A frigid mid-winter morning, deep snow and milky blue skies. The birds have arrived early at the feeder. They need to consume a lot of fats during these deep freezes in order to survive. This feels more like Northern Vermont than south coastal Massachusetts.
All last week we heard about a possible blizzard. One day the models tracked it very close, the next day it was shown to be well out to sea. On some days, the models seemed to flip with every run. Yesterday the storm passed well to our southeast and we only received a skiff of snow, some stiff breezes, and temperatures hovering in the single numbers. It was a good day to stay in and try to keep warm.
For whatever reason, yesterday I found myself remembering a moment in the Amazon with one of my teachers. A small group of us were on two houseboats on the Rio Negro, deep in the rainforest. It must have been our first night out and the vegetarians were revolting against our fish heavy dinner meal.
At some point Ipu, eyes sparkling and a big grin on his face, said, “You know, here there is not much to eat except fish and bananas. Besides, don’t you know that carrots experience fear and pain when you pull them from the ground?”
In the shamanic world everything is aware and wants to live. Just to be able to function I tend to draw the awareness line at biological organisms, although I have had cars that made me wonder. If every organism desires to go on living then eating becomes a moral conundrum.
I tend to eat as little animal, fish, and fowl as possible, but need to eat additional protein on a regular basis. Having Post Polio Syndrome means that my body needs a stunning amount of protein to protect nerves and muscle. I get as much protein as possible from vegetable sources but need to supplement that often. For me, the task is to consume enough protein to protect my body while causing as little suffering as possible.
Speaking of PPS, I find cold exhausting. One of my teachers used to tell me that I should just hibernate for the winter. When we were at the Polio Clinic back in December the PT advised me to sleep whenever I was tired, even if that seemed excessive. I have been practicing her advice but find myself fretting over lost time. Of course, trying to work on projects when one can’t keep his eyes open is not productive either.
Life is filled with conundrums, eh?
Please share your thoughts and join the conversation!