In my continuing studies of Buddhism, a recurring theme capturing my attention is the idea of not having fixed opinions or views. I have seen this idea referred to as “beginner’s mind,” “don’t know mind,” and “not sure mind” by various esteemed teachers. While my reaction to these teachings is often one of resonance, especially […]
Lifestyle
Finding Compassion for the Less-Than-Vegan
One time, in a vegan-friendly omni restaurant, there was this young woman conversing with her server over a platter of sushi. She could be overheard explaining that she is “vegetarian, but I still eat fish” and that she has a “friend who is vegan,” but she didn’t see the need, worries about protein, blah blah […]
Yes, Vegans, You Do Make a Difference. Here’s Why.
It’s no secret that vegans would love to live in a world without the exploitation and commodification of animals. As idyllic and lofty as this goal may sound, that’s what we want. This kind of world would require a major cultural shift, one in which the pervasive mindset of human dominance over nonhuman animals and […]
Got (Vegan) Calcium?
After I’ve explained to people what vegans eat and that I do indeed consume plenty of protein, conversation can sometimes turn towards the topic of calcium. If I’m not drinking milk or eating cheese, I’ve probably bought myself a one-way ticket to osteoporosisville, right? Wrong! The idea that calcium can only be found in dairy […]
Five Things I Learned About Green Tea
As a health-conscious vegan, I am constantly looking for ways to improve my diet. However, I have not always given much thought to what I drink. Since most of our bodies are made up of water, it makes sense that the fluids we drink (or in some cases, choose not to drink) will have an […]