We recognize that, when it comes to food habits, we all exercise different opinions on what is right, ethical and healthy to eat. The table of conversation is diverse and some options below will not be a challenge for one person while another might be stretched to consider giving up meat for a week. May the tension be welcomed and the conversation fruitful as we sit at the table together.

Be a vegetarian for a week

(if your health allows it) as an exercise in mindfulness of your diet.

1. Check out the free vegetarian starter kit available at http://www.peta.org/vsk/. It includes information about the treatment of animals, transitioning into vegetarianism, vegetarian recipes and tips.
2. Invite family members and friends to participate in this exercise with you. It will be much more enjoyable and helpful to take part in such an exercise within a community.
3. Questions to reflect upon in the process:
   1. How does it make you feel?
   2. How is your body responding?
   3. What foods are you choosing that you normally would not?
   4. Has it shifted your view of the animals that you eat? How?

Factory farming

is often practiced by large agribusinesses and industrial farming for the processing of meat and milk. They are often criticized for their overpopulation of animals in confined spaces. Below you will find some information and action to take to better understand how animals are being raised for food consumption.

1. Read Michael Pollan’s article on beef cattle http://www.michaelpollan.com/article.php?id=14
2. Find out how many factory farms are in your area. http://www.factoryfarmmap.org/
3. 80% of meat in the grocery stores are slaughtered and marketed by four companies (Tyson Fresh Meats, ConAgra, Excel (Cargill) and National). Research the company that normally supplies your beef, pork, poultry and fish. Find out if they are raising their animals in humane ways.
4. Find a local farmer or distributor who can assure the quality of care for their animals.
   http://www.localmeatmarket.com/
   http://www.localharvest.org/

Follow a bug

Insects, which are often considered a nuisance, have a lifespan from a few days to several years depending upon the species. Take a couple minutes to follow an insect and perhaps learn a bit more about its daily life by giving one your undivided attention.

How slowly does an ant walk?

Does a cockroach have anything to teach you?

What is your normal response to an insect in your bedroom?

Consider the birds of the air

If the weather is permissible (even if it is not, bundle up), set up a chair in your backyard, park or any place that is known to be visited by birds. Read the passage from Matthew 6:26-27 a couple of times, each time a little slower, letting the words sink into your being.

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to your life's span?"

Matthew 6:26-27

Watch the birds.

Let your thoughts drift in and out, as your attention is focused on the livelihood of the birds. Enjoy their flight patterns, eating habits and song. The intention is solely to ‘look at the birds’.

Browse the endangered species list

http://earthsendangered.com/. Find out how you can get involved locally to help sustain the life of the species endangered in your region.