is right for me.
The lesson here - is that no matter what I choose to do - it is my choice and I honour that!
It is important not to criticize others for their choices - because at the end of the day - everyone is living their life in their own authentic way.
Ahimsa or non-violence, compassion and respect is one of the yogic principles that this scenario falls nicely under.

Ahimsa is one of the reasons I have chosen not to eat our furry friends - showing kindness and compassion to animals. But, the bigger picture here is whether you choose to eat meat or not...it is important to live Ahimsa=non-violence. Be kind to those around you - and that kindness will be reflected out to the world.
We must always respect the choice of others and not judge them.

So as I choose to eat my "crazy potions" as some of my family members call them (referring to the planet extracts and smoothie ingredients I consume), I too must practice Ahimsa. I do not anger or get frustrated any longer when comments are made about my choices - I am kind and do not judge the fact that they may not know anything about this type of diet and are acting out of fear or ignorance perhaps - it does not matter. People will have their opinions - and if we commit to always showing them kindness, even if we want to lash out and defend our choices - we will all be better off.

"plant based, whole foods" = amazing - making your senses roar!

Thank you to Alicia Silverstone and her life changing book "The Kind Diet" for such amazing inspiration.