Alcohol Consumption

Hi Mr. Swenson,

I was wondering what your thoughts on alcohol were. I'm pretty sure you don't drink, but to your knowledge, are there any advanced ashtanga practitioners that don't give up meat and alcohol? It's just that whenever I immerse myself into an ashtanga practice, I feel guilty about having a drink, as if it's something that my training doesn't allow. I suppose I'm just looking for an example of an advanced practitioner who does indulge on occasion; someone who I can model my practice around. I'll totally understand if you don't get a chance to respond to this e-mail. Thanks so much for your time, and again, you're an amazing teacher.

A

A,

Thank you so much for the message. I understand your feelings in regards to alcohol. I am sure that many practitioners do drink alcohol on occasion. I personally do not drink and actually never have but I do not have any judgment about it one way or another. My advice to you is to use the yoga as a tool to benefit your life and don't worry what others do or think about what you do. Your journey is a personal one. There are people that practice yoga and drink alcohol that are deep and spiritual people. There are people that are very strict and do not eat meat or drink alcohol that are also narrow-minded and mean. The fact that one drinks or not is not as much of a reflection of ones depth as a yogi as is the quality of our interactions with others in matters of compassion, kindness and love. Those are the characteristics to develop. If one enjoys drinking in moderation and does not have any ill tolerance for alcohol such as alcoholism or addiction then there is no worries. Enjoy your life. Live and Love from your Heart and the world will be a better place.

Thank you again,

David