Tricky to discuss vegan without getting into the eating disorder issues but I can vouch how very junky and unhealthy processed vegan food can be. Luckily, I've made myself sick to the point of signs of pancreatitis and gallbladder issues, and exacerbated gastritis and colitis, so I've inadvertently forced myself to stop eating crap. But it's also afforded an opportunity to refine presence through body mindfulness and listening to what it wants instead of what ego wants. It's amazing how one's senses can be enhanced by keeping it simple. I've had to drastically cut back on salt but now I'm tasting things better. The depth of flavour that comes through now...I don't have the salt to do the work for me. beautiful thing the energy shift when one truly honours and cares for one's body. And a great way to show gratitude to this wonderful vessel I've abused and neglected for so long. In terms of vegan itself, I find people tend to feel some obligation when others adopt healthier/mindful habits; it's like they get angry you're forcing it on them or judging them for not being. I recognize it in myself too though, and understand the self-centered ness of it.. Talking about vegan is like walking through a minefield no doubt. What clinched it for me after years of thinking about it was seeing dogs being boiled alive and calfs being taken from their mothers and neither of them being remotely ok with that. If I start to think about reaching for animal products I just see those images and I quickly remember how delicious a veggie stir-fry is. Of course I've reverted many times but never for long. It's just not who I am anymore. Having all these digestive issues is helping me see how much better I feel when I give my body the time it needs to digest, and especially taking smaller amounts at a time and chewing thoroughly. Prescence is key of course. I've also started to notice how delaying eating in the am keeps one in a higher vibe; easier to connect. As soon as I eat I also notice the way I get grounded right away, denser and heavier and more in the mind. I'm not ready for fasting yet but I without a doubt see the difference in energy. I'll never forget one beautiful early summer Sunday and I felt to get to one of my favourite places by the lakeside known as horsey bay. I hadn't eaten yet and only grabbed a coffee for the 20 minute walk. The light and energy of that morning were amazing, and when I got the the water's edge, it was as though I was in another world. Hard to describe but I can say it was magical. Fasting helped me there. So the evolution of my eating habits continues and with it the processing of fears of lack and loss, and learning the joy of reconnecting with and honouring my hard-working vessel that has managed to keep going despite the challenges I've put it through.i unfortunately learned early to see it as merely an esthetic to gain attention. The shift to gratitude for such an amazing functional creation feels wonderful and I'm sure she feels relief I'm caring for her now instead of harming her for my own pleasure. Can't help regret at opportunities lost, but there's still time to get her to healthier state. So vegan for the animals and vegan for me. And if I trigger other's guilt or moral sense, then I'm doing my job as a catalyst and hopefully planting a seed. 🙏