Today, I spoke to the Kauai Vegetarian Society, a newly-formed group that meets monthly at the Neighborhood Center in Kapa'a, located right on the beach and just a half-mile or so from Blossoming Lotus, Kauai's wonderful vegan restaurant.
How impressed I was!! First, that over forty people attended on Super Bowl Sunday when rain pelted the island relentlessly was impressive enough. Second, the group was an informed and sophisticated bunch--well aware of the health aspects of the veggie lifestyle--comprised of a everyone from young families to retirees. I met John, fresh out of his Bikram yoga class (held just above Blossoming Lotus), Gordon and Diane, a vibrant and enthusiastic West Side couple, and plenty of others who've enthusiastically embraced this compassionate lifestyle.
The audience asked wonderful questions about the work of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, and laughed warmly when I read chapters from Where the Blind Horse Sings that show how animals -- sheep and pigs and chickens -- can evolve when they're loved...when they're in situations that allow them to thrive. One particulary good question was about how we handle people who show indifference to animals.
Most interestingly, though, according to organizer Jim Brown, at least a quarter of the group were newcomers -- and this happens at each meeting of the fledging group (just a year old). How different that is from our local vegetarian group that struggles to get its members to attend its monthly meetings.
What is there to learn, I wonder? Naturally, the "Garden Island" attracts people interested in a healthy, active lifestyle. But there must be some way for our good group to draw more people, because its message is obviously one that everyone can benefit from.
Meanwhile, the weather is not on my side this year--one stormy day follows the next--so I'm reading, writing, and working out with my partner David's friend Whitey the Goose. I'm on my way there now. Whitey and I have got to work on our abs today. In all this rain, I need a good sweat and could use a workout coach!!