Spiritual Reasons Why I’m a Vegetarian
Posted by Goddess Leonie on July 14th, 2009. Filed under: Sacred Goddess.
This is supposed to be a photo of me meditating with my beloved broccoli. Instead, it ended up being the puppehs photobombing, trying to eat my broccoli, and me trying not to piss myself laughing. Perfect!
Hola gorgeous Goddess!
Three and a half years ago, I made the decision to become vegetarian. I’ve been vegetarian most of that time since then, except for some holidays and a period earlier this year when I was iron-deficient. I’ve written before about accepting all those incongruous parts of myself: the vegetarian and the sometimes-not-vegetarian.
Today I wanted to share the spiritual reasons *why* I’m a vegetarian, and the differences it has made in my life.
First, some disclaimers.
Disclaimer: The Ancient Ways
I am well aware that many ancient (and modern) traditions not only meat, but include it in their spirituality, including Native American and Indigenous Australian. These are also traditions I am inspired by and have learned deeply from.
If I lived in a culture where animal-killing and meat-eating was integrated into daily and spiritual lives, I may not be vegetarian.
But for me, right now, with the disconnect between the animal being killed, the meat being eaten, and the lack of soulful consciousness around it, vegetarianism is the right spiritual choice for me.
Disclaimer: What’s good for me might not be good for you
I have many friends who are not vegetarians, and consciously choose not to be vegetarians. Some choose this for health reasons. Some feel they become ungrounded when they don’t eat meat.
I have no idea what is right and good for you. However your spirit calls you is perfect for you – and I’m not wanting to change you. All I wish to do is offer my story of my spiritual journey through vegetarianism, and share about what gorgeous gifts it has brought to my life. It may sing to you – and it may not.
And that’s utterly perfect.
I trust in your intuition, and doing what is beautiful for you.
Yay!
And now… onto my story!
Why I decided to go vegetarian.
I can pin point the exact moment I decided to become a vegetarian. I was reading Ram Dass’ glorious “Be Here Now” book. In it, he talked about why his Indian gurus were vegetarian: they believed that when an animal died, it experienced a whole lot of anxiety and fear, with testosterone and adrenaline coursing through its blood. And when we eat the meat of that animal, we intake that energy too: of anxiety, fear, testosterone and adrenaline.
And in that moment, it all light-bulbed for me.
I knew that it was true. I knew that I really, really did not want to intake any of those chemicals or energies anymore.
A little background.
Many of you know I was born on a cattle farm. My childhood was big on meat-eating. My family are meat-eaters. Meat has always been a part of my life.
I also know that it’s true that animals are experiencing anxiety and adrenaline when they are slaughtered.
If you think they don’t know what’s happening, consider this:
A cow spends most of her life happily eating grass in a field. About every six months, she is rounded up for a day in the yard for weaning, branding, needles, drafting and moving around. It’s a stressful day for them. It’s way out of their comfort zone.
And then, if it’s slaughter day, they are loaded up in a truck (which they’ve usually never been on before), and driven along the road at a speed and height they never usually experienced. Then they are herded off the truck and into the abbatoir. If you haven’t been to an abbatoir, you’re missing out on something totally disgusting. The smell is absolutely horrific. There is mud and blood everywhere, cattle are freaking out and nobody in their right mind will live near (or downwind of an abbatoir). Holy dinger, it’s gross-kies.
I’m not telling you this because I’m an animal activist. I’m not trying to be all doomsday conspiracy theorist.
I’m trying to illustrate for those who don’t know about the process what it is like for cows. Just how far out of their comfort zone a cow is before it is killed. It might not know it’s going to die – but it doesn’t need to. It’s already got adrenaline and testosterone being flooded into its blood. It’s experiencing fear and anxiety.
Just on an energy level – you are eating a cow’s most freaked out, terrified, anxious day in its life.
It’s not thinking about love and flowers and grass and goodness.
What thoughts would you rather eat?
The Big Change.
So I read those words in the Ram Dass book. And thought about my life on the cattle farm (none of which I regret, or feel traumatised by.) It was just adding 1+1 together.
I wanted to live a peaceful life.
It made sense to eat food that didn’t have adrenaline and testosterone chemicals in it.
I rolled over to Chris.
Sweetie, do you mind if I become vegetarian?
