Vegan Survival Kit

Anyone who has been a vegan in an isolated environment knows the challenge of maintaining one’s equilibrium in the face of being a minority of one.  Even with online support, it can become tedious to deal with the daily onslaught of questions, queries and putdowns.  Worse yet are the criticisms from within the movement, from people who are a bit ahead (or a bit behind, depending on your perspective) on their vegan, human journey. Then there is the constant barrage of reality checks that come from listening to podcasts and reading articles about the dismal state of the human-nonhuman alliance in the world today.  Global warming, ocean destruction, factory farming, animal extinction, human overpopulation, deforestation, hunger, desertification, exploitation scream out from every corner of the world. And then, don’t forget to smile and radiate health when you go out in the community -  you have to represent a healthy veganism, don’t forget!

When undergoing clinical training as a psychotherapist in graduate school, we were taught not to “bleed out” for our clients, not to take their tragedies inside of us, or we would not live to help that client or any other in the future. First priority was learning self-care.  As a manager working with forensic mental health clients, I was told that stress was the number one enemy – be sure to take time for renewal, massages,meditation and other healing arts.  Now that I am working in animal advocacy, I know I have dropped some of these ideas from my daily regiment with disastrous results.  This has been one tough year. It is time to build a vegan survival kit; want to come along?

Build Your Own Vegan Survival Kit

How can vegans and especially vegan activists maintain a positive attitude and high energy with such draining endeavors going on?  This podcast is going to look at how to get your bounce back and keep it there. It is terribly important to learn these skills so you will not burn out.

