I wanted to become vegetarian for environmental reasons. But it’s not that simple. Things that I would use to replace meat – beans, lentils, chickpeas, etc – are not grown in New Zealand, where I live. They come from the other side of the world so have a big carbon footprint! Here in New Zealand most of our farm animals live in about the best conditions in the world [pigs are the exception, but I very rarely eat pig meat]. They are slaughtered halal, so death is so quick they barely know what’s happened.

It’s easy to be moralistic about being vegetarian. I think balance is better – and it sounds like you have found it.

My training is in traditional Kasmir Saivism or non-dualism. So I come from a school of thought that says… we’re all one, and so there’s no difference in eating meat or vegetables.

At least, that’s where I’ve come to now, after many, many years as a vegetarian myself. I still don’t eat a lot of meat – mostly (non-farmed) fish, organic chicken, pork, game meats etc). Not a big fan of steaks as such.

Obviously, there’s the whole issue with how stuff is being farmed and managed, so I try to take care with what I buy.

But like some of the other articles and incredibly furious comments show, people hold this yogi = compulsory vegetarianism idea like its some kind of fundamental truth of the universe.

I’ve done fish and seafood-only, all the way to strict veganism, and i really think it’s a matter of each person’s individual situation and choice. I have large uterine fibroids, which means I’ve been anaemic for a while. Finally I’m getting them removed and pre-surgery I need all the iron I can get. So, that means liver, steak as well as spinach and tons of Vitamin C. Ahimsa, like charity, begins with yourself.

I agree, there is always balance, and always health. If I am unhealthy, then I am harming myself.

So yes- I eat meat. My diet is so restricted from digestive issues as it is, there is no way I could be healthy as a vegetarian/vegan. I’d be taking a million supplements, and honestly I’m too much of a ‘real food’ gal to think that synthetic vitamens/proteins is the healthy alternative.

Yay for eating fish! I also love that your ceremony prior. Such an honest and true practice that enhances your connection to our planet.

I tend towards vegaquarianism these days, with occasional meals of chicken/beef when eating out. Whilst cooking spaghetti bolognese with my niece last night, I did pause to think while watching her drain every drop of blood from the minced meat packet into the saucepan … drip drip drop

I have a lot of leather shoes: I think maybe 12 pairs. They are much better for my feet than sneakers.