I expected some resistance from him. It would mean changing all our meals and cooking – and he would be affected dramatically by it.
But there was none.
That sounds fine hon.
I paused.
You do realise I won’t be eating or cooking meat anymore at home, right?
Yep. I know. That’s fine.
And as simple as that, I became vegetarian.
A word about partners.
I know not all partners would be as fine about that decision as Chris was.
I know there can be strong resistance to making such a lifestyle change.
I also know we all need to make the right decisions for us.
We can’t live our lives not listening to our spirits, even if that means making some fairly minor inconveniences for our partners.
Are there ways you can make your lifestyle choice work for both of you?
Can you create a tasty vegetarian meal, and they can add meat if they want it?
Can they get their meaty protein intakes while eating out or during lunch?
Chris honours my choice in vegetarianism – but even if he didn’t, I’d still make that choice for me anyway. He still eats Macca’s burgers when he likes. He occasionally buys lamb or chicken to cook at home. He has a stash of frozen burger patties in the freezer if he wants some. When his body tells him to eat meat, he does. Most of the time though, he’s vegetarian. He gets to make his choices, and I get to make mine.
What happens when you become vegetarian?
There have been some significant changes in my life since becoming vegetarian.
Detox dreams
I gave up meat cold turkey (ha! punny!) that night I read that book. And over the next two to three weeks, I had the most violent, fear-filled nightmares. I talked to a lot of vegetarian friends, and they had all experienced similar things when they gave up meat.
It felt like all the built up adrenalin, anxiety and fear was leaving my body, and those awful dreams were the result of it.
After those few weeks though, they stopped. And didn’t return.
Nightmare-less
Ever since I was a kid, I have had pretty horrendous, scary nightmares at least once a week. The kind you wake up in a sweat from, ones that kinda put you off kilter for at least the next morning. They were all about being hunted, running away, fear and anxiety.
Chris was so used to me having nightmares, he’d wake up when he heard my breath getting laboured, and wake me up from them.
They were bad. Uck. Awful. And I hated having them. Especially so often.
But after I became vegetarian? And had all those detox dreams?
They stopped. Just like that.
I can count on one hand the amount of times in the last three and a half years I’ve had nightmares since then.
That is absolutely *huge* for me, and I’ve got tears in my eyes writing this. Tears at how much those dreams tormented me, and tears at the relief, gladness and joy of not having them any more.
I don’t know *why* exactly I used to have nightmares when I eat meat – and none now that I don’t – and I don’t know if it’s the case with all vegetarians. I wonder if that build up off yuck-energy-and-chemicals from eating meat manifests in nightmares. I do know it absolutely, categorically works for me.
As a case in point, recently I went back to my family’s farm for holidays. And for the first few days I was happily munching away on light, mostly raw, vegetarian foods. And then a little meat got thrown in here and there from everyone else’s meals. And before I knew it, I was hunking down on meat lasagne. And I didn’t think it would make much of a difference. Then I got the nightmares again. The ick, awful ones I used to get – the ones that made me wish for the night to end and dawn to come.
The next morning, I firmly decided meat was not worth the nightmares they brought me. And went straight back to vegetarian happy land.
Anxiety and peace levels
A month after becoming vegetarian, I was talking about the changes I’d felt with a friend who turned vegetarian before me.
And I realised that for the first time in a long time, my primary mode of feeling was peaceful. I just didn’t have the anxiety, panic or worry levels I used to have.
I just felt kinda calm. My energy felt clearer, my mind felt clearer.
And that’s remained constant since then. I have emotions and pain like everyone else – but my primary mode of feeling is usually just peaceful and easy.
When I do eat meat, I notice my anxiety levels soar again. I wonder if it’s the added chemicals from the meat… and as Ram Dass says – when we consume another animal’s meat, we are taking in their energy too.
Simply: I feel *way* more peaceful and easy-going when vegetarian. And more prone to anxiety, fear and worry when I eat meat.
Living a spirit-led life
For me {and as always – you need to make the right choice for your spirit} – I always feel a bit sad when I eat another animal. That’s just me. That may not be your experience.
When I do eat meat, I apologise to it, give thanks for it’s life, and hope for it to be a sacred rite. But I always feel that twinge of guilt, of sadness, of not really wanting to think about it.
