I just finished reading Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's book Vegan's Daily Companion and I have to say it was great. Not only was it inpsiring but breathtakingly honest and sincere. From the photos to the content, I enjoyed every minute of it. There was one text in particular that resonated with me a little more than the others. It's an essay by Laura Moretti called I Like Animals. Upon reading this I sat back and took a deep breathe. Her words were beautiful, truthful and written with such strenth and confidence. I agree with her 100% and feel she couldn't have said it better.
So I had to share it because I feel you should all have the honor to read it. This world was created out of indiscribable magic and all beings were put here for a reason. I can guarantee that none were created just so they can be tortured, murdered and eaten by a species less true, loving and unique. Us humans are meant to live in peace with our fellow Earthlings. Mother Nature gives us both what we need to survive and live well. Joining hands with our furry friends and four legged buddies is how a beautiful world prospers. We are not better than they are. Our rights do not consist of overpowering their existance. To live in harmony, we all must know our place in the world and that each of us are only a tiny piece of the whole puzzle.
I Like Animals by Laura Moretti
"Why do you suppose you like animals so much?" was the million-dollar question put to me Christmas Eve (and one I hadn't provoked). I knew my family was expecting me to say something like, "I like animals because they're cute and cuddly and furry and fun to play with." But instead I said, "I like animals because they are honest."
My observation triggered a facetious comment from one of my brothers. “About what?"--as if honesty were merely about telling the truth, and everyone knows animals can't talk! His notation was met with hearty laughter; for once, they thought they'd repaid me for all the discomfort I'd caused them at other family gatherings.
"I like that animals don't pretend to be someone they're not," I continued in my reply, hushing the crowd. "To quote a phrase, 'Dogs don't lie about love.' Animals don't fake their feelings. I like that they're emotionally fearless."
We were lounging on sofas and armchairs after our feast and present opening. Coffee was being served, so I seized the opportunity. "I like animals," I added, "because they only take out of life what they need. They don't abuse their environment, annihilate species, pollute their water, contaminate the air they breathe. They don't build weapons of mass destruction and use them against others-particularly members of their own species. I like animals because they have no use for those things, or for war or terrorism. They don't build nations around genocide."
My uncle seemed momentarily lost in thought. He had been born and raised in New York City. "That's because they don't know any better," a brother-in-law argued. "They don't do those things because they don't know how."
"A pride of lions doesn't get together," I countered him, "and decide how to exterminate zebras-their very source of nourishment. I don't think it's because they don't know how. I think it's because it's counter-productive." They laughed. "
I also like animals," I continued," because they don't punish themselves for their perceived inadequacies. They don't dwell on things of the past, nor use them as excuses for behavior in the present. And they don't plan to live some day in the future, they live today, this moment, fully, completely, and purely. I like animals because they live their lives with so much more freedom than humans live theirs."
"That's because they don't think," one of my cousins offered.
"Is that the difference?" I wondered. "'I think therefore I'm cruel, destructive, insecure, abusive?' You meant to say they don't think the way we think." The room had become strangely quiet. I was amazed at how closely my family was listening, despite the occasional grunt to the contrary.
"I like animals because they don't bow down to imaginary gods they've created, nor annihilate each other in the name of those gods; gods, they say, who are all-knowing and all-loving and just. I like animals because they only know how to give unconditional love and implicit trust. I mean, animals either extend those things to you or they don't; there are no shades of gray. They have the best of what makes us human and, as one observer put it, "none of our vices.'" "And thank God," someone injected.
"Lastly," I added, remembering why I was an animal rights activist, "Animals are the most victimized living creatures on earth; more than children, more than women, more than people of color. Our prejudice enables us to exploit and use them, as scientific tools and expendable commodities, and to eat them. We do to them any atrocity our creative minds can summon. We justify our cruelties; we have to or we can't commit them. I like animals because they don't do to themselves or to others the things we do to them. And they don't make excuses for unethical actions because they don't commit unethical acts."
"And finally," I finished, "I like animals because they're not hypocrites. They don't say one thing and do another. They are, as I've said, honest. Animals-not humans-are the best this planet has to offer." And, interestingly enough, despite my soapbox rant, not a one of them made a snide comment or a hint of laughter. The conversation actually rolled into shared stories of animals they've known, stories of animal loyalty and intelligence, their humor and innocence. And it was me who'd become the listener with the occasional comment: "Now, if only humans could only be, well, like animals." And that is why I fight the good fight; I rise on behalf of the best among us.”
