After coming
back from a fun road trip with my partner showing him the southwest desert one
thing stood out from the trip beyond the normal beauty and good times with
family. That is the firm commitment of not drinking alcohol that I took up, 3 years ago. There were many times when he had a glass of wine, wine which I like so
much, I could easily have said yes, and no one would say anything. I would
smell his glass, to enjoy the bouquet, but would and could say, “No, thanks.” I
could also see where any alcohol infers that one is not comfortable with life…
as it is. And my own personal observation that “wrong speech” is easier to slip
into when one is relaxed with alcohol, in my case. The added benefit of a clear
mind in the morning, and less sinus! I feel I need to convey that alcohol has
never really been a problem with me, except the usual early 20’s party phase of
life. Alcoholism has been someone else’s problem, but has been the spice element that leaded to a
difficult childhood in my case. Certainly, this has been a factor who has stayed my friend, but this would happen anyway as friends fall away naturally as you mature as with any wisdom path. I am firmly grounded in my intention, and it doesn’t feel
like a sacrifice, thus saving me money and headaches while providing an easy
entrance to meditation with more time freed up to do so. It also becomes obvious with practice and time that the precepts aren't just rules, but more of a way to direct one AWAY from more suffering. A wisdom intention becomes stronger, I have a clearer direction, finally.
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