Holistic Veganism
Holistic Veganism is understood on different levels but principally as recognising that the focus and the broad scope of veganism are intertwined and interconnected, acknowledging the importance and relevance of all aspects of veganism, how they interact and how they create a sum total of solutions for multiple areas of oppression, violence, injustice, ill health and discord. In this respect holistic veganism represents the sum total of the many tenets & values of veganism and in doing so becomes the framework for many vegans. In short, holistic veganism principally means vegan for everything – the animals, the planet, people, & all the benefits of plant based lifestyles.
Holistic veganism can also be understood as work on self transformation, with lifestyle choices that would generally encompass a wholefood plant-based diet, and may be combined with disciplines such as chi king, yoga, breath work, meditation, stretching, walking, self-healing techniques, mindfulness, stress management and general overall optimum health and wellbeing, whilst respecting animals as individuals and not using them to achieve goals of self-development and enhanced lifestyles. Holistic veganism implies a sense of healing and of being whole and complete, embodying all the benefits of plant-based lifestyles & an understanding of vegan philosophy and the animal rights position with a respect for ourselves, all living beings and the world we live in.
The key underpinning focus of holistic veganism is still the same – respect for all living beings, and a commitment to recognise and uphold their fundamental rights not to be commodified, with lifestyle choices aligned with this position, and living a life free from willful use and abuse of all animals.
Without this principle and understanding in place, it’s no longer veganism. The benefits of plant-based lifestyles are plentiful and abundant and to be highly encouraged for multiple reasons, and can be enjoyed without ever going vegan, but to achieve its purpose and original remit and intent, veganism demands that we include all animals in our circles of compassion and moral consideration, and at a very minimum stop using them.
Values such as self-healing, optimum nourishment, fair trade, a closeness to nature, inner harmony, the path of cultivating life, and acts of loving kindness have also been associated with an understanding of holistic veganism, as are spiritual practices and fasting, and work on our biases, anger, greed, envy and discrimination. Holistic veganism would by nature include a respect for the soil and environment and the way our food is produced as much as for those involved in producing and supplying our food, encompassing all lifestyle choices wherever possible.
Holistic veganism is as much about the individual and their own journey as it is about the living beings around us and the environment that supports us all – that journey is unique to the individual and hard to define. The key essential principle & focus remains – animals are not ours to use. With that principle in place, holistic veganism has the broad scope and capacity to become a big part of the solution to so many global challenges whilst providing the solutions for individuals on multiple levels of living and experiencing this lifetime.
Further Reading