Showing posts with label earth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label earth. Show all posts
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Thursday, November 11, 2010
A True American
Lately, I have been thinking about the way people think and behave. Specifically, in this country we call America. So what does it mean to be an American? Is it gaining success and getting rich? Is it owning a home with the white picked fence? Is it having a family? Is it about speaking your mind and standing up for what you believe in? Is it protecting your country?
Really. What does it mean?
So you come here to chase the American dream. Here in the land of the free. A land where dreams can come true. What people thought was once was a great life, is now surpassed with greed, ignorance and stupidity. The simple life of happiness is lost and forgotten. Somewhere in the middle of then and now, the American people have shown their title disgrace and disrespect.
When we are kids we are taught this country's history and the many events that made it what it is today. Some great and some horrific. Between war, racism, violence, murder and hate, it's hard to see through it all. The way people and animals have been treated is certainly not something to celebrate.
Love, happiness and peace. This is what really matters. Being aware of how to help, share and spread that positivity is crucial to our species evolving. We need to learn that killing doesn't get us anywhere. It only sets us back and continues to halt our true survival. Why aren't people learning by now? In order to have a successful, healthy and prosperous future, we must love and respect all beings.
It's important to know, the way of life years ago is not the way of life today. Instead of seeking the simple undertones of how happiness can be, we all want more. Some people are so damn greedy they have way more than enough. Others lie, cheat and steal to get there. No one deserves to make billions, I don't care how talented or smart you are. In a country where you have the richest of all, there just shouldn't be homelessness and starvation. Period.
Is this what an American really is?
People live many lifestyles. All will try to convince you their way is the best way. I say, if you believe in something that is positive and doesn't harm others than great. But sadly, most lifestyles are the opposite. Religion, for example, is a vast category of brainwashing, sin, lies, rape, hypocrisy and misguided tales. On the other hand, it teaches self respect, strength, responsibility, love, faith and hope. How do you see through all the haze?
There is a good fraction of people who feel its important to make a difference in the world, so they strive for happiness through love and positivity. However, you also have a lot of people that either don't care or are not aware of what they can do to help. Then you have people who are so blinded by ignorance that their very existence is an embarrassment to us all.
The fact of the matter is, you can live any way you want. It is a free country after all. But should our lifestyles follow guidelines? Sort of like the 7 Deadly Sins, I feel we should all live by certain rules. I know most of us don't like rules but lets face it, without them nothing would run smoothly. There is no need to go crazy and whip out the tablets here. Just a few simple facts to keep us all in line.
First of all, we do not need to kill to survive.
Taking advantage of beings that do not have the same power as us is evil, unappreciative and most of all heartless. But we do it every God damn day. Death is in your supermarket and eventually winds up on your plate. Innocence is stolen and the weak are raped. Souls are truly lost. Machinery takes lives while the blood drips from our hands. Is this America?
Secondly, we need to learn when enough is enough.
How much more money can you make when you already have millions? How much more damage can you do to the planet? How much of our natural resources do we need to waste? How many Happy Meals can we shove down our kids throats? How many more animals can we torture and kill for fashion? Isn't the millions of animals we kill a year enough? Why do we continue to find more species to eat and more ways to torture them?
Third, be positive and be aware.
Why is it so hard for everyone to be kind to each other. People should want to help others and make sure we all succeed. We are all equal. People don't realize by living a certain way they support horrible things. They choose to separate themselves from their choices so they don't have to live knowing the truth. That's just sad.
Finally, we need to understand cause and effect.
When you put bad people into government, it will all crumble to the ground. When we eat toxic food we will get fat and sick. When we spend money carelessly, we end up with nothing but debt. When we take wild animals and teach them tricks they will eventually get even. When everything in your life is filled with drugs and alcohol you will soon learn that it's actually filled with nothing.
If we stay true to these, I think we can finally move in a better direction. All we really have is the Earth and each other. This planet is our number one resource for life. It gives us food, shelter, shade, air and water and most of us just take advantage of it all. We need to appreciate the beauty in what's around us. Not just the planet but in each other as well. We are amazing creatures - look how far we have come!
Now look beside you. There right by your side is an adorable little creature who brings joy and happiness to your life. Pets have unconditional love, something we humans can't truly grasp like they can. Now look beyond your dog or cat and you will see millions of animals that are simply amazing. Whether they live on a farm or in the wild, they are deserving of life as much as we are. We don't realize that we need them here in order for "life" to continue. So instead of eating a steak or shooting a dear, put the fork and gun down for once and see the beauty of it all.
