Blog Archives - Anima Journey

The Free State Project Lives On!

11/26/2014

I recently watched the Free State Project's documentary on 101 Reasons to Move to New Hampshire, which is posted for anyone to watch on their website. Click on the word 'documentary' in the first sentence [above] and it will take you to their website. Scroll down a bit to find the video and watch it! The documentary tells how the Free State Project got started [by a Yale graduate student about 12 years ago - I remember hearing about it], why New Hampshire was chosen ["Live Free or Die" is a good indicator - their state motto!] and 101 reasons why New Hampshire is one of the most freedom-focused states in the U.S. Some of the reasons include: no mandatory car insurance, open gun carry laws, no income tax, no capital gains tax, the state representatives are only allowed two-year terms [and each one represents about 3,000 constituents, and they are only paid $100 per annum], it is a business-friendly state making it easy for entrepreneurs to get their business going, the lowest crime rate, has the highest [either median or average, I forget] wage in the U.S., has the lowest unemployment rate in the U.S., and a bunch more!

If you have libertarian or even independent-leaning political thoughts, it seems that New Hampshire might be a fabulous place to live! Of course, the documentary also makes it clear that New Hampshire isn't perfect [where is perfection?], and there are still challenges there, as with every state. But, it might just be worth checking out if you have any thoughts whatsoever about relocating! It is quite an inspiring documentary and statement of what could be...

Compassionate Holidays

11/26/2014

gorgeous salad, and most items from our garden!

As we move into the hollyday season, I encourage folks to check out this website called Compassionate Holidays, which was established by FARM: Farm Animal Rights group. If you haven't yet experienced a vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving, now is a great time to do so! There are all sorts of substitutes out there for the traditional Thanksgiving treats that most of us enjoy or have fond memories of! I know in years past I have made "Tofurkey" from scratch - a 'turkey' made out of tofu and seasonings and it was GREAT! I've also made stuffing, vegetables, pies, vegan eggless nog, and more! I have experimented with all kinds of vegan goodies during the holiday season and many are just soooo delicious! If you check out the Compassionate Holiday website, there are many suggestions and recipes for making vegetarian and vegan substitutes for your favorite holiday dishes! If you attend in a holiday event that isn't vegetarian or vegan, bring a vegan dish to share and bring a card that has the ingredients on it. Many folks are shocked to taste these often very delicious vegan substitutes for the traditional animal-based dishes. Better yet, go to a veggie hollyday gathering! There is bound to be at least one not too far from you this year! On the Compassionate Holidays website, you can scroll down to "Attend an Event", click on the link and put in your zip code to find a veggie gathering near you for this hollyday season!

Cowspiracy: The Vegan Documentary

11/20/2014

female turkey checking out the vegan garden!

If you haven't yet seen the documentary entitled Cowspiracy, I highly recommend it! This documentary exposes why environmental organizations do not discuss the largest producer of global emissions: livestock. If you have ever wondered about global emissions, environmentalism, sustainability, agricultural practices, the large numbers of fish being taken out of the ocean, how MUCH of an impact going vegan can make, and whether or not you can be healthy on a vegan diet, then this documentary is for you! Check it out, share it with friends and family [and anyone else willing to watch] and talk about it with people. It's one of the important documentaries of this period, and will hopefully help even more people make the decision to switch to veganism.

You can also learn about the film at this website.

Flu shots may be detrimental to the elderly

11/19/2014

I would guess that most of you reading this blog are probably already not interested in getting a flu vaccine. I know I haven't been convinced that getting a flu vaccine was a beneficial thing for me, so I don't think I've had one in over 20 years or more. Yet, there are still annual promotions of flu vaccines, even free ones! Sheryl Attkisson released a report on October 26, 2014 indicating that NIH researchers discovered nearly a decade ago that vaccines weren't effective, but the results of that study were not made public, and not acted on.

The National Institutes of Health study revealed that not only are flu vaccines not effective in preventing the flu in the elderly, but death rates for the elderly have increased as vaccination rates have increased.

Over the past 20 years, seniors getting flu vaccinations have increased from 15% to 65%, however deaths by flu have increased during that time-frame, not decreased. And, similar results have been found in other countries: Australia, France, Canada, and England.

You can read the study in full here.

And, it doesn't end there. Not only are flu vaccinations ineffective in the elderly, but our taxpayer dollars are going to fund the free and reduced-cost vaccinations! I would suggest contacting your congressional representatives and ask them to act on this study: stop funding ineffective vaccinations!

More vegans in the U.S.!

11/12/2014

There are more vegans in the U.S. according to a 2011 poll, and accordingly, more vegan options at restaurants. See the full article here.

