I'm trying a Buddhist approach ...

031210. I’m realizing that this year is turning out to be my year of commitments. I’m committed to meditating. I’m committed to doing this blog (still getting the hang of it. It will become a daily thing. Except on weekends, when I might only write once.). And as part of my yoga teacher training, I’m committing to being a vegetarian.

If I understand the teachings correctly, the "yoga scientific" reason for vegetarianism is that eating meat blocks one's 10th Gate (your connection to the infinite), so avoiding meat makes it easier to tune in and get the most out of your yoga experience. And while I can't speak to the science of it, it does feel right when I'm practicing. Plus, it makes me a lot more conscious about my food choices, so I know I'm eating better than I have in the past. So I've decided to just buy into it.

But after a lifetime of being an omnivore, committing to abstaining completely from meat, fish and eggs, feels too overwhelming. I don't know why.

So I've decided to take a page from the Buddha's teachings. The Buddha was a vegetarian. But if he showed up at your house for dinner and the only thing on the menu was elk stew, he would gracefully and graciously accept the stew and be thankful for the meal.

It makes so much sense! If it's my choice, I'll veg-it-up. If it's not, I'll be grateful for the meal and for the people I get to share it with.

And for now, I'm so thankful that the Cowboy (who is most definitely NOT a veg head) is so supportive, he made a huge vat of Chana Masala last night. It is SOOOOOO good. YUMMMM. (He got the recipe from one of my top 5 favorite blogs: www.smittenkitchen.com)

(from www.smittenkitchen.com)