Anytime somebody introduces me to a new idea outside my world-view, I used to think they were crazy. I’ve grown up a little since my youth. Now I really have to take a moment and think. For example, back in the early days of history, everyone thought that the world was flat. You sail too far in the distance and you fall off the edge, right? Of course that’s uniquely medieval European thinking. Other cultures didn’t have that mentality and were able to populate the Americas, from Asiatics to Vikings.

Raw food is like that to me. When you’re into it, you’re way into it. But people who are happy to eat what is in the stupormarkets think you are nuts. (thanks Shazzie for that reference) Also, and quite inadvertently, if you follow that path, you do two things, you create more friends who are into it and by default, start to isolate those in your circle of influence who are not into it. Why do we do this? Is there a horizon in raw foodism that says, “if you venture outside this paradigm, you’ll be screwed because you’re sailing over my horizon?” Sometimes I feel like I’ve created that in my raw journey. Still trying to understand why.

Similarly a common theme for raw foodies to do is to post before and after pictures. They like to show how they have become skinny and somewhat enlightened by the process of eating really healthy. These pictures are amazing to me. For some, the transition is absolutely awe inspiring. But that makes me question my thinking. Does the person who posts their pictures post them to show who they were before is less worthy of love because 1. They weren’t skinny or 2. They weren’t following “The Path.”?
Today I saw a picture of a really sweet person, the “after” photo is breathtaking no doubt. However, the first picture is too! Everyone gave this woman accolades about how she looked younger and was so much more deserving of praise now. I have to admit to me that seems unenlightened. I do understand the support component of the equation and that’s another discussion. Yet, the person she was, the façade of flesh housing her soul if you will, was no less worthy of love before than it is now, and no less beautiful.
I’ve even seen some guru’s actually degrade (under their breath) someone who was on the path, then obviously went off and gained weight. WHAT? Sincerity people. To quote the famous David Wolfe, “Every person is an unopened treasure chest.”
To illustrate the judgemental idea, I draw from Pop Culture, specifically the TV show American Idol. For years I have watched that and snickered at the people who come out there and audition. I know a thing or two about singing.. so it is really easy for me to be judgmental I suppose. Raw food did help me clear out mental baggage in that department. Fast forward to now and the show is very different! Each person, whether they sing in tune or not, is an amazing, amazing person. They are the event horizon of awareness, of consciousness….and are equal to the singers who can sing in tune, with meaning an inflection; because in general, I find them no less sincere, and their song no less beautiful. (however some of them are there to make us laugh!)

It’s clear now, that you are worthy of love right now, because you at this moment, are. Not when you get skinny, not when you have glowing skin and all your health problems melt away…NOW.

The song “Do You Realize” by the Flaming Lips helps me to get centered:

Do You Realize – that you have the most beautiful face
Do You Realize – we’re floating in space -
Do You Realize – that happiness makes you cry
Do You Realize – that everyone you know someday will die

And instead of saying all of your goodbyes – let them know
You realize that life goes fast
It’s hard to make the good things last
You realize the sun doesn’t go down
It’s just an illusion caused by the world spinning round

Do You Realize – Oh – Oh – Oh
Do You Realize – that everyone you know
Someday will die -

And instead of saying all of your goodbyes – let them know
You realize that life goes fast
It’s hard to make the good things last
You realize the sun doesn’t go down
It’s just an illusion caused by the world spinning round

Do You Realize – that you have the most beautiful face
Do You Realize