So what does it mean to be American?
Being American means you are strong and brave.
It means standing up for equality.
It means we are free.
Free to be ourselves in a world free from hate.
It means we have the right to speak our minds.
It means we are loyal to all beings because we value life.
Being an American is being alive and appreciating the air we breathe.
Believing in ourselves and knowing we can make a difference in the world.
One by one, hand in hand, we certainly can.
Really. What does it mean?
So you come here to chase the American dream. Here in the land of the free. A land where dreams can come true. What people thought was once was a great life, is now surpassed with greed, ignorance and stupidity. The simple life of happiness is lost and forgotten. Somewhere in the middle of then and now, the American people have shown their title disgrace and disrespect.
When we are kids we are taught this country's history and the many events that made it what it is today. Some great and some horrific. Between war, racism, violence, murder and hate, it's hard to see through it all. The way people and animals have been treated is certainly not something to celebrate.
Love, happiness and peace. This is what really matters. Being aware of how to help, share and spread that positivity is crucial to our species evolving. We need to learn that killing doesn't get us anywhere. It only sets us back and continues to halt our true survival. Why aren't people learning by now? In order to have a successful, healthy and prosperous future, we must love and respect all beings.
It's important to know, the way of life years ago is not the way of life today. Instead of seeking the simple undertones of how happiness can be, we all want more. Some people are so damn greedy they have way more than enough. Others lie, cheat and steal to get there. No one deserves to make billions, I don't care how talented or smart you are. In a country where you have the richest of all, there just shouldn't be homelessness and starvation. Period.
Is this what an American really is?
People live many lifestyles. All will try to convince you their way is the best way. I say, if you believe in something that is positive and doesn't harm others than great. But sadly, most lifestyles are the opposite. Religion, for example, is a vast category of brainwashing, sin, lies, rape, hypocrisy and misguided tales. On the other hand, it teaches self respect, strength, responsibility, love, faith and hope. How do you see through all the haze?
There is a good fraction of people who feel its important to make a difference in the world, so they strive for happiness through love and positivity. However, you also have a lot of people that either don't care or are not aware of what they can do to help. Then you have people who are so blinded by ignorance that their very existence is an embarrassment to us all.
The fact of the matter is, you can live any way you want. It is a free country after all. But should our lifestyles follow guidelines? Sort of like the 7 Deadly Sins, I feel we should all live by certain rules. I know most of us don't like rules but lets face it, without them nothing would run smoothly. There is no need to go crazy and whip out the tablets here. Just a few simple facts to keep us all in line.
First of all, we do not need to kill to survive.
Taking advantage of beings that do not have the same power as us is evil, unappreciative and most of all heartless. But we do it every God damn day. Death is in your supermarket and eventually winds up on your plate. Innocence is stolen and the weak are raped. Souls are truly lost. Machinery takes lives while the blood drips from our hands. Is this America?
Secondly, we need to learn when enough is enough.
How much more money can you make when you already have millions? How much more damage can you do to the planet? How much of our natural resources do we need to waste? How many Happy Meals can we shove down our kids throats? How many more animals can we torture and kill for fashion? Isn't the millions of animals we kill a year enough? Why do we continue to find more species to eat and more ways to torture them?
Third, be positive and be aware.
Why is it so hard for everyone to be kind to each other. People should want to help others and make sure we all succeed. We are all equal. People don't realize by living a certain way they support horrible things. They choose to separate themselves from their choices so they don't have to live knowing the truth. That's just sad.
Finally, we need to understand cause and effect.
When you put bad people into government, it will all crumble to the ground. When we eat toxic food we will get fat and sick. When we spend money carelessly, we end up with nothing but debt. When we take wild animals and teach them tricks they will eventually get even. When everything in your life is filled with drugs and alcohol you will soon learn that it's actually filled with nothing.
If we stay true to these, I think we can finally move in a better direction. All we really have is the Earth and each other. This planet is our number one resource for life. It gives us food, shelter, shade, air and water and most of us just take advantage of it all. We need to appreciate the beauty in what's around us. Not just the planet but in each other as well. We are amazing creatures - look how far we have come!
