a compassionate new year's resolution
The turning of a new year, not to mention a decade, usually makes us reflect a bit one the one just behind us, and often prompts some soul-searching on how we can improve on it.
As far as new year's resolutions go, I seem to have had the same basic rotation the past few years, and am bringing most of them with me into 2010 as well: I want to spend more time in prayer and reflection on the Bible, read more books rather than just online content, and of course workout more. I can, however, say that I brush my teeth with more regularity than I used to (only after extensive, and expensive, dental work done this Summer)!
But one other resolution which I was in the process of making a few years ago has actually continued to stick as well. It took several months to develop on my desire to eat more humanely, and the will to act didn't so much come of age with January 1, 2007, as during a trial period for Lent a little over a month later (I don't personally come from a tradition which marks Lent officially, but it seemed an appropriate season for a fast of any kind). The resolution gradually took on more consistency over the following months, and it continues to grow.
Despite fears of culinary blandness and lack of options, I've appreciated many amazingly familiar alternatives and even new staples which my wife Cheryl has graciously exposed me to. My immediate wellbeing has improved, and I know my longterm health has as well. Don't get me wrong, there is some measure of sacrifice involved, and I do miss certain flavors or treats, and mostly having a wider range of options available to me when out of the house. But my conscience is lighter, my hope for God's kingdom more vivid, and my love for animals is more consistent knowing that fewer of them are suffering and far fewer are dying on my behalf.
Along those lines, I thought I'd pass along a wonderful article from Greg Plotkin and Change.org on "5 Foods You Should Avoid in 2010." It's perfect for going into a new year, when thoughts about how and what we eat are often on our mind. And the article is far from extremist, or even a call to vegetarianism. Plotkin simply, and wisely, asks us to avoid factory-farmed meat, the seafood watch list, foie gras, high fructose corn syrup and out-of-season produce.
We've spoken about the many horrors and negative effects of factory farming, not only for the animals involved, many times here, including a recent series by pastor Greg Boyd. We've even touched on the despicable practice of developing foie gras, and I hope we can address seafood concerns in the near future. But please take just a moment and read the article for yourself. It generated some great discussion on my personal Facebook page. By the way, I should admit that my own intake of high fructose syrup, and sugar period, remains way too high. I think it's affected my energy levels quite a bit, in fact.
(photo copyright Shane Morris/123rf.com)
December 31, 2009
Reader Comments (4)
Excellent resolves there Ben and so very similar to my own for 2010 - more time at prayer in the hope I can be of more benefit to others, continuing for the 3rd year as a vegetarian and trying to move into more whole foods and elimate buying things that are packaged - I pray you will have a joyful time with what you are trying to do, it always helps to urge us on if we can think that our choices ARE indeed making a difference - I encourage you my brother - love and light Susan (Spoggys Mum)
Thank you very much for the encouragement, Susan, and I really commend you for the compassionate and healthy dietary steps you continue to resolve to take as well. A very happy, and peaceful, new year to you and David! - Ben
Very interesting article, Ben. I read some things I'd never thought of before. Thank you for working so hard to get these resources to us.
Thanks for checking the article out, mom, I really appreciated it myself - Ben