Libra Max:
Animal Activist / Vegan / Yogini
Those of us on a spiritual path have an even greater responsibility to be honest with ourselves about the violence we cause when we eat and wear animals. If we envision a nonviolent world, we can participate in the one that already exists by going vegan and practicing true ahimsa. There is no such thing as a nonviolent slaughterhouse. As we liberate the animals from their suffering, we liberate ourselves
Libra Max
Gift List: For giving a gift to anyone interested in bringing more peace and loving kindness into their own lives and into our world, check out some of the suggestions below:
Yoga and Vegetarianism, by Sharon Gannon. One of the first root precepts of Yoga is abstention from animal products. We have abandoned this most basic tenet in the West and this book beautifully explains its vital importance to our practice: jivamuktiyoga.com
The Kind Diet, by Alicia Silverstone. A joyful book for anyone wishing to tread more lightly on our planet. Filled with beautiful photos, recipes and interesting information, Alicia Silverstone sweetly guides us to start from where we are to make big or little changes towards a more plant-based diet. A wonderful gift for everyone: thekindlife.com
The Conscious Cook, by Tal Ronnen. This is a stunning book with innovative and delicious recipes. An absolute must-have for anyone who likes to cook, vegan or not:talronnen.com
That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals, by Ruby Roth. An enchanting, intelligent and stunningly illustrated book for children ages four through ten. By getting to know a cast of animal friends and their families, this beautiful book lovingly and candidly explains what happens on farms and validates a child’s instinct to be respectful and compassionate towards all beings, not just towards some. This is a gift that could be given to children or parents as it is an essential addition to every family’s library, vegan or not: wedonteatanimals.com
We can’t glow as truly beautiful and handsome when wearing products derived from pain, such as clothing made of leather and wool. LA vegan boutiques Humanitaire in Santa Monica, Eko Zone in Venice and Alternative Outfitters in Pasadena have fabulous gifts for all the women and men on your list: shoes, clothing, accessories, cosmetics, books, plus gift certificates and on-line shopping: shophumanitaire.com or ekozone.net or alternativeoutfitters.com
A candlelit dinner at the incomparable and elegant vegan restaurant Madeleine Bistro in the Valley or a cooking class with visionary Master Chef and Bistro founder David Anderson. Not-to-be-missed culinary experiences for both vegans and non-vegans: madeleinebistro.com
Sponsor a turkey, cow or other rescued farm animal in your friend’s name from Farm Sanctuary: farmsanctuary.org
Let your friends know you care by pledging to explore veganism for thirty days. Sign up for this life-affirming month and you will be sent helpful information, tips and support via email. A fun and healthy challenge guaranteed to bring you unexpected joy and energy: goveg.com
Give the gift of friendship to yourself by adopting a cat, dog, rabbit or other furry family member from one of LA’s six high-kill shelters. The angels in these shelters are highly adoptable, sweet and loving beings who just need a hero to help them get out alive: laanimalservices.com
A Scent of Scandal candles are 100% soy wax, vegan, highly fragranced with delicious scents and racy names. The LA-based company actively advocates for the rights of humans and animals: ascentofscandal.com
Most make-up brushes are made of real fur. No thanks! A set of professional, animal-free make-up brushes from LA-based cruelty-free cosmetics company Branded J Collections. Their make-up is excellent too: brandedjcollections.com
The most beautiful swimwear I’ve ever seen comes from cruelty-free LA fashion designer Ashley Paige. She creates sustainable, animal-free knitwear bikinis and cover-ups suitable for a tropical Yoga vacation: ashleypaige.com
And finally, # 1 on my list: The greatest gift you could give your vegan friends this holiday would be your willingness to learn what happens to the animals we use for food and clothing. One of the best ways is to see the film Earthlings. It will be the most profound present you could give your friends, yourself, the animals and our planet: earthlings.com
By Libra Max