It’s incongruous to my values, and to my spirit and emotions.
And it always feels a thousand percent better when I’m living, doing, being, speaking and eating from that place that fills me up with delight.
And for me, vegetarianism sings with my values.
And that feels mighty fine.
That feels like coming home.
Spiritual clarity and enlightenment
I feel clearer and healthier physically, emotionally and spiritually when I’m vegetarian. In the months after I became vegetarian, I received spiritual insights and healing at a way more advanced rate than I had before.
It felt like eating meat had put kind of a misty, mud-brown guard over me. And when I stopped eating it, it was lifted. I felt brighter and shinier and happier.
It was – and is – glorious.
Quite simply, vegetarianism is an integral part of my spirituality, and what lifts my essence. I’m eating food that nourishes me, fills me with good chemicals, and loves me right back.
And that, in itself, is life changing.
Moving further on down the track…
There are other ways I’m still exploring to optimise my diet and change my energy. Vegan, wheat-free, gluten-free and raw are all part of the parcel for me that I’m still integrating into my life. Every time I eat foods which are as close to the living source as possible, I feel shinier and shinier than ever before. Maybe in a while, once I’ve become more of a raw goddess, I’ll be able to share those differences too.
For now though:
Vegetarian is the greatest physical gift I can give to my body, mind and soul. It’s brought so many changes, blessings, gifts and miracles in my life. Even if it just got rid of my nightmares, it would have been enough. Instead, it helps me be shinier, happier and more peaceful than ever before.
More resources to help you get started:
Gone Raw: website of vegan, raw recipes
Losing your Pounds of Pain by Doreen Virtue
Eating in the Light: Making the switch to vegetarianism on your spiritual path by Doreen Virtue
Ani’s Raw Food Kitchen by Ani Phyo
Questions?
Do you have any questions about vegetarianism and its spiritual benefits, dearheart? Want to share your own experience of how your diet affects your spirituality? Comments circle away, gorgeous one. I’ll be happy to help. Anything to help you live that beautiful Goddess life of yours.
Love and gladness,
Big broccoli-shining love,
P.S. A gentle reminder: The Making Space for your Goddess to Shine e-course on divine decluttering & magical space clearing is starting today. So if you need some support to create a home that supports you and inspires you, sign up like now. Big love you!
____
July 14th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Oh, I totally heart your vegetarianism dear leonie : ) and i love your story of your decision to move toward it : ) I always cannot help but laugh when I think of my choice to become vegetarian, which, was about 3years ago as well (musta been something in the air) – I too had been reading a lot, and hadn’t made the decision yet, and was eating a steak at sizzlers (of all places) with a friend of mine, practicing what I’d been reading, which was to eat my food conciously – it was fine while I was eating the vegetables, imagining them as seeds, growing, water, sun, being picked etc etc, but when I tried it on the meat, I just burst into tears and couldn’t stop crying! everytime i looked at the meat I cried again, until i had to cover it with a napkin – it was pretty funny, but also felt a pretty huge moment – so, from then on, I’ve been vegetarian, and its good, its lighter, its calmer – so yeah, I totally heart your vegetarianism choice : )
July 14th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Fantastic post Leonie and totally echoes a lot of my experiences with becoming a vegetarian! I also grew up on a farm, and from a really young age just felt that it was so wrong every time one of the animals was sent to the abbatoir. So from a young age I’d go through phases of eating meat, then not eating meat. However 2 years ago I decided to become a vegetarian. I’d been thinking about it for awhile, but after seeing the Dalai Lama for the first time I made the decision to live more in alliance with my values….and for me being a vegetarian was a huge part of that. I’d noticed that I really had to shut down a part of myself when I ate meat, and when I thought about where it came from I just couldn’t eat it. I’ve noticed so many changes since becoming vegetarian. For about 6 months I had some really strong cravings for meat, but they quickly subsided. I feel so much more in tune with animals than before, and I feel like they react so much more calmly around me. It feels great to have a made a decision that I’d been contemplating for so long, and which feels so completely right for me.
July 14th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
sweet one-you always seem to touch on subjects that I’m exploring myself.
