Alcohol…

Hi Micherie

What a great story. It is fascinating that you stopped drinking your beer when it became warm and unpalatable instead of downing it quickly and reaching for another ‘coldie’. Robert (hubby) and I (by no means ever heavy drinkers) noticed as soon as we started yoga that we didn’t want to drink anywhere near as much. Before we would open a bottle of wine and finish it and even open a second. Now we have a little glass and the remainder of the bottle can last for weeks!

Does the yoga cure alcoholism? Hmmmm. The results prove something. But what? Is it that you are more satisfied with your own status quo? Is it that you have more mastery over your own mind (at an unconscious level!). Are you seeking less from the outside world to fill your needs and relying on yourself more? Are you happier within your own skin, more confident, less riled by external stimuli? Would be interested in others’ theories and experiences.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

Hello. I too like to have a few cocktails. My experience has been that after each class I do not want to drink cocktails and I also do not want to eat poorly. Something happens in class and I am so proud of myself after a class I do not want to wreck it. I do know on the days I dont’ go to class I feel more inclined to make the wrong choice. It could be you are so proud inside that is all you need!

Hi everyone,

I am a beer a day kind of guy, usually one or two after work.
Since I started doing Bikram I have cut that down a bit, but now I really enjoy one ice cold beer when I get home from Bikram Yoga.

My urge certainly has not left, but all the benefits of Bikram are sure to be outweighing my beer a day routine… right?

Namaste
Steve

Yeah right, Robert

Since when are you a smoker? 😆

Actually come to think of it, we used to enjoy an occasional whiskey in years gone by. I don’t think we’ve touched a bottle in years (despite the ‘good’ stuff in the cupboard).

When I started going to Bikram seriously, I noticed that I no longer had the same desire for alcohol or soda. I notice that when I have down times when I don’t go as frequently I tend to go ahead and have a soda or drink a little more wine.

I think that the desire went away for many reasons, but have you ever gone to a Saturday morning class with a hangover? OUCH!

RandomFemale – I LOVE your pic!

First of all, Random Female, I’m at work and busted out lauging when I saw your photo. I love it too.

As I’ve posted in other messages, I’m an older guy. I grew up in a home affected very strongly by alcohol, my father was the most unpleasant kind of alcoholic. Anyway, over 20 years ago I stopped drinking entirely. When my children were really little I decided that I didn’t want to take a chance of creating the same atmosphere at home that I had. And, I admit to myself mostly, that I am definately an alcoholic and feel very fortunate that I was able to make a conscious decision to not drink, I realized that it was an “either/or” situation.

As to Bikram, I find I crave a fruit smoothie from a Robeks after class more than anything. I used to drink a lot of diet sodas but when I do Bikram, diet sodas are the last think I want after class. Now, I do enjoy the taste of beer, so I often drink 1 can or bottle of O’douls with dinner. On the other hand, I often don’t even finish it, and then after dinner drink some cold fruit juice. I do think that Bikram changes what your body desires and subconsciously it translates into what you do.

I’m a recovering alcoholic (16 months sober!!) and recently began Bikram yoga (2 months!!). I’ve been very active in my local AA. However, after I reached my one year sobriety birthday, I knew there was still something missing. So, having dabbled in yoga some years back, Bikram seemed to be the best yoga for what I was wanting to achieve.

First, Bikram has worked wonders with the “obsession” for a drink. It’s finally helped me over the hump, and now rarely think about a drink (however, the cold beer, a Corona please, after class sounds awesome, LOL!).

Second, one thing most alcoholics have in common, is low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence. My sponsor has regularly told me that I need to look at myself in the mirror and give myself positive affirmations….this was nearly impossible for me. During my first few weeks of practice, I could not look at myself in the mirror. Not that I was looking at others, I just couldn’t look at myself. Now, I can not only look at myself in the mirror…I can focus on myself!

So, Bikram didn’t get me sober, but it’s become an integral part of my recovery!!!