
What we’re about
What is veganism?
Veganism is an ethical stance against all forms of animal exploitation. It is the recognition that animals are not ours to eat, wear or use in any way. This recognition means following a corresponding way of life. The benefits of veganism to human and planetary health are many but the reason for veganism is the animals. Veganism is the refusal to cause completely unnecessary suffering and death to other sentient beings. If you think it's wrong to hurt animals, you already believe in veganism.
We humans are social creatures and so having a vegan community is extremely important for going vegan and staying vegan. This group is for vegans and those aspiring to be vegan, for those who care about animal issues and who have a sincere interest in veganism. We hope to create fun, support and friendship for the vegan community. People of all ages are welcome, veganism is for everyone!
By joining this group and attending events, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service and releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup events and gatherings.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Vegan MeditationLink visible for attendees
Please join us online for a peaceful 45 minutes of vegan-oriented meditation and mindful sharing. We’ll meditate together in silence for 15 minutes, then share brief thoughts on a topic related to compassion, mindfulness or veganism. Our aim through this practice is to cultivate greater internal peace and presence, and to bring greater mindfulness and compassion to our interactions with the external world and all its inhabitants.
We meet the first and third Monday of each month at 6pm Pacific / 7pm MT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET. Please note that while our route to mindfulness and compassion generally follows a vegan path, all are welcome – vegan, vegan-curious, and vegan-supportive. For our annual schedule and weekly discussion topics, click here.
Vegan Meditation is affiliated with the Compassion Consortium.
Please note these important details:
- As a security precaution, you must be signed in to a Zoom account to join the meeting. Zoom accounts are free at https://www.zoom.us/ (click signup) and you'll need to log in there BEFORE joining the meditation. If this is your first time, please register at that link in advance because doing so takes a few minutes.
- Please use a computer or tablet, as some Zoom features don’t work on a phone, and phones in general don't work well for our Zoom Meetups.
- Talking during the discussion is completely optional, but to help reduce trolling we ask that all participants keep their webcams on (and stay on webcam) during the entire session.
- Meditation begins promptly on the hour, so please arrive on time. When you enter, you'll see a meditation timer counting down from 15 minutes – that's your cue to begin meditating silently (or listen to your own guided meditation). We don't provide meditation instruction, but the basics are easy to learn through various online resources such as those here and here.
- While we officially end at the 45-minute mark, depending on the number of people sharing, we may run later. If that happens, please feel free to stay or leave at any time as you choose.
- The Zoom link will be displayed on the Meetup event page after you RSVP. We'll also send the Zoom link and discussion topic in a reminder email the day of the event. If you'd like to receive this reminder email, please keep your Meetup notification settings turned on.
See you soon!
- Vegan Retreat Giant Sequoias Trees and Natural Hot Springs**Fri Sep 19-Mon 22ndNeeds location
## We had such a Blast in the Sequoias! Can't wait to host and share another amazing experience with you September 19th-22nd
The Sequoias was the second national park in the United States after Yellowstone, and home to the largest trees on Earth, the giant sequoias, reaching heights of over 300 feet and live for more than 3,000 years!
We will be holding a special gathering in the **Sequoias
Friday September 19th - Monday September 22nd
What's Included:- Raw foods: 3 Light Breakfasts, 2 Light Lunches and 2 Dinners
- Learning to Make Vibrant Raw Food Dishes with Amazing Raw Chef
- Refresh in sacred waterfalls and natural hot springs
- Easy to Moderate Hiking, walking among the tall trees and Creative art class
- Meditation, Qi-Gong and Daily Morning Movement Session
- Evening Dance, Music Jam, Singing
- Stargazing and sharing our gifts with each other
- Exploration of a Vegan Community in Sequoias!
- Book or pamphlet of delicious raw recipes
Please view detailed itinerary. If you'd like to join in this special gathering, RSVP by booking camping or Airbnb option
https://holistichealthtravel.com/sequoia-fruit-gathering
Camp: $388
Airbnb: $688+
Or Venmo @holistichealthtravel to reserve camp or Airbnb option
For any other trips, please visit [HolisticHealthTravel.com,](http://holistichealthtravel.com,/) or for any questions. Looking forward to connecting and renewing amongst the wisdom of the tallest and oldest trees on the planet ~ This is more than sightseeing, it is an experience. - Newport Bay Nature Walk/Hike + Lunch at The Plot in Costa Mesa before it closesUpper Newport Bay Nature Preserve & Ecological Reserve, Newport Beach, CA
Greetings Nature Enthusiasts!
Enjoy a beautiful Sunday with 2 options (1 and/or 2):
Option 1: Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve trail walk at 11am-12:30pm-ishWe will take a gently sloping path near the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretative Center towards an oasis with an optional small hill climb, if some hikers are keen. All fitness levels and ages accommodated with the group walk/hike with dogs permitted. This path takes 1 hour - 1.5 hours, depending on the size and walking pace of the group members. If you would like to take breaks inside the Muth Interpretative Center to see the exhibits or dip out early, we are quite flexible!
LOCATION with Google Maps link:
2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
The parking lot is free, curbside parking can be found on University Drive near the YMCA if it is full, or around in the neighboring streets. Bathrooms are located inside the interpretative center.
TIME: We'll meet at 11am in front of the wooden trail map next to the parking lot by the large rocks and main trailhead. We will wait until 11:15am and do introductions as a friendly group!
It's a bluff trail with very little shade, so it's handy to come ready with:
1. Plenty of water 💦
2. Layers of clothing and sturdy, closed-toed shoes/hiking boots
3. A sun hat 👒
**An approximate trail map of where we will go, though we may diverge slightly depending on group needs: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/upper-newport-bay-ecological-reserve-loop
***FYI, this area is next to John Wayne airport, so airplanes will be taking off regularly nearby and you will hear them—just so you or any companion animals are aware of the noise in case you may be bothered by takeoffs when the volume can interrupt conversation.Option 2: Lunch at The Plot at The Camp in Costa Mesa from approximately 1pm to 3pm-ish to support this vegan farm-to-table restaurant before it closes on September 28th.
food for a healthy future
from cozy classics to exciting flavors, the plot is shaking up plant-based dining with a bold mix of comfort and style. chefs davin waite and travis roe are reimagining vegan cuisine and zero waste menu design to celebrate flavor, texture, sustainability, and the magic that comes from sourcing locally and growing our own food.
The Plot Costa Mesa website with menu
2937 Bristol St #100, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: 714.852.3181
Happy trails and look forward to seeing you there!
-Jade, hostDISCLAIMER: Group organizers and assistant organizers assume no liability; come at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.