An Ahimsa ThanXgiving - Fast 2003

[Guest guest]

Namaste

 

Oh, no! Here it comes again! Those dreaded holidays where Vegans

waffle between:

 

A) Going to a family get-together and literally suffer through hours

of staring at dead carcasses, watching as others gulp down – not

chewing – these abused souls,

B) Going to a family get-together and endure all those not so casual

comments about anti-Veganism,

C) Not going to these gatherings and trying to arrange a dinner or

like-minded folks,

D) Not going to these gatherings and staying by themselves with their

Tofurkeys,

E) Not going to these gatherings and wondering if we hurt the

feelings of unconcerned/uncaring humans,

F) Not going to the dinners, but arriving afterwards for " dessert "

G) Not going to these gatherings and fasting.

 

That's right! I said FASTING.

I will be fasting this ThanXgiving again - this has been a tradition

since 1998.

I hope some list members will be joining me on this day of torture,

death, greed, selfishness and debauchery by doing the same.

 

My fast is in HONOR/REMEMBERENCE/REVERENCE of the MILLIONS of animals

that are tortured and abused, then slaughtered just for this one (1)

day alone in the U.S.

 

I am not discussing one (1) day fasts. My fasts run from Wednesday

until Sunday.

 

Fasting achieves numerous benefits. It is a wonderful way to clean

out the body as far as health is concerned.

 

Spiritually, it also cleanses the soul.

 

Originally, fasting was used to 'get closer to the higher being.'

 

It was also used to rid sick bodies of diseases. This was copied from

watching animals when they are ill. They either eat greens or nothing

at all.

 

Modern times has shown fasting to be a form of protest.

Gandhi also used fasting to bring his point across.

 

My fasting tradition has came about when I could no longer go to

family gatherings for this 'holiday' and sit around a table infested

with dead carcass and by-products.

Even the 'religious' holidays were laughable as we traipsed to our

building of worship only to march back to a home full of death,

abuse and chemical irresponsibility.

 

I have had numerous opportunities to join like-minded folks for a

holiday feast, but prefer to not look upon this holiday as a festive

occasion. Why? Because it also represents false facts throughout

American history. Native Americans were thwarted into slavery and

near-annihilitation by the 'white man' in the name of 'god.' Recent

findings are coming out that there was no turkey - or even any kind

of 'meat' - at the dinner; only fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains.

 

Then, back to modern times, it always bothered me that after these

dinners, the male attendees would gather together in front of a

television set to watch the bloodsport known as 'football,' leaving

the women (slaves again to the 'white man') to clean up and watch

after the children.

 

You are invited and welcome to join my discussion list:

SoFlaVegans/

 

Starting next week there will appear articles, information and guides

about the history and hypocrisy of ThanXgiving, as well as how to

cope with the upcoming holidays.

Additionally, you will find ways to fast safely and wisely.

For those who wish to " celebrate " and not fast, you will find tons of

recipes and tips, as well!

 

As we ready ourselves for Fur-Free Friday, I wish everyone who is

willing to " take the plunge " the best of luck in a successful and

quick fast, and may all of our efforts pay off!

 

= = = = = = = = = =

 

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information in each of their categories – DAILY!!!

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and what you have missed:

 

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Yoga-With-Nancy-SoFla/

 

American Sign Language and Deaf Culture

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Alternative Schooling Within The School System

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Om Shanti

[Guest guest]

I thouroughly understand your point! However, I really enjoy cooking a

nourishing vegan meal, and I can't fast for 5 days like you- I'm 5'8 "

and weigh 100 pounds. I don't see how torturing myself is going to

help the animals.

[Guest guest]

At 12:47 PM 11/11/2003 +0000, fidyl wrote:

 

>Oh, no! Here it comes again! Those dreaded holidays where Vegans

>waffle between:

 

<snippity do da>

 

> That's right! I said FASTING. I will be fasting this ThanXgiving

> again - this has been a tradition since 1998. I hope some list members

> will be joining me on this day of torture, death, greed, selfishness

> and debauchery by doing the same.

 

Your devotion and passion are inspirational, and I'd bet most of us would agree

with the premise behind it. That said, I believe that celebrating with a

delicious cruelty-free vegan feast makes a highly profound statement, dispensing

as it does, with the turkey and any other animal foods which might be served. A

stuffed squash, or a wonderful nut/grain/legume loaf and potatoes with gravy,

with seasonal vegetables, fruits, salads, side dishes, vegan pumpkin, pecan

and/or apple pies or maybe a delightful tofu chocolate mousse, for example, send

the ultimate message of celebration of life and gratitude for a good harvest,

IMO.

 

> My fast is in HONOR/REMEMBERENCE/REVERENCE of the MILLIONS of animals

> that are tortured and abused, then slaughtered just for this one (1)

> day alone in the U.S.

 

I don't dispute the fact that short-term fasting is definitely a good thing for

those who can tolerate it. In the long term though, keeping a vegan diet shows

reverence our animal buddies *every* day of the year.

 

Best,

Nancy