Vegan lifestyle articles that discuss ways of living in peace with humans, animals, and the environment.
I have great faith in the future; both my own and the future of those whom we might influence to try the lifestyle which we have found so empowering.
About 23 years ago, while in clinical training, I told a colleague about
a television special that I had seen the night before. It seriously spurred
me to consider halting the practice of eating animals. I tried but failed
because, like so many Americans, I was addicted to meat-eating. Many years
later, in 2014, after watching Forks Over Knives, I decided to go
plant-based. I was doing quite well for the better part of a year, lost
fifteen pounds, and was feeling great. But I faltered again. For reasons I
cannot explain, I didn’t stay with the lifestyle. During those intervening
years when I lapsed back into eating animal food, I became increasingly sick
and my mental and emotional health suffered as well.
I am a thirty-four year testicular cancer survivor. Due partially to the
extreme treatment from that experience, which consisted of radical surgery
and weapons-grade chemotherapy, I have long been immunocompromised. In 2008,
I had two heart attacks in a 24-hour period. A year ago I was diagnosed with
bladder cancer. I’ve thoughtfully chosen to decline chemo, radiation, and
the standard bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatments. In October of 2019,
I went plant-based once more with no intention of reverting to animals as
food. If ever there was a motivator, it is another cancer diagnosis and the
fortune of cardiac crisis survival.
I am blessed with a veteran naturopathic doctor (ND) who has guided me
through life-threatening and life-altering events of the past twenty years,
as well as a wonderful MD with whom I have recently initiated a
relationship. The latter is a whole food, plant-based provider. With their
support, and the support of my wife on this slightly-beyond-midlife journey,
the future looks considerably brighter. I am in good hands.
I am both Western European and Cherokee Indian by birth. My Cherokee
heritage is extremely important to me, and I take our ancient ways
seriously. Part of that ideology is what was once primarily a plant-based
(what we now sometimes refer to as vegan) lifestyle, due mostly to
necessity. My earliest Cherokee ancestors ate wild potatoes, corn, squash,
soups from each, fresh fruit given to them by the trees, and all manner of
nuts and seeds. They also ate meat such as fish, deer and small game
occasionally. When the animal was killed, a prayer of thanksgiving was
offered up to the Great Spirit before the animal was prepared for
consumption. Today, we have every reason to be vegan. The research and
anecdotal testimonies demonstrate that. The animals and fish must be
permitted to thrive.
When I was in seminary, my thesis-project for the spring of 2000 was titled,
“Theological and Pastoral Implications of the Human-Animal Bond.” This
education had followed a decade of professional dog training, during which
time I developed a bond with the canine that I am still unable to fully
articulate. As I reflect on both my Judeo-Christian and Cherokee heritage, I
am struck by the profundity of the impact of personally avoiding the
slaughter of animals for my food, while embracing the celebration of
receiving far healthier nutrients from our plant relatives. They call out to
me for joyful consumption while my animal family members cry out for the
freedom they deserve. To add my own spice to a popular saying: If it had a
face or a mother, look for another.
Participating gratefully in the plant-based lifestyle may be the healthiest
thing I’ve ever done for myself. It is certainly something over which I, as
a returning cancer patient, have complete control. A baseline of personal
healing is established; no doctors required. It’s vital to comprehend that
this is not merely a “diet,” a word I’ve tried to avoid using here. Unlike
so many faddisms today, plant-based eating is backed by powerful and serious
science, such as Dr. T. Colin Campbell’s The China Study, a book I recommend
highly.
As it stands, I’m once again losing weight, the arthritis that was
assaulting my hands, knees, and neck has subsided, and my bladder discomfort
has eased in recent weeks. Time will tell with respect to having another
cancer but I can testify that the angina that sometimes plagues heart attack
survivors is essentially non-existent with a plant-based lifestyle.
I have great faith in the future; both my own and the future of those whom
we might influence to try the lifestyle which we have found so empowering.
Gadugi! [Gah-doog’ee] (Cherokee for “working together” or “common
labor.”)
Visit Bryan's website at https://www.cherokeepenandsword.com/wholefoodplantbased.html
Vegans Make A Difference is here to give vegans a voice! In STORIES, vegans relate why their choice became one of the most powerful decisions of their lives, rooted in the philosophy of compassionate living. They give touching and heartfelt testimonials of why we must expand the circle of compassion to our non-human friends, celebrating each and every one of them as unique and beautiful individuals.
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