Activism


Activism (noun \ˈak-ti-ˌvi-zəm\): a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue. 
Initially, Meals with Morri was an outlet for me to: 
  1. Discover good food that happens to have certain ingredients removed or substituted with food I can eat; 
  2. Learn how to live and overcome health conditions; combine conflict resolution with nutrition; practicing the various art forms (photography, cooking, writing); 
  3. Find ways to enhance and further love my body (exercise, positive body image, healthy habits);  and
  4. Connect with people around the world. 
It still is, but something shifted. I don't know when the shift started, only that it happened. It was like opening my heart to all of existence, and seeing that it was in pain.

As my formal education in conflict resolution (BA and MS) and my passion for the environment, quality food, and the happiness for all grew, my sense of external awareness started to notice the imbalance more and more. How is it one of the most developed nations in the world (i.e., the U.S.) has 1 in 7 food insecure households? How is it 1/6th of the total human population is without access to clean water while trillions of gallons of clean water is flushed down the toilet every year? How is it we are using toxic chemicals to grow food, refusing to label ingredients, and are so ignorant as to what we’re actually doing to the world? How is it we consume so much and think it’s okay?

When did we come to feel so helpless and isolated?

So here I am, extremely passionate albeit an amateur at this sort of thing, and I am suddenly aware of the amount of trash I throw away, the amount of electricity I use, the gallons of water I flush, wash with, drink, and drain. I sit here, contemplating my carbon footprint. I sit here, absolutely horrified how someone in a distant country suffers in the production of material things I’m sure I must have right now. I sit here, more awake to life than I have ever been.

Meals with Morri, along with my choices in education, career, and friends, is slowly turning me into an activist. Rather, I’ve decided to be more public about said activism.

I have many passions, and with those passions comes a number of opinions. Instead of being against something (for example, being anti-GMO), I try to look for the bright side (such as pro-labeling or the know your farmer/local movements). Instead of spreading judgment and self-righteousness, I do the best I can to walk my talk and keep myself educated. (You never know what can change your opinion, so it helps to be as informed as possible and know the positives and the drawbacks of your position on things.)

This isn’t about who is right and who is wrong, or that you are a bad person because you use plastic and toilet paper. This isn’t even about what foods you should and shouldn’t be eating. It is about sharing your passions with others. It is about finding others with the same passions and working together in the hopes of building a brighter future for the world. It’s about trying to make a difference, and knowing that what you do matters.

Above all else, the one thing I wish to strive for in my life is to bring people together to make something extraordinary and beautiful.
“I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there.” (Mother Teresa)
The purpose of this page is to link up with other compassionate individuals, groups, and movements whose passions inspire me and to put faces to the small changes the world is experiencing (see the buttons below to read what interests you). I will also link up posts of my own in the hope that they are read by the people that need to read them at the time. At the same time I'd love to hear from all of you: your projects; your opinions; your movements; your hopes; your fears; and your recipes.

http://mealswithmorri.blogspot.it/p/foodies-in-activism.html
http://mealswithmorri.blogspot.it/p/sustainability-diy.htmlhttp://mealswithmorri.blogspot.it/p/think-global-act-local.html
http://mealswithmorri.blogspot.it/p/book-reviews-recommendations.html




Sources:
 Activism. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster online. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activism


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