I’ve recently WAY reduced my meat intake and am slowly becoming vegetarian. For many of the reasons you described-the total GROSSNESS in how our meat becomes our meat. The chemicals, the health reasons and well…the sadness in eating an animal. Thank you for speaking so thoughtfully on this subject.
much love-
brandi
brandi’s last blog post..mission monday:: personalize your gratitude
July 14th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Leonie, I also had these really awful horrible nightmares as a child and now, reading this, I realize that they stopped after I stopped eating meat! I never made the connection before but it is true. I almost never have these nightmares anymore and I’m really grateful for that. Sometimes I woke up crying and it took me hours to calm down. Thank you for the light bulb awareness moment
P.S. I wish we wouldn’t have to eat plants either because they are also living beings and scientists found out that they too know when they are about to be “killed’.
Yemoonyah’s last blog post..Creative Web Biz: 10 Facebook Fan Page Tips for Creative Entrepreneurs
July 14th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Leonie,
I have had nightmares since I was wee. I wonder if this is not the problem. I always feel a pinch of guilt eating an animal.
I think I am truly going to try this again. I have tried many times before and failed, due to hamburgers mostly.
Maybe a different approach is in order. Thanks for inspiring me to try again.
Love and light
Jimi
July 15th, 2009 at 6:39 am
And over the next two to three weeks, I had the most violent, fear-filled nightmares. I talked to a lot of vegetarian friends, and they had all experienced similar things when they gave up meat.
OH!! Wow!! I’ve been having nightmares since I went raw – and I didn’t notice the correlation until I read this! Thank you, Leonie, I feel better already.
I resonated with this entire post. I went vegetarian when I was pregnant with my boy, over a decade ago, for very similar reasons. But then, when I left my ex, I went crazy and stopped caring what I ate, and started eating like a crazy person! I needed to find my own food path, just like everything else, because I needed to know that I was eating what *I* wanted, not what I was being told to eat.
And now, I’m becoming raw for similar reasons. I feel better. It resonates with me. It’s scary but feels good. (:
Thanks, Leonie – just what I needed to read today. <3
Kyeli’s last blog post..This Goddess is Decluttering
July 15th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Thanks Leonie for going vegetarian. (I’ve always been vegetarian – although that has more to do with my upbringing in a religion (Jainism) that abhors non vegetarianism – than a thoughtful decision I made.)
Re: dreams and nightmares. I’ve always believed that the purpose of dreams is to build muscle memory. And so bad dreams are good as it’ll help you build reflexes without actually experiencing the bad stuff.
Remembering bad dreams is not so good though. (I’ve always thought that we don’t remember most of our dreams because thats our bodies defence mechanism to experiment with extreme and absurd scenarios without going bonkers.)
Your point about dreams being related to energy is interesting to me. As it adds another layer to it. Although its not entirely connected with my thoughts about dreams – it gives me a dualistic outlook – another pathway to weave through.
Ankesh Kothari’s last blog post..Deconstructing Hype: Why Do People Hype Up Products
July 15th, 2009 at 10:56 am
I have kinda poked at the idea of becoming a vegetarian and what it would mean to me (and my family) and if it was something I could do yet. Although I am not quite there, I applaud those who have made that step.
Moonslark’s last blog post..Update on My Decluttering Process…
July 15th, 2009 at 11:20 am
leonie, i find your story about the nightmares completely fascinating! i have been vegetarian for 17 years and don’t remember any kind of detox. i am a peaceful person, maybe my vegetarianism has had something to do with that.
andrea’s last blog post..hollow
July 15th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Hey sweet possums!
It is so, so, so lovely hearing and reading all your words, stories, sharings and thoughts.
Mietta – your Sizzler moment of enlightenment is hilarious and beautiful. You rock, my darling friend!
Swirly Ange – I so love that we have that similar background! And your words about shutting a part of yourself down to eat meat made me nod my head vigorously.
Brandi – Big hugs to you possum. So glad this is so helpful. And do let me know how you go on your vege journey… and if you get the same detox dreams!
Yemoonyah – Oh my goodness dearheart… LOVE that you had the same experience of no nightmares after becoming vego! Woah! And that’s really interesting about ze vegetables too possum.
