Self focus

Self obsession stands in the way of self-development, so we might think to put some energy into things outside our own self interest. Maybe we do charity work, become an environmentalist or a vegetarian. But the bottom line is how much self focus there is in what we do - as in ‘my’ development, ‘my’ road to enlightenment or ‘my’ happiness. Perhaps that’s what veganism tries to point out - to be fully rounded, to see beyond self-improvement, we need another strong magnetic pull, towards empathy and compassion, the ability to ‘be with’ another, co-enjoyment, being involved with another’s problems. The more energy we put out the more impact we have and the more comes back, and yes, yes, all this has been said before, but it’s a queer turn of logic and bears mentioning yet again, that it’s a paradox: we might get more from representing another’s interests, because we can see how theirs is more important than one’s own. It requires imagination and that thing grandparents can be so good at, thinking about their grandchildren more than themselves. The pleasure they get from the children is an enjoyment combined with a particular type of self denial. One can see them being this way and marvel – they make it look so easy, to be thinking about others before thinking about themselves. Now if we apply that exquisite pleasure to earning a good reputation with the animals that brings us straight into the arms of vegan principles.
If we decide to become a vegan we have to see it not as a restriction but a liberation – it’s “the privilege and pleasure … we treasure beyond measure” that counts in the end. Veganism isn’t just about abstaining from eating certain foods, it’s about developing something all-round better. Food-wise it means healthier food, ethics-wise it means compassion, and yes, yes, that’s all very good, but what about ‘my happiness, my development’? That’s where most of us are now. tangled up in too much self and not enough un-self.
The main purpose of our lives is to succeed. Success is golden, especially when we reach our own goals. That makes for quite a lot of happiness. So, it seems logical that we need to find happiness in taking on responsibility to do the right thing … and then making sure we have enough energy to keep it up. With good nutrition and clear conscience we can work miracles. At first we make resolutions and then we settle for the ones we have a pretty fair idea we can keep.