Tipsy Turvy

http://blogs.yogajournal.com/yogabuzz/2011/08/the-buzz-on-yoga-and-alcohol.html

Above is a link to a blog on Yoga Journal's website discussing whether alcohol, and particularly wine, should be served at a yoga class or event. I gotta say...no way. Even in my early twenties, my heavy drinking years, I would have disagreed with this idea. For me, yoga has always been about balancing out the chaotic and sometimes unhealthy aspects of my life. While I look back on some aspects of those earlier years with an element of nostalgia, I think a lot of what I miss is simply feeling young and carefree.

It's easy to associate drinking with those feelings of being young and carefree. "Letting loose" is one expression that really defines the aspect of drinking that was most appealing for me.

However, yoga has taught me to loosen up and let go of stress without the help of a substance. Yoga is what helped me let go of a dependancy on alcohol.

Recently, a friend of mine was in a class where a local Asheville yoga teacher served wine. The most disturbing part is that so many people in our society forget to respect the fact that alcohol is a dangerous substance-- that many are powerless under their addiction to alcohol.

I'm not against drinking, and I still have an occasional glass of wine with my dinner, but yoga class should be an environment to uplift and empower people in their quest towards a healthier and happier life. Alcohol is not only unnecessary to have a successful yoga experience, it's often harmful.

Cheers.