My first post and I'm already ranting on meat eating!

Well hello everyone. Here I am, officially beginning a blog. Over several years now I have considered such a thing if for no other reason than to join the millions of people around the world that say "yes, I blog". I also think that its another one of those strange things that ended up on my life goals list along with dreadlocks and being able to touch my toes to the back of my head. I hope to keep this going so that I can introduce more of my life to my family and friends. Through recent circumstances I have come to recognize that it is important to allow other people to reach into our lives and I know that this isn't necessarily the most personal or majestic way of communicating but I kind of like it that way.

So, this being my new blog and my first post I have decided to share my thoughts on food. Yes, food and meat in particular. The past few months I have found myself continually pondering meat and it's role in my life. And not just "meat" like it is some kind of spontaneous material that randomly materializes wrapped in plastic or a sesame bun, but "meat" as in animals. This past summer I spent several months living with my father in law who has not eaten animal flesh in over two years. His determination and down right stubbornness was, if nothing else, inspiring. I loved his garden fresh vegetables and how my mother in law put together meals that were filling and satisfying without making me feel guilty. My body was continually thanking me for the good nutrients and care I was giving it. It showed me a different relationship with food that I have truly come to admire. (Just for the record ... I haven't necessarily kept up with this good habit).

As ridiculous as it may sound I don't think I have honestly made the connection before that this burger king whopper is actually a deceased cow and that a chic-fil-a sandwich really is/was a chicken. Perhaps it is because I don't spend my days butchering the animals that I consume that I have truly disassociated meat and its humble origins. How many of us truly consider that the flesh we are about to put on our grill and into our mouths was walking and breathing, had emotions and had a will to live.

When I first attended the temple (the LDS temple that is) I was overcome with an appreciation for this wonderful world. An abounding love for all of God's creations filled me and it was absolutely magnificent. I like to tell people that my family is the most extreme family you'll ever meet. We have the most raw and unbridled emotions you'll find in the human race. Some of them are hidden and some are marked clearly on our foreheads but they are there and they are oh so strong. So, when I say I felt an "abounding love" I truly mean just that. It was overwhelming. It was awesome and every time I go back I feel that same feeling. It's as if I'm gaining a greater appreciation each time I go. And perhaps it may seems odd but I have honestly felt my heart being pulled towards being a vegetarian. Ok, now let me explain ...

It isn't as if I have felt that God has spoken to me. No, it is much more like a soft and gentle, slow tugging towards a different perspective. Almost as if the past few months He has helped me to be more aware (and man do I need awareness). In the church we speak often of the word of wisdom and how alcohol, tobacco and other addictive materials can influence us in negative ways. For some the word of wisdom is a very difficult task but for many others it is simple and rather easy. I personally have no difficulty denying drink and cigarettes (my struggles lie elsewhere) but haven't really considered how the rest of the word of wisdom pertains to me. How often do we truly read all of the words and see its full potential? I believe there is so much more for us there. I have read it a lot recently and it too has been a part of this gentle tugging.

So, I guess what I am getting at is that this a process for me. I still eat meat occasionally (mostly because I have a hard time getting rid of traditions like turkey on Thanksgiving). I have concerns for my general nutrition as well since I know that there are vital nutrients in meats that need to be replaced, I just haven't quite learned where to get all of that yet. There is so much more that I want to be educated about and it's rather exciting.

I also find that it is hard to eat just fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc. without consuming meat. It's hard because meat is everywhere and in just about everything! It is almost as if Americans feel that a meal isn't quite a meal unless a dead animal is on the table. And since I am a good old American, meat is simply habit. Since it is everywhere it is too easy to forget and not recognize meat when you see it. Yes, and if you don't believe me just try to not eat meat for a week and you'll find yourself chewing on something and then later recognizing your fault. The very struggle to avoid meat and how often I have caught myself in this very situation has also been eye opening. I now give thanks and appreciate the meat that I do eat. It helps me to feel at peace with the animal that is now dead and sustaining me.
 

I hope that no one feels that I am being judgmental or harsh on anyone that is a omnivore or carnivore for that matter. I, in no way, feel upset or angry at others eating habits. This is my journey and my thoughts. My new and growing perspective and I absolutely love it. I hope that none of you will feel offended should I deny your freshly cooked pot roast and I would appreciate all the more those who support me in my change.

*Sigh* This has been a much longer blog than I intended and I have much more to say on the matter but it is late and my husband awaits me. It has been nice to share my thoughts and get them written down.
Refreshing I'd say.