Where do I start my faithful readers? My mind is so full that it refuses to settle on one thought long enough to develop it. The one thing that supersedes everything folks, is this: I'm happy. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. Given the tone of some of my precious posts this may be a pleasant surprise to some of you. Do I have your attention? Do you want to know why little miss me is so happy? Let me see if I can do everything I'm feeling and experiencing justice, shall we?
When I went home this summer, I did a lot of thinking and when I returned to Japan I was determined to make some changes. It's taken some time and effort, but I'm proud to say I've done just that. It's not over yet folks but over the past couple of weeks a few things have suddenly clicked into place. My explanation of everything will have to come to you in chunks, otherwise it will take too long to complete and you will have to continue staring at Dawn for another 3 weeks and no one wants that.
Perhaps the biggest change I've made is that I've stopped eating meat. Since I started doing yoga, becoming a vegetarian is something that I've thought a lot about. I'd gone meatless before but it never stuck. In September I went meatless and well the impact this decision has had on me has been more than surprising. It's hard to say what can be directly attributed to not eating meat but here are some of the things I've noticed:
1. I'm less tired. I have a lot more energy.
2. My skin is better. (For those of you who don't know I have psoriasis.)
3. I have a healthier attitude towards food.
4. Absolutely no menstrual pain!!!! (Sorry, boys. It needs to be said.)
Being a 'vegetarian' works for me. (I use quotation marks because I'm still eating some fish based products.) It makes sense to me. I feel good.
In addition to all the positive physical effects (that I will freely admit may be attributable to the increase/decrease of certain other foods in my diet) there is also the more 'spiritual' side to eating that through vegetarianism I've been able to channel. Hear me out here as I become a little 'new agie' on you. I've never had a good relationship with food. (Don't get me wrong here. I've never suffered from any kind of eating disorder.) I have, however, in the past eaten food to comfort myself, punish myself and sedate myself. At one point, I ate without thought for about 8 months and gained a good 35 to 40 pounds in the process. I felt miserable. Miserable. Over the course of the past three years my eating habits have changed considerably and becoming a vegetarian is just one more step in this process. I am (becoming) conscious about what I consume. I nourish my body. Instead of a relationship (w/ food) that used to be filled with guilt; it's one that's filled with love and compassion. Love and compassion for myself and for all living things.
*I'm not 100% satisfied with the way I've expressed this but I'll post anyway. This is the first time I've tried to explain why I'm becoming a vegetarian and the way the decision has effected me so bare with me, ne.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
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5 comments:
Welcome to the team! The best way to make this stick is to not be to hard or strict on yourself and just go with what feels comfortable. You'll never stick to what doesn't feel good or right for you, so you gotta figure out your own brand of vegness. If fish-based works for you, then stick to it - just remember to call yourself a pescatarian. ;)
It's cool that you've been able to see these changes. When I "went over to the other side," I was too young to really think about or be aware enough of changes that happened. Anyway, I was a teenager and horomones are always making us change regardless at that time, right? So, who knows. Anyway, I shall relive the "process" vicariously through you. Good luck and I hope you find the brand that works best for you. :)
p.s. Thank you for getting rid of Dawn.
p.p.s. What does "Ahimsa" mean?
Uhm, what exactly are "fish-based" products?
that's great, jo. glad to hear all your thinking has led to some positive stuff :)
miki,
to answer your question:
there are eight limbs of yoga - or steps to yoga. yamas (restraints) is one of the limbs.
ahimsa is one of the yamas. it is described either as non-violence or compassion for all living things.
trish,
a lot of japanese sauces, dips, broths, soups etc. are made using fish flakes...
kathy,
more to come my dear friend...
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