How to become vegetarian, vegan or a raw fooder overnight!

11/11/2014

by Willow Aureala

How long does it take to become a vegetarian, a vegan or a raw fooder? It can take a long time, or it can take an instant!

When I first found out about vegetarianism in my first year in college, I would say that it took me about 6 to 8 months to switch to vegetarianism after I was informed about it. I joined a womenʻs action group in college and several of the members were vegetarian. When I was asked how I could eat animals if I loved them [which at the time I would say that I did], and informed of the philosophy and ethics of vegetarianism, that idea really struck me. However, it took several months of thinking about it, as well as reading materials and information about being a vegetarian before I finally switched.

I became a vegan in an instant in 1989. I went to a presentation at Whole Foods given by a librarian who was vegan. He told the audience about the link between the dairy industry and veal [and how veal would not exist if it werenʻt for the dairy industry; veal is the ʻby productʻ of getting cows pregnant so that they can be milked; some of the calves are slaughtered immediately, while some are raised in inhumane conditions as veal calves]. As soon as I learned about this connection, I immediately gave up two of my favorite foods: pizza and ice cream! I thought it would be very difficult to give those up, but I think because I really did not want to support the dairy/veal industry, it wasnʻt that difficult for me.

As for becoming a raw fooder, I sometimes went for it all the way - went 100% raw for months at a time, while at other times ate more cooked foods. So, my raw food track has been less ʻcementedʻ than has my vegetarian and vegan track.

So, if you want something enough, especially for ethical or health reasons, then you can switch your position in an instant. Other times, the switch may take longer. I think it depends on oneʻs motivation, as well as social support. Some of us need more social support than others, and it may vary with time. Find a social support group if you can to help you on your journey. Then, the transition may take a lot less time than you think it might!

What about you? How long has it taken you to make a major switch in your life, such as to vegetarianism or something else equally as important? What factors helped you make the switch? What helps you maintain it?

Transformation to Love Video

11/5/2014

In case you haven't noticed, there is a lot of negativity in the media, movies, issues and problems to deal with [unemployment, economics] and lots of wars going on. It can feel overwhelming at times.

I found this video recently that takes a more positive look at human-ness and future possibilities that some might enjoy. Take a look here for this inspiring video!

The website upriser.com has additional videos to explore.

The Science of Living Happily Ever After

11/2/2014

Having difficulties maintaining a relationship? Wondering why your relationships donʻt last long? Wondering what to do about finding and keeping your soul mate?

I have wondered about these kinds of things over the years, and have read a variety of relationship books and have tried different things. Of course, there is no magic formula, as much as weʻd like one! But, there are some things that we could do to possibly enhance the possibility that when we do meet someone, we can learn early on whether the person is a good match for a solid, long-lasting relationship. Dr. Tashiro, a psychologist, has written an interesting book entitled The Science of Living Happily Ever After, and discusses some research on the subject, and provides some suggestions, based on research, of determining if someone is a good match for you. Here are some of his ideas:

1. Friends and in-laws matter: get their opinions, and really listen to them, of your new love/partner. How many times have you watched a movie where two people get together, and it is obvious to you from the beginning that one person is a creep and the other is just going to get hurt? According to research, outsiders are pretty good at determining which relationships will last, and which will not!

2. Have a good understanding of your attachment style, and compare those to your new love. If they do not seem to be a good match, then strongly re-consider the relationship. For example, if your love is in the category of being a securely attached individual [in other words, had a good relationship with primary caregivers], then it is much more likely they will be able to stick with a relationship than those who are in the ʻavoidantʻ or ʻinsecureʻ category of attachment. Also, if you grew up as a securely attached child, then you will more likely attract a securely attached partner [roughly 50% of the time].

3. You and your love/partner can take a "Big Five" personality trait questionnaire [you can find one on Dr. Tashiroʻs website] to see where you both rate on openness, extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. AND/OR you and a group of friends can get together with your new love interest and you can have your friends rate your love interest on these traits [that seems to provide a fairly accurate picture of these traits, according to research]. With these results, you can compare your personality traits with your dateʻs and assess whether you are likely to be a good match. One area to compare is neuroticism as it appears to be the most important personality predictor of future relationship satisfaction and stability. One of the best ways to find out if your love interest is high on the neuroticism scale is to pay close attention to what they do in stressful situations; if they freak out when you would not, this person is probably not likely to be a good match for you. And, as Dr. Tashiro points out, wishful thinking that this personʻs stress reactions will change will not do you any favors! These types of traits tend to last a lifetime.

Tashiro, Ty 2014. The Science of Living Happily Ever After: What Really Matters in the Quest for Enduring Love.