The Traveling Vegetarian

Musings on Activism

Yvonne Smith — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:27:50 +0000

As an activist, I have those moments where living in the world with the knowledge I possess is difficult. I would never call myself suicidal, but sometimes the things I see on a daily basis make me so sad I almost lose faith in humanity. But then something magical happens and I remember why I keep on keeping on. Maybe a seed I planted years ago turns into a blossoming tree. Someone I talked to about veganism at some point is now a vegan activist. This has happened more than once in my life and I’m sure most vegans have several stories about someone to whom they’ve been able to get through.

Some people think it’s a waste of time to save a few lives when billions are slaughtered every year, but it does make a difference. One life matters. One beautiful cow who lives out her life at a sanctuary can touch so many lives and inspire countless people to advocate for her and her sisters and brothers, not to mention she gets to live a life with love. I think most people who meet her or even see a picture of her would agree that her life is worth living and celebrating.

Everything we do does make a difference. Don’t lose faith. What we do matters and even if we don’t see the changes we desire in our lifetimes, we are planting seeds. Someday the seeds will sprout and grow and people will wake up and see that the biggest problems we have on our planet are created by us. Change is inevitable. Go forth with love and keep watering those seeds.

The Traveling Vegetarian – Vlog 46

Yvonne Smith — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:01:14 +0000

Today I discuss my upcoming surgery, moving, Burning Man, Synthesis Festival and a new Facebook group for Vegan Burners.

Being Vegan Isn’t Hard

Yvonne Smith — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:12:02 +0000

Being vegan isn’t hard. In fact, for me, it’s pure joy. I LOVE being vegan. The challenge lies in living in a world where so many are completely ignorant about what’s really going on. I don’t believe that humans are inherently uncaring. I truly believe that if more people knew what was happening to the planet and all its inhabitants, change would occur. That is why veganism is activism. Many of us do try to spread the word and educate, even if it means alienating some who don’t want to hear what we have to say.

With what I know, I choose not to be anything but vegan. For me, it’s the only way I can live in this world. I never claim perfection, or that I’m better than anyone else. But I can’t even turn on my computer and log into Facebook without seeing photos and video showing hideous atrocities against humans and animals. Somehow I have to keep my head up amidst all the people who makes jokes about bacon and love getting a rise out of me. I don’t think they have any idea how my heart breaks a little more every time.

I so desire to be completely zen about everyone being on their own path. It’s not my place to judge anyone for the choices they make, but when those choices involve what I feel is cruelty and brutal murder of our fellow earthlings, it wears on me. We live in a society that is free to use, abuse and murder. I hope to someday live in a world where cruelty to others no longer exists. In the meantime, I will work on loving and accepting others no matter where they are on their path.

The Traveling Vegetarian – Vlog 45

Yvonne Smith — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:52:05 +0000

The Traveling Vegetarian is back! Today I talk about my trip to South Florida, Burning Man tickets, The Captain Midnight Band, The Kenny Olson Cartel and putting my house on the market!

The Traveling Vegetarian – Vlog 44

Yvonne Smith — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:39:49 +0000

I am back from Burning Man, my road trip across the country and Alchemy! I saw amazing things, ate great food and came home to the Forks Over Knives DVD in my mailbox. (Sorry about the shaking. It’s my balcony.)

The Traveling Vegetarian – Vlog 43

Yvonne Smith — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 06:49:34 +0000

Coming at you from Burning Man 2011! A brief description of our amazing camp, the significance of the Temple burn, how Burning Man makes me feel, etc. Love!

The Traveling Vegetarian – Vlog 42

Yvonne Smith — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 23:46:46 +0000

It has been so long since my last vlog, but I’m back! Today I talk about prepping for Burning Man, Rites of Passage, my recent trips to Portland and Chicago, death and rebirth, etc…

Veganism, Energy and Getting Aligned with Your Beliefs

Yvonne Smith — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 06:38:10 +0000

Veganism really is one of my top loves. It’s a broad topic and there are so many reasons to be vegan and to promote it as a lifestyle. Many people expect me to be a healthy eating guru and I have had some interest in that, but it’s not what drives me to get up in the morning. I have tremendous passion for animal rights, the environment, human rights and all the reasons for being vegan, but the thing that’s resonating the most with me right now is veganism with relation to spirituality. There are a lot of people communicating to me about how eating animals and animal products isn’t feeling right to them. We as spiritual people talk about how everything is energy, but we aren’t acknowledging the energy of a scared, tortured fellow earthling and how it affects our energy every time we take that into our bodies. Lots of folks are realizing that eating animals isn’t sitting well with who they are inside and what they value. They know that they are contributing to so much suffering and cruelty, but they don’t know what to do about it.

Here’s what you can do – Stop. Just stop. Do some research – it’s all out there on the internet. Start with the resources page on my site if you like, but if not, there are so many more sites and resources. Find what works for you – Read books and articles, watch films, go to a restaurant and try a vegan dish or learn to cook a few simple things in your own kitchen. Plan a romantic vegan meal for you and your love and see how you both feel afterward. Repeat as necessary.

Yes, I’m calling you out right now! If you consider yourself an animal lover or an advocate for those less fortunate than you, you can choose to stop contributing to the extreme suffering of animals and humans.

Vegans aren’t perfect. I don’t know a single one who claims to be. What I’m saying is that you have the ability to get in line with your beliefs. If something doesn’t feel right to you, you have the power to stop and take another path.

Love, love, love.

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Do you know I haven’t done an episode of The Traveling Vegetarian since 2007? All my shows were self-funded and well, the money ran out. I would love to do more. I would love to document more vegan adventures around the world, but it all takes cash and opportunity. I’m sure it’s out there, but if you’re wondering why I’m not doing shows or writing as many travel blogs, that’s why…

The Traveling Vegetarian – Vlog 41

Yvonne Smith — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 05:22:56 +0000

Today I talk about success and what that really means. Also, ChocAlive truffles! Because sometimes you might want some chocolate to deal with your success. Or your feeling of lack thereof… ; )

The Traveling Vegetarian – Vlog 40

Yvonne Smith — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:55:15 +0000

Today I talk about attending the emPower Music & Arts Posi Awards, meeting great artists, acknowledging my fears, the power of music, Harmony Records, etc.