Jimi – I hear you possum. The nightmares suck! What I found really helpful when I turned vego was – I knew that there were some foods that I would really, really miss. So I went about and found replacements for them. Like chicken laksa became vegetarian laksa. Lamb kebabs became felafel kebabs. As long as I had those “go-to” foods, I felt okay! So I’m wondering if there is something that you can think of instead of hamburgers as a replacement for when you feel that. Big hugs to you on your journey – and let me know how you go with the dreaming!
Kyeli – Oh wow woman! You’re having detox dreams too! It must be the build up of toxins coming out in our dreams… especially as you are moving from vego to raw! Let me know in a couple of weeks how your dreams settle down. And BIG love to you, courageous woman!
Ankesh – I’m so delighted to have you join the conversation possum! And thank you for sharing about your experience from Jainism. When I was travelling around India I met so many Jains, and was so intrigued by their ultra-vego-ness and peace towards all animals. And loved hearing your theories on dreams too… much for me to think about too!
Moonslark – Thank you so much for sharing your story possum. And I so hear you – it’s such a big lifestyle change to make. When I decided to turn vego I thought “holy dinger! what now? the whole way I think about meals is meat! what do I eat now?” And then I discovered vegetables. And not boring, tasteless old side-serving vegetables. But all the way they can fill you up and taste amazing and be THE centrepiece of a meal – not just the side part you have to plough through to get to the good stuff (the meat). It’s totally changed my taste buds… and I can definitely say there is good food on the other side of the vegetarian light
hee hee hee! Now I’m totally raving… but I wishing you such good blessings… whatever sings to you is beautiful 
xoxo
Andrea – That’s awesome possum… thanks for sharing your experiences with it darl! xoxo
Goddess Leonie’s last blog post..Spiritual Reasons Why I’m a Vegetarian
July 15th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your reasons for being a vegetarian. I’ve definitely experienced some of the things you mention. Especially the part about being in a place of peace. I have a lot less anxiety when I’m not eating meat or too much cooked foods.
Actually, and more interestingly (I think hehe), I noticed that my alchemist man gets more aggressive and upset when he is eating meat. He’s very supportive of my high raw diet. But he sometimes eats differently around family, and that has definitely caused some interested side effects in terms of mood.
Nathalie Lussier’s last blog post..13 Witchy Ways Green Smoothies Help You Feel Great All In Less Than 13 Minutes
July 15th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Hi! I followed your comment on Mark Silver’s blog to here.
I was born a vegetarian, and at 28 years old, I’m still vegetarian. I’ve tasted a little bit of meat, but never eaten a meat meal.
There’s no reason for me to become a meat eater, and plenty of reasons for me to continue being vegetarian – spiritual, physical (health), ethical, environmental, emotional, and so on.
My kids are second-generation vegetarian-since-birth. And they’re very healthy and happy.
Trisha Cupra’s last blog post..If Content is king, Design rules the universe
July 15th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Thanks for sharing your reasons for becoming a vegetarian, Leonie. I have been a vegetarian for 13 years now, since giving birth to my daughter, Chloe. My husband, Rob–a vego for 23 years now–and I decided to raise her to be vegetarian at the same time I decided to eliminate meat from my diet.
I have never regretted my choice and find it is more in keeping with my heart, ethics, and spiritual values. Seeing how my daughter has never really questioned and utterly embraced the reasons for being vegetarian, her absolute love for animals, compassion and inability to tolerate suffering in any living creature, is all that I need to know it is the right way for our family. We three talk a lot about issues related to human and animal suffering, enjoy cooking together and trying all kinds of delicious foods, and feel we are practicing living more consciously and compassionately in this world, not just talking about it.
I want to add that one of the things I have learned on my path of vegetarianism is the importance of eating whole foods and avoiding processed foods as much as possible. Many times vegetarians, particularly new converts, stock up on all of the soy-based, processed meat substitutes out there and rely on them for protein to replace the meat on their plate. While some are tasty, learning to eat and cook with whole foods instead is much healthier for our body since we don’t want to substitute one set of chemicals (hormones, pesticides, etc.) for another. I found I have more energy eating whole foods (grains, nuts, seeds, organic fruits and vegetables) and little or no processed food products (e.g., packaged veggie burgers, veggie sausages, hot dogs, etc.). We try not to eat tofu more than once a week and while we eat cheese, we try to keep it to a minimum, and only eat organic or artisan cheese made locally from reputable dairies. There are many great whole foods cook books out there. Both macrobiotics and raw food diets are based on whole foods. I’ve found there is a lot to learn on the path to becoming consciously healthy and whole that doesn’t stop when one becomes a vegetarian.