Now look beside you. There right by your side is an adorable little creature who brings joy and happiness to your life. Pets have unconditional love, something we humans can't truly grasp like they can. Now look beyond your dog or cat and you will see millions of animals that are simply amazing. Whether they live on a farm or in the wild, they are deserving of life as much as we are. We don't realize that we need them here in order for "life" to continue. So instead of eating a steak or shooting a dear, put the fork and gun down for once and see the beauty of it all.
So what does it mean to be American?
Being American means you are strong and brave.
It means standing up for equality.
It means we are free.
Free to be ourselves in a world free from hate.
It means we have the right to speak our minds.
It means we are loyal to all beings because we value life.
Being an American is being alive and appreciating the air we breathe.
Believing in ourselves and knowing we can make a difference in the world.
One by one, hand in hand, we certainly can.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Bigger Picture
My boyfriend and I were having an interesting conversation the other night. We were talking about how people feel the need to break things down so they can fit into more categories. Fore example, there are many different types of vegetarian. From the octo to the lacto to the ovo to the flexi, its just ridiculous. I know I haven't been a vegetarian long but c'mon. Honestly, in my mind there are only two versions: Vegetarian or Vegan. That's it. Nice and simple. If you eat fish, than sorry, you are not a vegetarian. So instead of telling people you are just tell them the truth and say you are Pescatarian. Are fish not living animals? Geez, give them some credit too. Its things like this that really annoy me. And you see it everywhere.
I guess I am not a big believer in the gray area. You know, the space between one issue and the other. If you're really passionate about something you have no limits. It's either you care about the Earth or you don't. For someone to say they love the Earth and they consider themselves a "green" person but eats meat, doesn't recycle and cares more about buying the new Gucci bag than helping a good cause, they are not who they claim to be. Not only are they liars but they are friggin clueless to what is really important. There are a lot of people out there that don't see the bigger picture and that is the biggest problem of all.
Why do people feel the need to create "gray areas" so they can feel better about themselves. For someone who wants to turn veg but is just too weak and selfish to do it, they still eat fish. If they don't claim to be veg, than fine. But a lot of them do and its a lie. This shows that people want excuses to do things half assed. "I need to eat fish, its good for you" - yea, ok. You don't need to eat anything that has a heart beat. Period.
I have always felt this way about this issue. People create loopholes so they get some breathing room. I just think its lame. The excuses really need to stop. How are we going to get anywhere in the world if we don't be real with each other? If you're going to do something than do it right the first time. You can take baby steps to get there but don't claim your something when your not. Do the best you can and be aware of your surroundings, don't ignore them. We all need to be strong so the world can evolve for change. Know who you are and stand up for what you believe in. But know this, the universe is grand and the Earth is the only connection we have in order to be a part of it. We need it to live. It doesn't need us. It is our responsibility to keep it clean, show it love and respect its gifts. If you can't understand that than what kind of Earthling are you?
Or maybe you are just a simple human being that doesn't see the bigger picture....
I guess I am not a big believer in the gray area. You know, the space between one issue and the other. If you're really passionate about something you have no limits. It's either you care about the Earth or you don't. For someone to say they love the Earth and they consider themselves a "green" person but eats meat, doesn't recycle and cares more about buying the new Gucci bag than helping a good cause, they are not who they claim to be. Not only are they liars but they are friggin clueless to what is really important. There are a lot of people out there that don't see the bigger picture and that is the biggest problem of all.
Why do people feel the need to create "gray areas" so they can feel better about themselves. For someone who wants to turn veg but is just too weak and selfish to do it, they still eat fish. If they don't claim to be veg, than fine. But a lot of them do and its a lie. This shows that people want excuses to do things half assed. "I need to eat fish, its good for you" - yea, ok. You don't need to eat anything that has a heart beat. Period.
I have always felt this way about this issue. People create loopholes so they get some breathing room. I just think its lame. The excuses really need to stop. How are we going to get anywhere in the world if we don't be real with each other? If you're going to do something than do it right the first time. You can take baby steps to get there but don't claim your something when your not. Do the best you can and be aware of your surroundings, don't ignore them. We all need to be strong so the world can evolve for change. Know who you are and stand up for what you believe in. But know this, the universe is grand and the Earth is the only connection we have in order to be a part of it. We need it to live. It doesn't need us. It is our responsibility to keep it clean, show it love and respect its gifts. If you can't understand that than what kind of Earthling are you?
Or maybe you are just a simple human being that doesn't see the bigger picture....
Monday, May 17, 2010
What is Your Carbon Footprint?
