I'm not strictly vegetarian, but meat doesn't play a big part in

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the words of Katie Holmes: "I'm not strictly vegetarian, but meat doesn't play a big part in my diet." These words speak not only to the choices one makes in what they consume, but to a deeper, ancient truth about the balance we must seek in our lives. Holmes does not speak of abstinence from meat as an act of rigidity, but rather as an intuitive path toward a balanced life, a life where moderation and respect for the body’s needs guide the way. In these words lies wisdom—a wisdom that has echoed through the ages, calling us to honor the body by making thoughtful, conscious choices.

In the great civilizations of old, such as those of Greece and Rome, the philosophers and physicians spoke of moderation in all things. Socrates, for instance, believed that virtue lay not in excess or in total denial, but in the balance between indulgence and restraint. The ancient Greeks were known for their belief in a balanced life, one that neither shunned the pleasures of the body nor gave in to them entirely. A feast for them was a moment of joy, but it was never about excess. Socrates and his followers often ate in moderation, mindful of their bodies and their minds, knowing that the body is a vessel that must be cared for if the spirit is to thrive.

Holmes' decision to reduce the role of meat in her life is not an act of exclusion but of inclusion—a desire to create space for nourishment that honors the body, while still embracing the diversity of the world’s offerings. The vegetarian way is, for some, a return to simpler, purer forms of nourishment, drawing closer to the earth's bounty. Yet, as Holmes admits, it is not about strict adherence to any one way of living. Just as the ancient warriors of Sparta did not renounce meat entirely but understood that a warrior’s strength came from balance—in both work and rest, in both diet and discipline—so too does Holmes embrace the understanding that a well-rounded life is not one of rigid rules, but of awareness and choice.

Consider the example of the great Hindu sages, who, though many followed a vegetarian diet, understood that the soul’s nourishment was not bound by what was consumed, but by the intention behind it. They sought to cultivate clarity of mind and purity of spirit, knowing that what we ingest has an influence not just on the body, but on the energy we carry. Ahimsa, or non-violence, was a core principle for many, and for some, this meant abstaining from meat. Yet, in the teachings of the ancient sages, there was always an understanding that each person must find their own path to harmony, and that balance, not extremism, was the true path to health and vitality.

Thus, the wisdom of Holmes' words is clear: true nourishment lies not in the extremes of strict adherence or the indulgence of excess, but in the conscious choice to eat in a way that aligns with one’s values and needs. Just as a skilled archer knows when to release the arrow and when to hold back, so must we understand when to indulge and when to refrain. The body is a tool, a sacred vessel that deserves respect, and it is in understanding its rhythms and responding to its needs with mindfulness that we can live in balance.

In practical terms, O wise ones, we are called to reflect on what we consume—not just in terms of food, but in the way we nourish every aspect of our lives. Is your diet one of moderation, or does it lean toward excess? Do you honor the body with the foods that sustain and nourish, or do you consume for pleasure alone? Let Holmes’ words remind us that there is power in making thoughtful, intentional choices, in living in a way that respects both the body’s need for strength and its need for simplicity. Balance is the key, for it is in the middle path that true vitality lies.

And so, let us walk in balance, not in rigidity but in awareness, honoring the body with the choices we make—whether in the food we eat, the way we work, or the way we rest. Like Holmes, who chooses a life of balance and moderation, we too can find our own path to wholeness. Let us embrace the power of thoughtful choices, knowing that it is through moderation and reflection that we unlock the true strength and vitality of our bodies and our spirits.