sorry, with the "you complain that..." i was addressing imaginary vegans-who-don't-get-the-WAS-thing, not you :)

I'll read your article first before going into this further. Definitely an interesting question.

hi vasco, i can see the parallel too yes, often thinking about vegans: you complain that meat eaters don't see the suffering, but you yourself can't see the suffering in nature...

As to animal farming being beneficial re increasing the welfare of the creatures you mention: I'm not sure about the experiences of those small animals. If it's a matter of increasing their numbers, I hold more of a person-affecting view re population ethics so more doesn't mean better for me. Thirdly, i feel the suffering of farmed animals is so clearly terrible that i'd need a lot of certainty on this before I'd think it's a good thing for other organisms. But i saw you posted something on this - which i still have to read.

i find this very interesting. so would you say you come by the idea of avoiding animal products mainly by reason alone?

99% yes for me.
This is like 50% of the yearly global budget for farmed animals. A lot can be done with this money, and it's not too outrageous an amount that it wouldn't be absorbed efficiently. Speciecism aside, the bang for these bucks could be incredible. 
Moreover, if among the spillover effects of this was lower consumption of animal products, this would be an additional win for public health (at least in countries where too much animal products are eaten). 

Thank you for this. It is indeed inspiring. (And wonderful that you ficus on animals, imho)

thank you for the links, i will look into them.
Interesting, that condition. I hadn't heard of it. From where i sit, it seems to have advantages, but i'm sure downsides too, as you say. 

thank you. seeing meditation as not just sitting meditation is something that resonates. i do have moments when i may be doing whatever and when i try to be more present and check myself and relax. that seems to do something, at least.

I have actually done a few mediations in plum village. i loved the atmosphere there, but the meditation sessions were as tortuous as elsewhere :) Still, I have at times considered spending a couple of weeks there to see if that would have more effect.

thanks for the offer to chat. right now i'm in a giving up-mood (re. meditation) but when i come out of that again and want to give it another shot (as always happens) I may take you up on that. i appreciate it.

thank you for sharing

Thank you, everyone, for your comments. Many of them sort of reframed my dilemma in different terms, and confirmed my doubts (not a bad thing). And at the same time I was also moved and comforted by the empathy displayed. I remain happy to be part of this community.

thanks, I've felt this value of light vs hardcore as well...