Opinions...

I guess its only inevitable that when you talk about "hypocrisy" and contradictions in lifestyles, you are bound to get comments. Ive heard stuff about not being pure because I mentioned that it was the first time going out to dance without drinking or smoking. This might sound like a big deal, but I have gone out 4 times in the past 12 months. Most of it included drinking wine. Instead of saying:
"Hey! Awesome that you had a great time dancing and not having to drink!
Not bad for a white guy!".....I hear:

I have no right to get on your case, but geez, your "Monday" post from December 4th has been bugging me since I read it. Maybe I completely misunderstood what you were all about. Maybe I just didn't read all your previous posts carefully enough. But nowhere do I remember seeing any other references to recreational drinking and "herbs". I'm disheartened, to say the least. Now I'm wondering all sorts of things. Raw is great, raw is wonderful, raw gives you a natural high... yeah. But have you honestly been practicing what you've been preaching? You said, "Im glad that I enjoy it enough now that I can do it totally sober and high on the experience." Was the first experience so awful that it had to be augmented with something? Was drugging the system really necessary? Or have I completely missed something and are wine and "herbs" a part of the raw scene that nobody talks about?

I'm not giving you a "don't do drugs" lecture. You're welcome to do what you like; you're an adult. But I am concerned that you could be misrepresenting the whole raw thing. If you want to do this self-medication or reality escape (or whatever it is for you) thing, just come clean about it. Judging by the great comments you receive, you're a role model to a lot of people, especially those who are just starting out with the lifestyle. You're young, good-looking, and "in-the-loop" in the NYC raw scene; people are going to assume you know what you're talking about. If doing this stuff is what helps get you through the day, just say so. But don't just say it's all the diet and the great company if that isn't the whole story.

Sorry if this sounds confrontational. I'm just not one to let things go. And if I'm completely off-base here, let me know. Blogging (and most forms of Internet communication) are kind of notorious for misinterpretation.

~Reader

Now...reader, you know I like you. Hopefully youre not upset that I posted it.

Here was my response:

Hi...

I really appreciate all the time you took to write to me.

I'll clear everything up tonight. I dont smoke now, but you have to be realistic about things. Just the fact that I even mentioned it shows that Im not a hypocrite. I usually have two glasses of red wine during dancing, and it DOES make a difference. I dont care if you are 100% or not, a little wine in the system makes the music sound a little bit nicer.

I was sad reading everything, because I felt like I let you down. Maybe I'll just post our emails for the next issue. And I never trashed smoking or drinking. Its totally unnatural to inhale burning plant matter, but tell that to all the indigenous cultures that do it every so often in ceremonies with all different kinds of plants.

I am completely for cannabis consumption, but I would recommend simply eating it instead. Im not sure where he ranked it, but David Wolfe said that cannabis flowers are one of the Earth's most perfect foods.

I am 100% raw, and its great. But there are other things to experience in life on top of that. Combinations. What if I ate peyote or mushrooms and went dancing? No unnatural fire involved there...who makes up the rules that a raw foodist must be completely pure of every mind altering substance available...that RAW should be enough?

Anyone who tells you that hasnt done anything else. Ive experienced complete bliss while 100% and with nothing else, but I had to have tons of sunshine, be doing breathing exercises, doing skin brushing, and getting adequate physical activity. Only then would I be SOARING at 100%. I could be doing massive amounts of raw smoothies and if I was missing other elements that I just listed, I wouldn't feel as good. So what are we aiming for? Its not just food. I believe that raw plant food is essential for getting there, but its not the only pilot if you know what I mean.

I would only recommend very small amounts of whatever a person likes to do (as natural as possible, preferred...) I have done other substances while 100% raw, and it is different, but occasionally (once a week dancing?) might be alright.

Id much rather see someone who drinks coffee and is raw than someone who is cooked and drinks coffee. Same for alcohol, drugs, and whatever.
At least they are doing 90-100% raw plant foods.
Should we negate all the positives if they happen to not be perfect?

I am without a doubt completely for 100% raw veganism (does that include bugs?) and getting fresh air and growing your own food and being physically active...but there are other experiences out there that one should try. Some yes, some no, but I dont make the rules. If you like what I am for, then its cool. I just want you to keep reading....

Im actually surprised that I havent heard more yet, honestly you were the first to mention this. I really do appreciate the thoughts though. I like reading your words and I always think you have good things to say.

I hope this helped...

Anthony