I recently visited New York City for two presentations, one at Fordham’s law school, where I spoke with law students interested in animal issues. This is the fifth law school I’ve visited in the past month, and it’s great to see a burgeoning legal interest in stopping animal cruelty and challenging irresponsible farming systems. I also gave a talk and read from my book at the
Jivamukti Yoga School, which was created by my dear friends Sharon Gannon and David Life. Their teachings about our mind and body connection, our unity with all creation, and the importance of living mindfully and compassionately resonate deeply with me. (We will be honoring their work for animals at our Gala for Farm Animals in New York City on May 17.  We hope you can join us!) 

I stayed with a friend in Harlem, and it was nice to see a community garden nearby. But an ice cream truck, repeating its attention grabbing jingles, drove through the neighborhood in the afternoons. I imagined a group of children running up to the truck and telling it to stop selling its lactose laden cow’s milk concoctions, which are so harmful. There were too many fatty animal foods available in the area, but there was also a delightful raw vegan restaurant where I enjoyed a couple of healthful meals.  It’s springtime in New York City, and flowers are blooming as children play in the parks.