What does the snake in this picture have to do with me going raw, you ask? Absolutely nothing. But isn't it a pretty photo? :3My boyfriend and I "met" with our "raw food coach" today. I say "met" because she's far away, and we had to have the "meeting" over the phone. -lol- BUT, I am totally stoked about it, and I'm hoping very much that this new diet works out for both me and my boyfriend. We took our measurements today to see any progress that we might make (either good or bad!) and I took the bunny's measurements too.
Ears: 3 in.
Feet: 4 in.
Body: 12 in. from nose to tail.
That's exactly one foot of compact cuteness! :D
For my first raw "concoction" I am going to be making what I call, "lemon chewy thingies" because I can't remember what they're actually called. It's a type of cookie recipe, but since I don't yet have a dehydrator (gotta borrow one from my boss) I'm just going to be enjoying the "dough." I'm sure there will be photos!
Also, while I was in Publix today, shopping for what little produce and raw goodies I could find, made the mistake of stopping at the lobster tank. I always make it a point to avoid the meat section and the lobster tank because it just makes my soul hurt. I get so overwhelmed with sadness just thinking about all the suffering and all of the lives that went into that pre-packaged meat. Not to mention all of the natural resources that were consumed, and the toxins put into the environment to produce it. The lobsters get me the most because they have to suffer in that tiny tank, with no food, and no room. They have their claws banded so that they cannot defend themselves, and then some uncaring or unthinking human will come along and boil them alive. Literally. My roommate works at a seafood restaraunt, and she said the lobsters actually scream when they're put in. She's told me a few stories about how the chefs torment the lobsters because they think it's funny. Terrible things, really. It's very sad... Anyway, I was so overwhelmed by all of this that I didn't know what to do for a moment. I didn't want to sit there and look at them suffer anymore, but I knew I couldn't help them. There was no one for me to talk to and nothing I could do. I just didn't know where to go. Then, all at once, something I had read in a Buddhist book came back to me, and it is this piece of wisdom that I wanted to share. I don't remember which book I got it from, and I don't remember the exact wording, but it went something like this:
When you know that something is right, but others do not feel the same way, it is best not to push your beliefs on them. Instead, quietly do what you know is right, and lead by example. They will see how happy and healthy and content you are, and will want to ask what your secret is. Then you can tell them. If you try to push your beliefs on someone who does not want to hear them, you will only hurt yourself because you will be disappointed that you could not change their mind and you will be sad that they are not doing what is right. As Buddhists, it is not our job to take care of every being on this planet. Lead by example, and hope that others are smart enough to follow. Do not torment yourself by trying to "save" everyone; it is simply impossible. Care for yourself, and others will do the same.
Remembering that really helped me to be able to move on. I told myself that I am doing my part to help the lobsters - I do not eat them, and I spread the word when I can. If I try to complain to the guy at the seafood counter, it will get me nowhere because he obviously does not care. If he did, he wouldn't work there. He will find his own way; I have found mine. The lobsters will suffer, but I can only hope that perhaps they are mean, spiteful, harmful souls reincarnated. I read once that we are not reborn until we have agreed to the events which will take place in our life. We agree to undergo events that will make us, in some way, a better being. Perhaps those poor lobsters are souls who needed to know suffering in order to better themselves. And, perhaps when they are reincarnated they will be much better off for the experience.
I can only hope. <3
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