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Dr. Angela Crawford discusses the common emotional and spiritual benefits of adopting a vegan lifestyle that she uncovered through surveying and interviewing vegans while researching her book, The Vegan Transformation.

The Emotional and Spiritual Benefits of Going Vegan
From Angela Crawford, Ph.D., MVLCE, Main Street Vegan Academy, MainStreetVegan.com
April 2025

Photo credit: Angela Crawford, PhD

Mindfully choosing to eat plant-based, as an expression of care for animals, the environment, and our own health, creates a massive internal shift. As we eat more compassionately and leave animals off our plates, we may discover transformations in heart, mind, and spirit that we never expected. We encounter a sense of peace, fulfillment, and freedom that–for many of us–far outweighs any challenges of stepping into this way of living.

As a psychologist and a vegan, I have been fascinated by the psychological changes experienced by those who take the vegan path. This led to research for my book, The Vegan Transformation, surveying and interviewing vegans about the emotional and spiritual impacts of their lifestyle. After collating the most common experiences, seven transformative pillars emerged.

Photo credit: Angela Crawford, PhD

These pillars are foundational aspects of a flourishing life. While there are no guarantees that being vegan will bring these qualities into your life, they capture an experience that is common for many vegans. This is the possibility of creating a meaningful and fulfilling life that also contributes to a kinder, healthier world.

Image credt: Angela Crawford, PhD

Seven Transformative Pillars in Choosing Veganism

Values Alignment

Tangibly honoring our values through our food choices and other purchases can be one of the most fulfilling and freeing aspects of being vegan. As we clarify our core values and make daily choices in accord with these values, we feel truer to ourselves and more at peace. We discover the courage to honor our conscience and course-correct when our actions are out of alignment. We dare to be different, guided by the ethics of kindness and nonviolence.

Cultivating Compassion

In choosing veganism, we widen our circle of compassion. Rather than compartmentalizing our empathy to select groups, we become willing to witness and, whenever possible, alleviate the suffering of sentient beings. As we extend our compassion to all beings, we make choices that bring kindness, wholeness, and freedom for ourselves and others.

Photo credit: Angela Crawford, PhD

Deeper Meaning and Purpose

Becoming vegan can fuel our sense of purpose, as we realize we have the power to create positive change and lessen suffering. Many of us are drawn to bring our unique gifts and skills to raise awareness about the impacts of our food choices. It doesn’t matter whether we serve on a smaller scale in our family or community, or on a larger, global scale. We each have a meaningful purpose to fulfill.

Authentic Fulfillment

Many vegans discover authentic fulfillment, even as we awaken to realities that are quite distressing. This fulfillment doesn’t mean “feeling good” all the time, but rather, learning to navigate our full spectrum of emotions and finding peace in doing what we can. We nurture our holistic well-being when we eat whole plant foods and incorporate nourishing activities and lifestyle practices.

True Connection

Embracing a vegan lifestyle we discover a like-hearted tribe of other vegans who share our convictions. We may make these connections through online networks, social media groups, or local meetups. These meaningful connections nourish and strengthen us. As we take this road less traveled, we also learn to peacefully navigate relationships with others not yet on this path.

Health Empowerment

Many vegans discover the powerful healing benefits of a plant-based lifestyle for addressing degenerative diseases. This discovery brings something beyond physical healing; it brings empowerment, the realization that we have more control over our well-being than we ever knew. Even though we all face the inevitability of aging and death, and perhaps some ailments along the way, empowerment is about taking action where we can and living as vibrantly as possible.

Discovering Our Interconnectedness

Once we are no longer eating animals, new awareness can emerge. Many vegans report a deepening spirituality, increased awe of the natural world, and a greater sense of our interconnection with all of nature. We realize that we are connected in ways that we can’t quite define and that bring a sense of wonder, mystery, and magic to our lives. Gradually, we see that caring for each part of this intricate system serves our own well-being and the greatest good.

These seven pillars are supported by psychological research as keys to a life that is rich and meaningful. When we bring these pillars together with a vegan lifestyle, their synergistic power can be transformative. As we eat more compassionately and sustainably, we embrace a vision where all beings can flourish, and discover that making the kind choice also nourishes us.

By Angela Crawford, Ph.D., trained and certified as a vegan lifestyle coach and educator by Main Street Vegan Academy, www.MainStreetVegan.com

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Posted on All-Creatures.org: May 9, 2025
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