Vegetarians or Vegans?

[Blufire77]

The free will choice to become vegetarian or vegan has always been interesting and at the same time perplexing to me . . . . especially the part about not eating something that once was a living sentient being.

I spend the majority of my time outside on my farm growing organic food and tending to the various medicinal herbs and plants that I grow both by cultivation and wild crafting. Plants and trees for me are just as alive as the numerous animals here on the farm. When we harvest the vegetables, grains and fruits their “life force” is released and the plant “dies” . . . . it no longer can continue to grow or live through its natural cycle of life.

When I am in the garden or woods the plants and trees share their energy and communicate to me in a different way than an animal or person, but there is an emotional response none the less. Most have probably heard about plants that are talked to or are lovingly cared for are healthier than those left alone and given only the basic needs of life. Is this not a “form” of emotional intelligent response?

I eat all types of meat, eggs and dairy products as well as fruits, whole grains and vegetables. I embrace and accept my “human” designation in the “animal” kingdom and part of that designation is an “omnivore”, one who consumes both plants and meat. Humans are not classified as carnivores (meat only eaters) or herbivores (plant only eaters). Our bodies require complex proteins and amino acids that only red meat can supply. Does that mean that humans cannot survive on only a plant or meat only diet? No obviously humans can as many of you in this forum do. But there is a difference between surviving and thriving.

I am striving toward a completely off-grid, self-sustaining environment. Part of being self-sustaining means not only do I grow all the food I eat, I also grow all the food my livestock eat. All life on this farm (four and two legged and rooted) is respected, loved and honored. I abhor the way animals are treated in mass producing slaughter houses and I will not eat meat produced in this way . . . for many reasons not only morally. I also detest mass produced vegetables and fruits. These “living beings” are also grown in toxic, hostile environments.

At this point, I would like to state that I strongly take objection with the idea that only vegetarians or vegans can ascend to a higher level of enlightenment. My personal enlightenment and spiritual growth rapidly took off at the point I began meditating and praying outside in all weather and seasons while going about the daily tasks of farm life . . . . all tasks of farm life. I have became very sanguine and completely at peace with the “circle of life”. Simply with the absolute knowledge and understanding that “life” never, ever ends . . . .it is unfathomably and wonderfully infinite.

So for me when one says they are superior to me because they only eat “dead” plants, fruits and vegetables means that perhaps they should come here to my humble little farm and shovel poop.