The planet is in dire need of our help. Even though we are the ones who have slowly destroyed it. How do you live your life? What do you do on a daily basis to be better? What is your carbon footprint? Take the test and see where you stand and make the necessary changes to live a more greener life. The Nature Conservatory has a quick test you can take right now!
Carbon Footprint Calculator
Mine came out to be 11 which is good because it is lower than most people. I know that I have to get better light bulbs soon. I haven't gotten them yet because we have so many in closet that have not been used and I do not want to waste them. Plus, we hardly use lights anyway. But I think I will either donate them or recycle them. Other than that I am on the right track! Once I have a house I can start composting and saving rainwater. I am so excited to do that. Another big thing I can do once I own a home is buying energy star appliances and green materials for the structure. This is all very important.
I came across this website that really inspired me. Cottage in a Day is a great idea and something I am highly considering for the future with Danny. They are made of all green materials and actually cost less than buying a house! We would just have to find some land which is tricky. But I have already started looking...
So take a look at your life and find out what you can do to make your day more efficient. Here are some simple tips to get started:
1. Take a shorter shower.
2. Don't run water when brushing your teeth.
3. Flush the toilet every other number one.
4. Drive less and walk more.
5. Keep the speed around 60 mph and you will save tons of gas and money.
6. Eat less meat and more veggies and grains.
7. If a clothing item does not smell and is not dirty than wait to wash it.
8. Turn off electronics when not in use and unplug when you can.
9. Recycle everything.
10. Shop and pay your bills online
Carbon Footprint Calculator
Mine came out to be 11 which is good because it is lower than most people. I know that I have to get better light bulbs soon. I haven't gotten them yet because we have so many in closet that have not been used and I do not want to waste them. Plus, we hardly use lights anyway. But I think I will either donate them or recycle them. Other than that I am on the right track! Once I have a house I can start composting and saving rainwater. I am so excited to do that. Another big thing I can do once I own a home is buying energy star appliances and green materials for the structure. This is all very important.
I came across this website that really inspired me. Cottage in a Day is a great idea and something I am highly considering for the future with Danny. They are made of all green materials and actually cost less than buying a house! We would just have to find some land which is tricky. But I have already started looking...
So take a look at your life and find out what you can do to make your day more efficient. Here are some simple tips to get started:
1. Take a shorter shower.
2. Don't run water when brushing your teeth.
3. Flush the toilet every other number one.
4. Drive less and walk more.
5. Keep the speed around 60 mph and you will save tons of gas and money.
6. Eat less meat and more veggies and grains.
7. If a clothing item does not smell and is not dirty than wait to wash it.
8. Turn off electronics when not in use and unplug when you can.
9. Recycle everything.
10. Shop and pay your bills online
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Welcome to Revolt
I am so excited to launch Revolt because its something I have been working on for a long time. I really feel there is a need for it considering 2010 is the year for change. People everywhere are making better choices and changing their lifestyle for a greater cause. Thinking that life revolves around you is ignorant, unrealistic and ridiculous. This planet is home for millions of life-forms and creatures and humans must learn to live among them in peace. The more we kill and torture animals our fate for survival lessens each day. The earth was created for all of us and when we take advantage of others it is us who will suffer in the end. Not only does it make us look horrible but it is simply inhumane. Taking care of the earth is just the same. We must all do what is necessary to allow the earth to grow. No exceptions! Take responsibility for your actions and grow up. Nowadays there is so much information out there it is common sense as to what we need to do. If you don't know by now than I am embarrassed for you. Simple as that.
We all need to join together and live the best we can. That means eating healthy organic foods that don't ruin the earth. Respecting ourselves enough to take care of our bodies and be aware what we put in it. Making recycling and other green acts a daily way of life. Loving all creatures and supporting that love by not eating animals, not buying products that do animal testing and not wearing them for fashion. As if that is really fashionable anyway! By living a better life we have to make good choices for ourselves and our families. It is our job, as humans, to evolve for change and move forward toward the success and happiness of the world. The time is now....
We all need to join together and live the best we can. That means eating healthy organic foods that don't ruin the earth. Respecting ourselves enough to take care of our bodies and be aware what we put in it. Making recycling and other green acts a daily way of life. Loving all creatures and supporting that love by not eating animals, not buying products that do animal testing and not wearing them for fashion. As if that is really fashionable anyway! By living a better life we have to make good choices for ourselves and our families. It is our job, as humans, to evolve for change and move forward toward the success and happiness of the world. The time is now....
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