My family and I happened upon an animal rights demonstration outside a local Food & Music event a few months back. As much as I know these things take place with regularity, I’ve never actually seen one on a street corner before. Of course I’ve seen literature at punk rock shows, documentaries, videos online, and the like, and I’ve certainly read or been told about protests occurring near high-dollar restaurants – but on the street level, participating in a conversation… this was a first.
Perhaps it’s due to the high volume of meat consumers in my home province of Alberta, or it could be the general sense of entitlement that comes with living in a prairie province, but when they asked if we were vegan and we said “yes” I sort of wanted a pat on the back. I’ll admit I’m not immune to the effects of my own ego, but really in the end we came away from that encounter feeling like we weren’t doing enough.
Now, I don’t feel inferior. My voice and my platform are different, and they are that way by design because part of what I want to convey is not only can you live on plants, but that you can thrive in your creative life and be in excellent physical condition in doing so. I aim to dispel the notion that vegans are vitamin deficient and weak by my deeds, my lifestyle, and my creative output – which includes this blog (among other things).
The lesson I taught myself; or reminded myself of in this case, was one of pride and humility. I firmly believe that we honor those around us by offering the best of ourselves, and not being shy about our capabilities or downplaying our accomplishments. I also know the difference between speaking truth and bragging.
I don’t hold signs on street corners, but who’s to say I never will? I won’t limit myself in my abilities any more than I will commit to something that doesn’t light me up. The people we spoke to that day are impassioned, and their voice is just as important as mine.
Training is getting back on track in a more aggressive way this week. Starting Tuesday we’ll be back to a pretty firm 5 days per week that includes biking, running, and swimming as well as weight training. It feels simultaneously like a step backward, and like a big undertaking – but we know we need to inch our way into this program a bit after a chilled out fall season, and we’re slightly constricted by our work schedules.
My heart tells me not to let my work schedule get in the way of a good workout, but I have to remind myself that this program is mainly about the slow burn – the momentum and regularity of conditioning. Some mornings we really only have a 60 minute window to get to the gym, get sweaty, and get home, and we’re good with rolling with that.
There are no training days… only training weeks and months.
The Conscious Pilgrim 