Finding Balance: Between Gluttony and Wastfulness

I was asked recently if I were Vegan/Raw food. Again another label. Years ago DH and I were discussing the origins of Sufism, in action and how others made the distinction. I use the examples he discussed with me as the lens I view all other things. For as long as someone places the label upon a thing, the thing itself remains in tact; however, when the participant of the ‘thing’s act labels himself, it goes astray. This going astray is what leads to imbalance in one’s life. It is the hold of ideology and source material for isolation.

So this past weekend when I decided to attend a “black vegetarian” dinner, it was not to declare myself those things, but to learn. Well the group showed too late for me to stay, so DH and I went over to 116st to another restaurant. Raw foods are great, but don’t imitate meat based meals, its not a good thing. When I see “Burger” my mind envisions a juicy grilled medium well chuck burger with provolone cheese…… so it is no good to label a thing that is not that thing. This is common amongst our society, but you can not call a duck a goose and miraculously everyone becomes blind to the truth of the matter – its still a damn duck and everything else a delusion.

I must remind myself that I know all I need and ‘learning’ will come, but I need be secure in not looking but being trustworthy of my own knowledge. That is a personal challenge, and apart of my nature to research.

I read a story of a woman who lost 160lbs when she changed her diet to a Raw Foods diet. I am grateful food is not a challenge for me, but it does intrigue me to see how people metabolize their addictions. After watching a few of Youtube videos and reading her blog, it is almost clear to see that were she abandoned foods that kept her obese, she has substituted it with food that keeps her “well.” She has made food the center of her life….now irregardless if it is healthy or unhealthy, the fact of the matter is that it is the same gluttony presenting itself differently. What started out as a way for her to change her life and regain a sense of herself has turned into a self proclaimed label.

The issue with the Raw Foods ‘movement’ is the wastefulness/overuse of resources. Everything in abundance takes much more in way of gratitude to your Lord. Surely it is only by God’s command that the Earth releases its bounty.

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