Viva la veg heads!
Stephanie’s last blog post..The Teachings of Spider Woman
July 16th, 2009 at 7:52 am
What a wonderful post!
I was a vegetarian for 2 years but I got deeply anaemic and it’s taken me over 2 years to get my iron to acceptable levels.
My husband has been veggie for 7 years, so at home we never cook meat at all. When we went to Brazil 2 years ago he started eating fish, so we have fish and seafood occasionally.
I find it very hard to eat meat. I gave it up for the same reasons as you. I was self-studying ayurveda and some deep yoga stuff at the time and it totally hit me how we are eating fear, anxiety, hormones and what not when we consume animal products. I find it ultra hard to have meat, but I cannot be a 100% vegetarian, as I just go back to being aneamic. I have to live with this as there is nothing I can do, and I need to be healthy.
Thanks as always for your honest, inspiring posts.
Much love,
Tatty
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July 16th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Hey darling Leonie, this is such a thoughtful, insightful post. Thank you for opening this great conversation about food.
I chose to eat a vegetarian diet for many years, although I didn’t grow up in a vegetarian household. These days, I eat what my body asks for, which is usually vegetarian food for breakfast and lunch, and a small portion of something non-veg for dinner. I buy wild fish, and locally raised, organic chicken and meat.
Thanks, dear one, for your warm, wise voice here on your gorgeous blog.
Love and hugs,
Hiro
Hiro Boga’s last blog post..Playing With Time
July 17th, 2009 at 12:37 am
Thank you so much for putting this into words in the gentle accepting loving heartfelt manner that you so everything.
I could have written this except the part about growing up on a ranch. Could have if I had your way with words and your sweetness, that is.
Big kiss to your vegetarian self.
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July 17th, 2009 at 3:54 am
Hi Leonie,
You have inspired me. I am a teenager, living in a non-vegetarian home, yearning to be a vegetarian. The thing that makes it tricky is the fact that I do not live with my own family, but another family who I also love very much, but they have some very different ideas about nutrition that my parents. This creates some conflict coupled with the fact that I am sensitive to corn, gluten, dairy, and eggs.
I have decided to try vegetarian for a week, and you have gifted me the courage to ask them if they would be ok with that. Thank you.
Blessed Be,
Fiona
Fiona’s last blog post..Magical
July 17th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Hi Fiona,
Good on you for deciding to be a vegetarian for a week!
Even if you can only decide to be a vegetarian for a day at a time, that’s something!
My mother switched me over to soy milk when I was about 12 years old by saying that I’d only have soy milk for 6 weeks, and if I wanted to I could go back to cow’s milk after. I hated soy milk at first, but by the end of those 6 weeks, I much preferred the taste over cow’s milk.
Maybe if being a veggie for a week goes well, you could ask for a 6 week trial? If after 6 weeks everybody is happy with your health, then you can make it permanent.
I switched from veggie to full vegan when I was a teenager, and cut out junk food altogether. So I know what it’s like to be the odd one out in a family as a teenager. (I’ve since gone back to being non-vegan and enjoying desserts, though!)
Trisha Cupra’s last blog post..If Content is king, Design rules the universe
August 7th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
“Vegetarian is the greatest physical gift I can give to my body, mind and soul. It’s brought so many changes, blessings, gifts and miracles in my life.”
Yes! Me too. I became a veg a few years ago now and it’s been the best decision. It just feels right for me… body mind and soul.
You rock for writing this, miss.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:47 pm
As a child I never really liked meat that much. I been a vegetarian for awile now, and I feel that I made a great decision. my children and husband still eat meat, it must be organic. I have to tell you my husband did buy some chicken from jewel-osco the other day not organic, and it had this rotton egg smell…I told him you should have bought it at wholefoods organic meat dummy. He hates spending money on organic food. He just has no clue. Anyway I think you are a sweet soul Leonie.
September 8th, 2009 at 5:42 am
I had a similar experience: in summer of 2002, I had been gradually eliminating one form of meat after another: first I stopped eating pork because I read that pigs are highly intelligent: smarter than dogs and cats, and just couldn’t eat them anymore. I had given eating veal and lamb a while before just because it bothered me to eat children.