1. Connection. First of all, do a real lifestyle assessment. Is your work and play in balance? Are you getting emotionally nourished while you give of yourself to others?  Do you have a healthy support system? Do you have others with whom you can talk and share? Are you around positive people who understand you and value you? If the answer is no to any of these questions, please consider what you can do to change the social dynamics in your life. No local vegan groups? Start one of your own. Yahoo meetups are available most anywhere. You need to take good care of yourself or you won’t be of any use to anyone else, and that includes the animals.
2. Time.  Are you setting limits on how long  you work? On how much time you spend doing outreach? On the computer? On taking on new projects?  Are there things you can let go of? Put off for awhile? Setting goals may help you to focus, not waste time, and limit how much time you spend spinning your wheels or going into overdrive.  Some times you just need to slow down; other times you just need to focus. Look realistically at how much time you spend on activism and veganism and determine if it is a reasonable amount of time for a mere mortal. Time management skills definitely belong in the vegan survival kit.
3. Body. Are you eating a healthy, balanced vegan diet consisting primarily of fresh fruits, vegetables and legumes or grains? Are you actually cooking most of your meals or eating them raw? Are you exercising daily, and working up a sweat at least three times a week? Do you stretch, do yoga, meditate, or practice any other stress reduction techniques? Are you getting out on your bicycle, going for a run or walk, and using your body enough to keep it fit and healthy? Do you sit in a comfortable chair at work or at home when you are blogging, writing, or podcasting? Do you take breaks and stretch, move, breathe? Do you walk barefoot on the earth occasionally? Do you take time to feel the sun, wind, or rain on your face and body? Don’t neglect your body; keep it healthy.
4. Spirit. Are you nourishing your soul? If you love music, are you taking time to play, dance, sing, listen to music? If silence heals you, how often do you get to enjoy it?  If there are birds outside your window, do you watch them, listen to their song? The earth, for all her scars and troubles, is still a beautiful place. Join her and be part of her healing process. Lay on the grass.  Listen to a waterfall. Watch a bug crawl along the sidewalk. In your own way, give thanks for participating, even during these difficult times.  Be glad you can make a contribution; she needs us every one. And so do the animals.
5. Humor. Maintaining a good sense of humor is critical for keeping your head above those treacherous waters that bring you down. If you want to retain that bounce in your step, you have to develop a good sense of humor. Try keeping a file of those cartoons that you find humorous, and foster friendships with people who know how to laugh.  Try not to take yourself too seriously; keep things in perspective.  Instead of that action film, try a comedy. Laugh every chance you get; it is really healing and, while I am not a doctor, I have heard that it is good for the immune system.
6. Joy. There is a book called, The Artist’s Way, which is all about renewal to keep creative juices flowing. When I remember to follow the simple dictates, it works well. Here is one of the suggestions: schedule weekly blocks of time to do something that you enjoy. That simple; you determine how much time and you figure out the details. If you love photography, spend four hours a week walking about seeing what you might capture on your camera.  If you love to swim, take a dive in the ocean.  Sit in a cafe and savor every drop of coffee. You need to schedule this block of time each and every week, though.  Think of it as a date with yourself. It is really worth it in the renewed energy and creativity that you will gain. Find something you enjoy, and don’t let a week go by without it.
7. Explore. Maybe you need a vacation, a change of scenery. If you cannot jet off to Paris or sail to the Bahamas, perhaps you can check out something local you have always wanted to see. Do you really know the backroads nearby, or that little winery up the road? Isn’t there an old thrift shop or antique store you have always wanted to visit?  Something you have always wanted to try? Pick up that drum at the thrift store and start down a new road. Begin a journal, learn to paint, volunteer at the animal shelter. If time is short right now, think about the trip you want to take someday; then make someday happen. Make a list of local outings you might take — then start taking them!
8. Breathe. One of the best stress relievers is to breathe deeply, letting go of your stress as you exhale.  Remembering to breathe deeply throughout the day is very rejuvenating. Stick reminders on your computer, your bathroom mirror, wherever you might notice them.  When you see them, stop and inhale deeply, fully….then slowly exhale. Stretching, too, can help you recover and get you through a tough day. Stress accumulates, so that is why it is important to take deep breaths periodically throughout the day. Remember to breathe!
9. Simplify. Life can get pretty hectic these days, with demands for work, finances, time, and energy.  Remember, this is the life you are creating; make sure that it is the one you want.  Simplifying life does not mean creating an empty life, but rather one that emphasizes what you value.  Things can often own us more than we realize, with maintenance and upkeep, cleaning and insuring, taking the joy out of the original acquisition.  Sometimes letting go can create a vacuum that can then be filled. Overscheduling activities is another way we often distract ourselves from what we really love.  If you find yourself scurrying from one appointment to the next, stop and rethink your priorities.
10. Attitude. The old saying about an attitude of gratitude has some wisdom within it. Keeping a positive outlook is good for the soul and the body, too, as well as the mind. Make certain that you are around positive people where you have choice, and trim out those that bring you down, or limit their access to your heart and mind. Finding things for which to be grateful keeps you focused on the positive. It is important when doing the difficult work of trying to educate people about how their choices are impacting others and working towards social justice.

That very old tape admonishes us, “Don’t eat meat.”  Beware of “bootleg hooch” too. When making changes, integrate one change at a time. Find out what works for you; then make that change second nature before you take on another change. Even positive change can be a form of stress, so take steps slowly and incrementally. It takes a while to develop new habits, so expect some backsliding. Don’t let it defeat you, just know it is part of the process.

Activists and Caregivers Must Be Vigilant About Self-Care

Taking good care of yourself is doubly important if you are a caregiver, whether of a child or an animal.  Children tend to pattern their own self-care based on what they experience as a child, so do not think by martyring yourself you are teaching your child what he needs to learn.  If you are responsible for the well being of a nonhuman animal or animals, it is important that you stay healthy so these beings can survive, too. Remember that you are the role model for your children; if you want them to learn to care for themselves, you need to demonstrate good self care. That is what you want them to learn, right?

There is important work ahead. Taking good care of yourself can help you go the distance. Disclaimer: this is not professional advice, it is what I use in my Vegan Survival Kit. I hope they will be helpful in your survival kit, too. As for me, I am heading out to have some fun. Why don’t you do the same?

