Hello Steemians!

This is my inaugural post, and is therefore going to introduce me, as well explain what Ahimsa means and why I have weaved it into my name.

Before I get into Ahimsa - let me give you some introductory details about who I am in general. I'm a New Zealander and am actually in New Zealand as I write this, which is not the norm for me. My partner Michael is Norwegian, and we lived in Thailand for a year before embarking on what is now our new normal, full time travel. We spend about a month in each destination and work online. I'm a Freelance Social Media Manager and Voice Actress, and Michael is a Cryptocurrency trading genius, Musician and Videographer @michaelhebo

I've joined Steemit because I am truly bored and honestly, irritated with the current Social Network offerings. YouTube is at the top of my blacklist for their blatant censorship and useless algorithms. Snapchat I'm just plain bored of... Instagram I enjoy but I can't write blog posts on it. Facebook is just how I keep in touch with my friends and family.

Steemit on the other hand, I'm really excited about. I've been longing for a place where I can network with like minded people, let off some creative 'steem', and be part of a thriving community on which the platform is actually fair and rewarding. Yew!

Now, onto Ahimsa! Ahimsa अहिंसा is a Sanskrit word and while we can begin to informally translate it into English as being "the total and complete absence of violence from one’s mind, body, and spirit," it is actually a lot more than that.
I feel slight hesitance around that definition because for me, Ahimsa is not so much about the absence of violence, but the choice of peace, equality and compassion in its stead.

I've been a 'true' vegan right down to the most fundamental definition of the word for over three years. However, my journey to a more compassionate lifestyle started long before that. Seven years ago, as a teenager encountering the overwhelming sights, sounds and smells of Cambodia, I was shocked and disgusted by the dead animals for sale in the market. How trite, I know, to have become a vegetarian at the first sight of dead animal.

My decision to become a vegetarian from that experience quickly escalated to being dairy free and egg free within a few months. I see my journey as less about becoming a vegan, and more about a progression in awareness of how my words, actions and thoughts affect myself and the world around me.

To me, veganism is way more than the exclusion of animal products and animal rights, it's the daily choice to live in a conscious manner that does the least harm possible. It's about educating myself about the impact of what I buy and what I do, and ensuring that I am not actively contributing to another being's pain, enslavement and suffering. It's a lifestyle choice that I will never perfect, because it is not an end goal, it's about making the kindest decision possible in each moment.

Do you consider it a violent act to think you're ugly? Most people would not. Most of us are actually pretty cruel to ourselves. Our self-talk can be appalling! We often talk to ourselves with less respect and understanding than we would the most vile narcissistic predator. There's some food for thought ;)

Self compassion is a key element in what I understand to be Ahimsa. Actively creating an environment of space, warmth, respect and love in your mind is perhaps the most difficult, never-ending challenge you will ever undertake. I know that is true for me. However, the progress I have made has equally been the most fulfilling experience because every step of the way I've become happier and more free to experience life moment by moment. That's Ahimsa! Ahimsa is about everyone, all creatures and all of us homosapiens deserving happiness and freedom. Why not start with yourself?

So that's why I have chosen to weave Ahimsa into my name, Hannah. I love the concept and I feel that it gives a little hint as to the values and beliefs I hold without screaming VEGAN

On that note Happy New Year!.. and thanks for stopping by my first ever post! I'm excited to be here and pumped for 2018.

“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu” – May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may my thoughts and my actions somehow contribute to that freedom for all.