How can you be a Yogi and still eat meat?

This question has been on my mind for the past years. While my body is deeply grateful for the nourishing food I provide, my mind has struggled with the moral judgment I've felt from certain parts of society, the yoga community, and my own inner critic.

"Don’t you care about climate change? Don’t you care about animal lives? How can you willingly engage in such unholy actions? You’re a bad person for not caring more..." But the truth is, I care deeply—perhaps more than you might imagine.

As a Yoga Teacher and a Holistic Health Coach, my work involves not only spiritual practices but also holistic health considerations. I’m deeply concerned with the big picture and the well-being of all living beings, including humans, animals, and plants.

What if climate change is a result of humanity failing to recognize that we are a part of nature? That our increasing distance from a natural way of living is harming not only our health but also the health of Mother Earth?

What if we are causing harm regardless, whether consciously by eating animals or unconsciously through modern farming methods and chemical use? 

What if life is a cycle, where the snake bites naturally it’s own tail? 

What if our soil needs the manure from animals to remain nutrient-rich and maintain a healthy microbiome, which is being destroyed by industrial agriculture with its pesticides, herbicides, and massive machinery to produce more tofu, grains, etc.?

What if the human body relies on animal protein and fats for a healthy hormonal balance, strong body, and stable psyche?

What if the pandemic of chronic diseases is partly due to highly processed seed fats, modified grains, fake meats, and pesticides?

I am, of course, completely against factory farming and the terrible, disrespectful treatment of animals. It’s harmful to everyone involved, and it's crucial that this changes!

However, there are also incredible Organic and Demeter-certified farmers who treat their animals with respect, feed them grass instead of plenty of soy or grain, focus on mother animal husbandry, and avoid pesticides. Supporting them with our money honors our bodies, the animals, and all the people involved in bringing food to our plates. We vote with our money and can contribute to healing and growth right now. 

What are your thoughts on what I’ve shared?