NAVIGATING DRINKING IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON (and any time)
The topic of alcohol has come up in a lot of conversations I’ve had over the last weeks (in conversations, in the DM on Instagram etc.)
I absolutely love to give my take on these things, simply because I am so passionate about sharing the yogic technology and teachings around it—which when applied can make life much more enjoyable for most people. It is an alternative way of living life which many find liberating. It is not as alternative as it once was though, and many of these things are just becoming “common sense”. I believe in part to our increased awareness and in part to the rapid evolution that is taking place here on planet earth.
You can do whatever you want—just had to say that. The below in my take + the yogic perspective on alcohol. If you find liberation in this, great. If you find restriction and don’t resonate that is entirely up to you.
I don’t drink alcohol at all. Mostly because I just don’t have time for that. I don’t have time for moments in my life where I am not fully conscious and present, and I certainly don’t have time to be hung over and tired as a result of drinking alcohol.
I have a physical daily practice that I can’t skip on, because that is my job, and what I teach others—I have to walk the talk 100%. And alcohol for me (like for many athletes and high performance people) isn’t compatible.
From a yogic perspective—well, actually from a medical and scientific perspective—alcohol damage the body and the brain. Why bother?
We all know that. So what are the reasons why we still drink alcohol?
It taste good and it’s fun? People loosen up, they put down their barriers etc.?
—The thing for me is, I don’t need the alcohol for that: I am not interested in putting down my barrier—no just kidding on that, but those who know me personally might know me to be a bit of a social ice queen, ahahah. No seriously though, I had social related anxiety for years and alcohol was my way of coping with that. I had a very hard time being comfortable socially if I didn’t drink. Now I don’t feel that way anymore, and I am comfortable being who I am, without a filter or substance between me and others.
I believe a lot of people drink because of that reason. And that is totally okay. But taking the damages and the loss of time into consideration perhaps it isn’t strictly necessary for you anymore?
Another thing is simply norms and social codes, feeling included and not questioning. Or to do it because you don’t want others to feel judged. It’s a social pressure that many people feel. And if you tap out, you are exposing the habits of the other persons. So it’s easier to comply and play the social game. But is this really what you want? Did you ever ask yourself why or pose the question?
As I also shared in class the other day: I am not here to tell you what is right or wrong to do—I trust that you are intelligent enough to make your own decisions. But I absolutely see it as part of my mission to make you think, to make you reflect on your own choices. Someone told me the other day that I was very triggering for them—and I was SO happy to hear that. If my life and my presence can bring even an ounce of self consciousness to you than I consider that very positive. + If what I share can make you question something, not to feel bad about it, or to feel judged—but to bring more consciousness to every single choice you make, then we are going somewhere and then what I share if worth it.
It’s all about questioning your choices, so that you can become even more clear about who you are and what is right for you. When you are done questioning, you can fully be behind your choice and then you gain so much more energy in life. And it’s about offering that alternative so that you don’t have to be locked into a societal idea of what is normal, and so that you have the freedom to create a life that is authentic to you.
