Our Inner Savage

The silent savage that beats within
Acting in ways not considered "a sin"
Quenching a thirst in order to feed
Unable to see the other's need

To flesh then bone it will consume
Unable to fathom the suffering that looms
Justifying actions by claiming the norm
Guiltless destruction a blood-filled storm

Evolution of the Human Heart & Psyche...

If Slavery only ended,
Two lifetimes ago...
Then I must remember,
That we're very slow to grow...

To force a change so sudden
Is way too much to ask...
The way the human heart unfolds
A very grueling task...

What it Means to Me...

A Way of taking care of the only vehicle we've been given in this lifetime,
     the vehicle we permanently reside in.
A Way of decreasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer's,
     impotence of heart and body.
A Symbolic Way of extending kindness and love towards other beings
     by means of non-harm, by means of Ahimsa.
A Union of body, mind, and spirit.

Tolerance?

Le sigh...  I know for myself I often have to catch myself from falling into pits of self-righteousness...  But what makes me feel sick to my stomach is when I see fellow veg-heads approach others not-behaving-like-themselves... with so much open hostility and anger...

If I came from an omnivore perspective, I'd say "Who the Hell are YOU  To think that you're so much better than me?"

Even when fighting for a good cause... Self-righteousness only serves to divide...  It stirs up anger, hate, and discord.  It's a way of inflating one's own ego...

I find myself battling my own sense of self-righteousness...  Perhaps even saying I'm uncomfortable with other people when they're openly hostile... perhaps that has a tinge of self-righteousness...  The only thing I really know is when something makes me feel uncomfortable to my chest...  I feel hurt inside, like a twisting in my chest followed by feelings of sadness...

Somehow there is irony in promoting "compassion" while condemning the actions of others.  In an ideal world, to me true compassion lies in understanding the actions of others.  From that understanding we develop a sense of sameness since we all have our own self-work to do on some level.  And hopefully from that we develop an attitude of kindness, caring, gentleness...  and love despite perceived difference.

I dunno... I feel sad... my heart sinks reading angry comments of fellow veg-heads...  Though I know there are times I fall into my own boat of self-righteousness and intolerance...