Buddhist Boot Camp by Timber Hawkeye

example, with whom you’d think I would have royally gotten along because we were both into yoga, were big fans of farmers’ markets, were vegetarian, environmentally conscious, etc., but there was a big difference between us that wasn’t evident on paper: he was an activist who literally fought and protested against anyone who didn’t hold the same values as he did, and I am not. He was angry with people who ate meat, for example, with drivers who had gas-guzzling cars, and even with me for not being angry with them too! It was very interesting.
    I completely understand why people eat meat—for example, it tastes good! But my choice to stop eating it back in the nineties didn’t turn my meat-eating brothers into enemies (nor do I try to convert other people to my way of life by telling them that what they’re doing is “wrong”).
    If people who know me are compelled to change their diet or athletic lifestyle to resemble my own in the hopes of getting similar results, that’s great, but it’s not my job to judge anyone who doesn’t.
    It is my way of leading by example. Some follow; some do not. C’est la vie.
    When I was staying in Florida for a short while, my nieces woke up one morning and asked me to make them breakfast. “What would you like?” I asked, and they said, “Scrambled eggs, Uncle T!”
    This was a true test. I could say, “No way! I don’t eat eggs, and you shouldn’t either!” or I could simply ask, “Would you like some toast with that?”
    I prepared their eggs just as they requested, and when they asked, “How come you’re not having any?” I explained to them what being vegan means, and why I was eating something else. They smiled, nodded, and then said, “That’s cool!” as they went on eating their breakfast.
    The seed of option was planted. They were introduced to a different lifestyle because they inquired about it, not by force. In time, with the right conditions, those seeds will sprout and grow, and my nieces will make their own decisions. A week later, in fact, they tried a fresh fruit smoothie for breakfast and really liked it!
    My life is my message, you see. Even the Buddhist Boot Camp Facebook page and book, for example, are not things I’m PUSHING on anyone else; I am simply sharing my life with all of you who CHOOSE to be a part of it, which is what I love about this medium the most. What you do with the message is your choice.
    We do not always agree on everything (nor do we have to), but we do understand the importance of being kind to one another, not judging each other, and seeing one another as human beings trying our best.
    Who was it who said, “Live and let live”? I think they were onto something!
    If you recall the happiest moments in your life, they are all from when you were doing something for somebody else. —Desmond Tutu

Voting
    Voting is not something that we do only once every four years; it’s a daily way of life. We vote with our wallets through every purchase decision that we make (be it at the grocery store, department store, or online businesses). For example: there is only one reason why grocery stores in Hawaii sell mangoes that are imported from Ecuador: people keep buying them. Tropical fruit grows right here on the island, but we can’t blame the stores for supplying what we demand. If we change our ways and only buy local mangoes, however, then they will only sell local mangoes; it’s that simple.
    If you’re against animal cruelty, for example, yet purchase toothpaste made by a company that tests its products on animals, you’re essentially supporting a cause that you don’t believe in. Remember: your beliefs don’t make you a better person, your behavior does! We vote when we pay for services too, not just products. If you’re against violence but rush to the movie theater to watch the latest violent blockbuster, then more movies that glorify the act of war will be produced, thereby adding more violence to the world.
    Take