Jun 10, 2023·edited Jun 10, 2023Liked by Garrett Kincaid
Very interesting points. I am not sure if I fully agree with the sentence: "mind-altering substances violate the sanctity of consciousness". One can argue that some drugs under the right circumstances can expand consciousness. Here I am thinking of alcoholics that quit drinking after psychedelic therapy (if curious google: Ron White ayahuasca). I am not saying that psychedelics are the only way to expand consciousness, in fact I think that meditation is a much healthier and sustainable way to do that. I am also thinking about native American cultures that have been using psychedelics for spiritual reasons for many centuries.
On the consumption of alcohol I am not a teetotaller but for sure I have reduced my consumption substantially. Now I just keep it at one drink per social event.
PS: too bad you missed the conversation on psychedelics. It would have been great to get your input.
Well put good sir. Some other pros for remaining sober:
- excessive drinking often has long term negative health impacts, pulling you away from abs and towards beer belly status
- honestly some alcohol just doesn’t taste good, no reason to drink something you don’t like (unless you’re drinking with the intent to get drunk)
- most people refrain from dancing until sufficiently “lubricated”, but I’ve found that remaining sober a) helps increase my confidence dancing and b) helps me remember my dance moves for the future - a very underrated pro for staying sober
- for me, I find I can act significantly more in alignment with the ways of Jesus sober than not - my rule of thumb is “is the Holy Spirit motivating my thoughts and actions, or is it the alcohol?”
This is a great piece, Garrett, with a highly personal, and also non-judgmental, point of view. Although I generally believe that a great cocktail or bottle of wine can be a part of a good, social, convivial life, I have had a few mornings where I have been "overserved" the night before and motivated to adopt your perspective. I wrote a piece with a contrarian, point of view that you might find interesting. https://open.substack.com/pub/drakegreene/p/it-started-with-a-sidecar?r=1s5vc1&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Solute to the contrarian sober comrade! I didn't know you are sober on the Moroccan trip, otherwise I'd have teamed up with you while the others were searching for booze during Ramadan. I'm sober for the same reasons you have, in addition, I'm genetically sensitive to alcohol, just 2 sips of wine would make me blush and dizzy. My heavy-drinking ex had tried to get me into drinking but failed, some friends advised me to drink to fit into the social occasions and hinted otherwise people talk (that's the least I care). I too neither find alcohol appealing nor seek high from any substances in general, I'd rather get an elevated mood from doing natural things whether it's looking out over a fjord or walking in a forest or just eating good food.
Jun 8, 2023·edited Jun 8, 2023Liked by Garrett Kincaid
Great piece as always, Garrett. You've given me much to think about! I'm also immensely impressed with your level of self-discipline. I'm curious, do you consider caffeine to be included in the set of mind-altering substances described by your definition?
Love this. I stopped drinking about six years ago and my life took off shortly thereafter in every facet. You hit on so many of the key points as to why sobriety is effectively a superpower.
Lots of people assume that you have to drink or else you'll be "boring," when that couldn't be further from the truth. In my experience, life is considerably more enjoyable when you don't rely on a social lubricant.
This is so much better than your first version! I enjoyed the origin story of your sobriety and the nuances of that choice despite the social pressure to do otherwise. Also, I found myself laughing out loud at multiple sections. Thank you
Really love this piece--both the content and how it’s written! It made me smile, laugh, think, and nod my head. Without ever being a drinker, you succinctly captured so much of my experience as somebody who did drink, and as of four months ago, no longer drinks. That is quite impressive and special.
Very interesting points. I am not sure if I fully agree with the sentence: "mind-altering substances violate the sanctity of consciousness". One can argue that some drugs under the right circumstances can expand consciousness. Here I am thinking of alcoholics that quit drinking after psychedelic therapy (if curious google: Ron White ayahuasca). I am not saying that psychedelics are the only way to expand consciousness, in fact I think that meditation is a much healthier and sustainable way to do that. I am also thinking about native American cultures that have been using psychedelics for spiritual reasons for many centuries.
On the consumption of alcohol I am not a teetotaller but for sure I have reduced my consumption substantially. Now I just keep it at one drink per social event.
PS: too bad you missed the conversation on psychedelics. It would have been great to get your input.
Well put good sir. Some other pros for remaining sober:
- excessive drinking often has long term negative health impacts, pulling you away from abs and towards beer belly status
- honestly some alcohol just doesn’t taste good, no reason to drink something you don’t like (unless you’re drinking with the intent to get drunk)
- most people refrain from dancing until sufficiently “lubricated”, but I’ve found that remaining sober a) helps increase my confidence dancing and b) helps me remember my dance moves for the future - a very underrated pro for staying sober
- for me, I find I can act significantly more in alignment with the ways of Jesus sober than not - my rule of thumb is “is the Holy Spirit motivating my thoughts and actions, or is it the alcohol?”
This is a great piece, Garrett, with a highly personal, and also non-judgmental, point of view. Although I generally believe that a great cocktail or bottle of wine can be a part of a good, social, convivial life, I have had a few mornings where I have been "overserved" the night before and motivated to adopt your perspective. I wrote a piece with a contrarian, point of view that you might find interesting. https://open.substack.com/pub/drakegreene/p/it-started-with-a-sidecar?r=1s5vc1&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
This is so eloquently said! I love this bit: Substances change the way the world appears to you. Experiences change the way you see the world.
Solute to the contrarian sober comrade! I didn't know you are sober on the Moroccan trip, otherwise I'd have teamed up with you while the others were searching for booze during Ramadan. I'm sober for the same reasons you have, in addition, I'm genetically sensitive to alcohol, just 2 sips of wine would make me blush and dizzy. My heavy-drinking ex had tried to get me into drinking but failed, some friends advised me to drink to fit into the social occasions and hinted otherwise people talk (that's the least I care). I too neither find alcohol appealing nor seek high from any substances in general, I'd rather get an elevated mood from doing natural things whether it's looking out over a fjord or walking in a forest or just eating good food.
Great piece as always, Garrett. You've given me much to think about! I'm also immensely impressed with your level of self-discipline. I'm curious, do you consider caffeine to be included in the set of mind-altering substances described by your definition?
Love this. I stopped drinking about six years ago and my life took off shortly thereafter in every facet. You hit on so many of the key points as to why sobriety is effectively a superpower.
Lots of people assume that you have to drink or else you'll be "boring," when that couldn't be further from the truth. In my experience, life is considerably more enjoyable when you don't rely on a social lubricant.
Great essay.
This is so much better than your first version! I enjoyed the origin story of your sobriety and the nuances of that choice despite the social pressure to do otherwise. Also, I found myself laughing out loud at multiple sections. Thank you
Really love this piece--both the content and how it’s written! It made me smile, laugh, think, and nod my head. Without ever being a drinker, you succinctly captured so much of my experience as somebody who did drink, and as of four months ago, no longer drinks. That is quite impressive and special.
Thank you!