Bodhi

I have been vegetarian for 20 years. I started for animal compassion reasons, but now I’m glad because vegetarianism (and veganism) is good for the environment and good for me, too. Now there are so many easy vegetarian food options, so it’s only a matter of changing a habit. Go for it!

I think the best way to do this is to put all your heart into your life as it is. Don’t wait for someone else to love you. Love your life. That way, you’ll be happy no matter what, and if you do fall in love with someone who is just as much in love with you, it will be another beautiful fact in a wondrous life rich in meaning and experience.

After attending many small local protests, I went to a pretty big protest against the Free Trade Area of the Americas. The state had been given $8.5 million by Congress for “security” against protestors. It was a very peaceful protest except for all the outrageous police violence. My friend who was standing around perfectly legally was shot in the breast with a rubber bullet and experienced a lot of pain as well as permanent tissue damage because of it. This experience really opened my eyes to how brutal people in power are willing to be in order to protect the corporate status quo. It also made me see how scared people in power are of “the people” claiming their free speech rights. Although this was a disturbing experience, it was eye-opening and inspiring at the same time. Also, I met my future husband there.