Clips:

• Take Good Care of Yourself by Wardell Quezergue
• On and On by Stephen Bishop
• I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
• Moon Dance by Van Morrison
• Make ‘em Laugh by Donald O’Connor
• Who’s Taking Care of You? by Sheila E and the E-Train
• My Father’s Eyes by Eric Clapton
• Peaceful Easy Feeling by the Eagles
• Blue Skies by Karrin Allyson
• Button Up Your Overcoat by Annette Hanshaw
• What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

After reading three books in a row about the horrors of factory farming, food safety, and the politics of the food industry, it has become apparent that some people within the vegan revolution have become fearful of veganism.  Moby, in his book, Gristle, admits to “softening” his approach, downplaying his veganism.  Jonathan Safran Foer, author of Eating Animals, takes a side step to vegetarianism and romances the humane meat movement, avoiding veganism altogether.  And Melanie Joy, in her book Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows, never promotes veganism, preferring the term “veg*n” or “vegetarian,” in order to appeal to a wider audience.  As someone who was raised to be an omnivore, evolved into vegetarianism, and finally learned enough to become an ethical abolitionist vegan, I am left wondering — why all the fear of the “V” word?

Veganism and the Peace Sign

When I was a young woman, the sign of a “V” meant peace — two fingers (the index and middle finger) erect and apart at the nail, just like in American Sign Language “V.”  I would hope we would reinstitute the use of the “peace” sign, the “V” that also means the “V” word, veganism. Without peace for all, and that includes the animals, there will be peace for no one. In fact, at this time, there many not be much life left on planet earth unless we mend our ways.  Let’s start using the peace sign and stand out as vegans.

Vegetarianism as a Sign of Veganaphobia

I noticed on the site VeganWrites, a site for student activists, that Bruce Friedrich of PETA was getting rid of his Vegan tee shirts because the Vegetarian tees elicited much better response. I bet a BBQ tee would do better still here in Texas, but that would hardly be vegan education. If we believe in veganism, how will it ever become prevalent if even the vegans are afraid to talk about it?  What is behind this veganaphobia?  The student writing the article then quoted Foer, stating that we should ask people to take the first step, not the last, meaning vegetarianism. But vegetarianism is not the first step – it is a side step, one that still uses animals and their bodies for purely selfish reasons. It is also not a healthy stance not a moral stance, nor even an equivalent environmental stance.

Here is a quote from Bruce Friedrich, VP of PETA

I actually think that using the word “vegan” (other than perhaps with youth) may be counterproductive to helping animals, relative to using the word “vegetarian.” As a species, we are given to seeing things as “all or nothing,” and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had discussions with people who write off making any changes because they believe they can’t go vegan.

Veganism is Clear

I would disagree.  Going vegan is much easier for many reasons. First of all, it is very clear – animals are not to be exploited, have intrinsic value and are not for human consumption.  Vegetarianism gets confusing for the general public. People bring you dead chickens or think it is acceptable to eat the secretions of animals or use their body parts in other products. Many people use the term vegetarian to indicate someone who eats fish and chicken as well as other animal products. This is not progress for the animals.

Second of all, veganism opens up an entire new world of food.  For me, going vegetarian meant giving something up, avoiding certain foods. Going vegan meant adding many, many things to my life. I became more sensitive to the animals around me, to the wealth of plant food, and to the joy of eating for the first time in my life. If I feel positive about being vegan, then when I discuss it with others it will shine through.

Third, it is much healthier for the individual and the planet. We can collectively feed more of us beings by eating plant food. We can save more of the rainforest and other forests. We can lower our cholesterol and, if we eat whole foods, get rid of most of the chronic diseases that plague modern man. We can reduce our carbon footprint and help stop global climate instability. And we can decrease the amount of violence, suffering, domination and subjugation in the world.

If there is this much confusion among vegans about the best approach towards educating the public, no wonder the public is so confused.

Sam Tucker and Gary Francione, Animal Abolitionists

While listening to one of my favorite podcasts, NZ Vegan Podcast, I was amazed at the solid, logical sound of a very young man, 13 years old at the time, who was on fire for animal rights and veganism.  Not only was he intelligent and well-spoken, he was doing something about the injustice he was witnessing.  Sam Tucker is that young man, now 14, and he is already an enterpreneur (having owned a tee-shirt business), a radio host (Food for Thought), a public speaker (at Animal Rights assemblies and on podcasts), and a successful animal rights advocate.  He is also a snowboarder and a musician.  Sam, as you can tell, does not let any moss grow under his feet.  He is part of a growing number of young people who are making enormous contributions to changing the way people think about animals, about food, and about the earth.