Then I was about to decide whether to give up chicken or beef next: I thought that by eating beef but not chicken, each meal would cost much fewer individual lives. But then chicken were less intelligent.
Then I read a book : “You don’t need the meat” (I don’t remember the author) which described the conditions in slaughterhouses: they seemed like concentration camps/death camps for animals, and after reading that, I just couldn’t eat meat anymore: like you I went “cold turkey”: one day I was eating some meat, the next day I was vegetarian.
Like you I found: that my level of anxiety went down, and I was less impatient, less frustrated and less aggressive; maybe from being exposed to fewer hormones from the meat.
I too am open minded about everyone having to follow their own path. My partner is a meat eater. My partner’s daughter is raising her kids as meat eaters. I think it is a decision that everyone should make for themselves and not have it forced on them: because that way it would not last.
But I think little by little we as a world are changing and
we are all getting closer to caring for our Mother Earth.
Laurie
September 8th, 2009 at 9:31 am
“…it bothered me to eat children.”
Good way of stating it!
December 14th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Wow!
I was never much of a meat eater, I rarely eat meat but after reading this I think I’ll stop having those seldom moments and become a vegetarian.
Thanks for this Leonie.
Blessed be.
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Thank you for sharing this Leonie. My story is similar in the process to becoming a vegetarian. The nightmares you mentioned where frequent and true for me too and even increased more so during the period of time when I stopped/detoxed from the meat. But after I cut out all meat, then they just vanished and I felt more at peace in my own body.
Some of the nightmares I had during the process of going from life long meat eater to veggie where so graphic/horrific that I actually dreamt, several times, the farming and slaughter process from the point of view of the animal… that meant that in my dream, I went through the process myself – and I can tell you they are utterly terrified and they *absolutely* DO know they are going to die, and that it will likely be a frightening, painful event of which there is nothing they can do about it, but experience full the terror emitting from both themselves and their companions.
I know it all sounds a bit dramatic – but this is my truth, what I have come to be shown and experience for myself. I am not judging others choices (I was a meat eater for a long time myself) I’m just sharing my experience and what I learnt. But what I came to understand is that this terror and fear is retained in what we consume when eating most factory farmed meat. I have never gone back to eating meat for about 4 years now and I feel much healthier, happier, more relaxed and energised because of my choice.
December 24th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
at this bit: “It felt like eating meat had put kind of a misty, mud-brown guard over me. And when I stopped eating it, it was lifted. I felt brighter and shinier and happier.”
I know EXACTLY what you mean! when i have a steak or something like it i feel sort of *heavy* and like very very full and feels like i need to sit down for a while. but when i have a vegetarian meal i feel really light and happy and YAY!
so i’m becoming a full time vegetarian next year, but i’m going to phase it out by eating a lot of veggie food right now and maybe having the occasional meat until i have stopped all together, i don’t think i would be able to last if i just one day decided to stop altogether. and also i need to learn how to cook better because i still live a home with my family and my mums not going to cook 2 meals every night.
do you have any good recipes you like and think a nearly 15 yearold would be able to make?
November 9th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Hello!
I had a dream last night, and it’s been with me all day. My brother recently died in a car accident, and I think he visits me every now and then. I think he brought me this message.
In my dream, he was talking to my older sister, and she asked if I thought my brother was hunting in Heaven. He really enjoyed hunting and fishing in life.
I told her the following…
1. No, he’s not hunting in heaven. In heaven, no one eats animals because there is a universal understanding in heaven that animals have souls.
2. It’s OK that we eat animals on earth because we don’t have a universal understanding that animals have souls.
3. Even though it’s ok to eat meat here on earth, to be a vegetarian is to be more godly (the way that “cleanliness is next to Godliness”, vegetarianism is next to Godliness.)
Maybe I read this somewhere, but we were looking for my brother in this dream, and then I got what seems like such an incredibly clear message and judgment free choice about vegetarianism, and it seemed like he brought it to me.
Anyway, I wanted to share this with you because you were my first hit when I searched for vegetarianism and spirituality, and you seemed so open to hearing about my dream. I feel like this is something I definitely need to explore more.
Thanks,
Tricia