For most of us, eating non-vegetarian food can range from a simple belief to a way of pampering our taste buds. And of course, it’s hard to resist a non-vegetarian dish once you’ve experienced its rich flavor.
Times are changing. These days, we are flooded with news, studies, and documentaries explaining the various health benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. From compassion toward animals and care for the environment to a healthier life, many reasons can be cited. In fact, a quick Google search will show approximately 161,000,000 results for “why be a vegetarian.”
You might already be wondering if there’s anything new to say. But the truth is, vegetarianism has some additional benefits—especially when combined with regular meditation.
What we offer is something different: instead of just reading about the benefits, we invite you to feel them for yourself—through a 31-day challenge of practicing meditation while following a vegetarian diet. We believe that personal experience speaks louder than words. So after reading this article, take on the challenge and discover how vegetarianism can transform your meditation in just one month.
This challenge may require some courage, but if you commit, it won’t feel so difficult. We’ll be here to support you throughout.
Note:
The differences you experience before and after this challenge may depend on how often you currently eat non-vegetarian food.
Before we share the challenge, let’s look at the benefits of following a vegetarian diet while meditating.
Deeper meditation
Isn’t this journey deeply personal, creative, and meaningful? People often say that our attitude toward life and the food we eat accelerates the journey back to our inner self.
Have you ever experienced a deep meditation when you’re giving your 100% and eating fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains? Such food is light on the stomach and increases your prana (life energy). Prana is the energy that keeps you active, enthusiastic, and helps you radiate positivity.
Food has a strong influence on our psyche and leaves lasting impressions on our mind. Plants have a more subtle consciousness than animals. So when we eat fruits and vegetables, we support lightness in the body, which helps us enter deeper states of meditation.
When you follow a vegetarian diet and meditate, your mind becomes more aligned with your body. The tendency is to grow higher, faster, and with ease.
Quicker results
Practicing meditation alongside a vegetarian lifestyle helps you experience its benefits more quickly and effectively.
The challenge
As a regular meditator, we assume you already practice at least once a day. You can continue with your existing meditation practice as it is.
If you don’t meditate regularly, we recommend you create a schedule that suits you and includes daily practice.
Consume only vegetarian food for the next 31 days.
We understand that switching to a vegetarian diet can be difficult at first, especially if you’re used to eating meat. Let’s look at the possible challenges you might face during this process and how to overcome them.
I miss the taste
Our suggestion is to use the same spices. You probably love the seasoning used in your non-vegetarian dishes—because that’s what brings the taste. If you use the same (vegetarian) spices in your vegetarian cooking, the aroma will feel familiar. Simply replace the meat with vegetables or soy-based substitutes. It’s that simple.
Alternatively, you can try soy products like soy chicken or soy mince, available in most supermarkets. These are completely vegetarian but still give you the feeling of eating meat.
Also, open your palate to the variety of vegetarian dishes. There’s always a great alternative. All it takes is a little creativity and willingness to explore.
To learn more about healthy vegetarian eating, attend the free lecture “Ayurveda – the path to health and balance” with Ayurvedic doctor from India, Dr. Avishek Mishra.
31 days feels too long
Be patient. Shifting to a vegetarian lifestyle might not happen overnight, but over time, your cravings for meat will fade. The reason you’re doing this challenge will help you stay focused when you feel tempted to quit.
Set short-term goals. Tell yourself, “Just for today, I won’t eat non-vegetarian food.” Thinking of it as a single-day goal feels more achievable. You can repeat this every morning. The results will follow.
Remind yourself: “Just a few more days. Let’s see what changes. Who knows what beautiful experiences await me. I’m taking care of my health. I’m doing good for the environment.”
And if not for yourself, do it for the planet.
I feel like giving up. I need more courage.
Make a promise to someone you care about. Let love be your motivation. Promise someone important to you that you’ll continue the challenge. Choose someone who can genuinely support you.
Don’t skip your meditation. Vegetarian food and meditation support each other. Just as a vegetarian diet deepens meditation, meditation strengthens your resolve to stick to your decision and let go of meat.
Be aware of the effect. As you continue meditating and following the vegetarian diet, you’ll begin to experience deeper meditation. Becoming conscious of this change will give you the strength to continue.
If you wish, start a small journal of your daily experiences. Write at least five lines about how your meditation felt that day. Was it easier? Was it different? What was the hardest part?
If you face any other challenges, feel free to write to us at info@artofliving.bg, and we’ll do our best to support you.
Step into the experience and see the results for yourself. And don’t forget to share your journey with us.
