RE 128: The Spiritual Consequences of Alcohol Consumption

Paul breaks down and discusses the article: “The Spiritual Consequences of Alcohol Consumption” by Zahrah Sita Although it is mass produced, mass promoted, legal, and ingested by a multitude of people all over the world, most people don’t ever consider or understand the spiritual consequences of drinking alcohol. Let’s begin by taking a look at the etymology of the Word alcohol. Etymology means the root of the word… where it is derived from. The word “Alcohol” comes from the Arabic “al-kuhl” which means “BODY EATING SPIRIT”, and gives root origins to the English term for “ghoul”. In Middle Eastern folklore, a “ghoul” is an evil demon thought to eat human bodies, either as stolen corpses or as children. The words “alembic” and “alcohol”, both metaphors for aqua vitae or “life water” and “spirit”, often refer to a distilled liquid that came from magical explorations in Middle Eastern alchemy. Odette, with 7 days since her last drink, shares her story.   [5:45] Paul Introduces Odette. I have been sober one week, so still riding the “Pink Cloud”.  I am from Guadalajara, Mexico and currently reside in San Diego California.  I am 29 years old, I am married and have 2 kids, and I am a wellness and fitness coach.  For fun I love going to the beach, cooking, and going to concerts.     [8:00] Paul- Describe your drinking habits over the last 10 years, 5 years. Odette- I started only drinking on weekends.  Then over time it turned into drinking everyday, and heavy drinking on the weekends.  I noticed a natural progression of my drinking habits.   [16:02] Paul- When was it you that decided you needed to quit drinking? Odette- It had been on my mind for months.  I am a very optimistic person, and the past few months I was living from a place of fear.    [19:23] Paul- What’s it been like the past week? Odette- It’s been hard.  I have a 3 year old and an 8 month old.  Being grounded helps me kick the urge.  My number one assignment is to be a mother, a present mother.  I really just enjoyed being a mom.  Listening to podcasts every single day, exercise and self-care.  One day at a time.   [22:40] Paul- Have you ever had a rock bottom moment in regards to alcohol? Odette- The morning after the Super bowl.  I spoke with my dad about not drinking anymore.  Pay attention to your own compass.  People perceive you differently than you are.    [29:14] Paul- What advice can you give to someone struggling to recognize his or her own addiction struggles? Odette- I think the best advice I can give is I wish I would have known two concepts.  If you know your why, it will help you surrender quicker.  Write out your vision.        [33:18] Rapid Fire Round What was your worst memory from drinking? That event we talked about, the Super bowl where I didn’t spend a moment looking at the screen. Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment? I don’t think I had a clear moment; I was tired of listening to the little voice telling me it was time. What’s your plan moving forward?  Accountability for sure.  I love listening to personal development. What’s your favorite resource in recovery? Melody Beattie’s book: “The Language of Letting Go”.  I love the Recovery Elevator podcast, and Café RE. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)? You can’t do it alone. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking?  Own your truth, own your story.  Do an inventory on yourself.  It will help you to surrender.  You might be an alcoholic if you start creating rules for yourself around drinking.  Also if you have any parents that have struggled with addiction.   Resources mentioned in this episode: http-//educateinspirecha#4A112C https://www.eckharttolle.com/books/newearth/ https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=the%20harmony%20tribe http://melodybeattie.com/books/language-letting-go-hazelden-meditation-series/ Recovery Elevator Retreat Connect with Cafe RE- Use the promo code Elevator for your first month free Sobriety Tracker iTunes Sobriety Tracker Android Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com     “We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”