I am very fortunate that during my “research” phase of learning about the animal rights movement, I listened to some excellent, clear and consistent people who clarified things for me. To emphasize the point that promoting veganism via education need not be fear-inducing, there is Gary Francione and his Animal Rights: The Abolitionist Approach podcast for further clarification.

Animal Writes – To call yourself vegetarian or vegan

John Pizzarelli website

Fierce at Fourteen – profile of Sam Tucker

Book Review: Dr. Melanie Joy’s Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows

Food for Thought radio show

Animal Rights: The Abolitionist Approach Blog

When I transitioned to veganism, I found several vegan podcasts to be sources of invaluable information.  I simply loaded them on my iPod, and educated myself while I walked, worked out, or participated in life. These podcasts are easily available through iTunes, free of charge. (Of course, if you really appreciate them, the sponsors do appreciate donations, too.)

The first podcasts that I discovered were Colleen Patrick-Goudreaux and her Vegetarian Food for Thought series.  Colleen is a great teacher with well-researched information delivered in a kind but relentless manner – she gives you the straight scoop, so be prepared. She also gives you some literary offerings, some dietary suggestions, and loads of truth about the current state of being an animal in the world today.  She offers cooking classes and sells her DVDs and cookbooks (a new one has just been released!) on her website, and adds a host of other informative ideas.  You can even buy her helpful DVDs in bulk at a very low cost, so you can inform your friends and family who might be interested.  See her Compassionate Cooks website.

Not to be missed is the Vegan Freaks podcast series with Drs. Bob and Jenna Torres.  ”Coming to you from their elite fortress of moral superiority,  here are your protein-deprived hosts…” begins each segment.  This is always entertaining and informative and has a bit of spice to it – they are not concerned about telling it with a bit of color (in the language that is!).  Bob has written a few books well worth checking out too, and they run Tofu Hound Press, which supports vegan authors.  This podcast lets you feel like a visit with the best of friends who are also smart and cheeky.  Check out Vegan Freak for more information. And get a copy of his books while you are at it.

Vegan Radio is the podcast about the vegan culture and happenings, including information about the vegan bus that runs on used food oil, spreading the word  about veganism. Listening to their podcasts is like being on the road with them — always an adventure, always educational, always worth the trip.  They keep you abreast of current vegan events and culture while allowing you into their world, their sense of humor, and their most obvious compassion and thoughtfulness.  A recent listen was something about George Clooney’s sweat and tofu (???)….well, you just have to listen to make the connection.  Check out  the Vegan Bus or Vegan Radio for more information.

One of my new faves is Alternative Vegan, where one can garner information about cooking, veganism, produce, herbs, cooking, storing food and a host of other pragmatic and helpful topics — I am left feeling like I have my own personal vegan mentor.   Our host, Dino, is very down to earth and very aware of the culinary options for us vegans.  I relisten to these podcast more than any others, because they are like going to a Vegan University — without the tuition. Good podcast, good information! I am a BIG Dino fan and just purchased his book, which is all produce, all the time.  Dino’s blog is also wonderful; be sure the check it out.

And A Couple More…

There is a good fitness podcast that is also helpful to those of you who are fitness buffs: Fitness Rocks.  Dr. Monte Ladner gives well-researched information about a host of topics.  Since I try to keep my recipes, like my lifestyle, pretty simple and healthy, I really appreciate the passion Dr. Monte puts into helping me do the same.  He is also involved in a new venture, Fit Talk, an interactive fitness podcast with a wider net. This M.D. also has a blog.

For the animal lover in you, there is Animal Voices. This Toronto-based program gives an update on news that concerns animals, interviews with leaders in the field of animal rights, and discussions on relevant animal-related topics. This is a very professionally produced program, filled with good information and jam-packed with data and resources.  Kudos, AV!!

Be sure to support these excellent podcasters by leaving reviews and votes on iTunes and Podcast Alley. They offer a wealth of free information and support to all of us looking for a healthy, compassionate lifestyle.

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