About alcohol
I love the feeling of alcohol in my body. The zing of aliveness. The lowering of inhibitions for conversation and playfulness. And as a yoga teacher with with a yoga teacher mother, having a drink feels like a satisfying act of everyday rebellion.
But recently, I’ve been tracing some negative effects. The quality of my morning meditation is more dull. Alcohol at night makes my mornings, in general, less optimistic. I’m less interested in my yoga practice. Less available for my children. And sometimes, after a few drinks, I get angry and say cruel things to my partner that I regret.
So I’m pausing drinking until Thanksgiving. Taking some time to feel something new.
Why am I telling you this? Transparency. Accountability. Destigmatization.
But also to remind you that I’m human. With all of the messyness that includes. To mirror back that you’re also allowed to be human. To figure it out. To make mistakes. To ask for forgiveness.
When you’re feeling low you still deserve to do yoga. More than ever, that’s when you need the soothing effects of the practice.
So today I’m sharing a super gentle 20 minute yoga practice for integration and grounding called Moving Pranayama. It’s for those times when you want to do yoga, but just can’t muster the energy to really exert yourself.
Until next week,
Lizzie
Hi. I appreciate your honesty and description of your experience. Alcohol is not a benign substance, despite what the alcohol industry promotes. Dulling of your senses, a negative change in your personality, and concerns about being present for your kids are all warning signs and reasons to stop drinking. Meditation, yoga, and therapy, if needed, can help achieve the positive states of fun and playfulness without the use of substances. I am a physician. It’s good to figure this out while you’re young. Sent with gratitude and love.
I love this Lizzie - it is exactly where I am at!
There is nothing more glorious than waking up ‘alcohol free’ and even the tiniest amount on the day before leaves a residue, a dullness . And you only notice the difference when you stop!