A bit of context is important, especially since my boss is one of the more frequent readers of this blog, post reboot (hi, Russ!). I don't feel that I drink too much now. I mean, self deluders of the world unite and everything, but in my case, I really don't think I'm what society would consider a problem drinker. I have a beer after work about 2-3 days per week. I will have more than that most weekend nights, but seldom more than four. If I have four, I will not drive, because I know that four beers equals .08 BAC equals our good friend John Dewey. Most importantly, my drinking has not caused any problems in my life of which I am aware. My family and friends have not indicated any level of discomfort.
With that disclaimer out of the way, one can reasonably ask the question: if no one thinks you have a drinking problem, why the resolution to drink less? To answer, I need to reference an idea that has been percolating at the back of my mind for some time but came into focus when I read Anthony Alvardo's excellent D.I.Y. Magic. The book contains a whole chapter on different legal substances one can consume to alter one's perspective, like a bunch of coffee or yerba root. He also, as I recall, delves into the effects of several illegal substances, none of which I use or will use, because I like being employed.
Anyway, the idea that crystallized reading Alvardo was that one should use or not use substances to alter perception, a topic that frequent readers will note is one of this blog's animating ideas. Almost all of the ideas that grab me these days, from Buddhism to string theory to magic to whatever, speak to man's limited ability to perceive reality in his normal state and his potential to transcend these limitations and grasp reality more fully. To me, any effort that changes my normal practice with minimal foreseeable negative consequences is worth the effort.
Well, what's more normal for me than drinking? I've been going out and having a pint ever since it was legal to do so, and I don't really know what my body and my mind and my soul are like without the limited amount of alcohol I do consume. Can I handle awkward social situations without liquid courage? Will cutting back on booze improve my yoga, my meditation, my gnosis, and my learning? Does alcohol have positive effects that I take for granted but will become aware of in their absence?
I have no intention whatsoever of cutting out all alcohol now or ever. There are too many things to love, and I will never pass up scotch with my lady or cocktails at the Velvet Tango Room or Kirin Lights with Jimmy and Beav or Untappd check ins or...well, any time that is special, and feels like the use of alcohol will push me towards the kind of freer mind and body that I am trying to develop.
But give up alcohol as part of day-to-day life and see what happens? Yeah, that's something that very well may shift my perspective. Sign me up.
No comments:
Post a Comment