I loved this essay. Until very recently, I had a glass of wine every night (alright, sometimes 2!) as I made dinner. It was a ritual I cherished and yes, The Experts have forgotten to take into consideration the joy and the stress-lowering effect that a SMALL amount of alcohol can have.
Here in Canada especially they are keen to put the warning labels on alcohol asap but I don't see anyone rushing to do the same with highly sugar charged pop which we also know (for sure) is the fast track to Type II diabetes, particularly if consumed daily.
Anyway, the study still rattled me since both of my parents died young (not alcohol related) but when I look at the bald facts, 30+ glasses of wine a month is probably not the best for me. But honestly? When friends ask, I have to report I have experienced NONE of the alleged benefits of being "sober": better skin, sleeping well, no lethargy. I just feel a bit sad! (And I have not taken the pledge completely! Last night I did have a glass of wine - since it's my birthday "week" - and I hadn't had any since New Year's Eve).
And, it was ... glorious. "Moderation in all things." This is a thoughtful and well done piece, David - cheers!!
Well, yes, I too remember sharing such nights with friends, often around a fireplace inside while winter dumped tons of the white stuff on us, so much so that they had to stay overnight. You’re right bout the inner warmth and good feelings such nights generated. Sadly, for me, on an entirely physical level, I came to hate the mornings after with my head over a toilet ridding myself of the overindulgence and the day long headache that followed. Just being honest: I don’t miss that part at all 😂 Hope that down-to-earth honesty doesn’t offend anyone. That’s just me.
Oh, that's just it. It's not about the over-consumption. No one wants that feeling. But the first sound of that "pop" of the cork on a summer night with friends is just marvelous. It's what that sound and that cultural moment signify. Certainly not about "drinking yourself silly." :)
There is definitely joy in sharing wine with my bestie. Unfortunately, I'm (newly) one of those who would do best to steer clear of wine for the most part (the ole ticker). I allowed myself some good wine on Saturday and it was oh so good. But it's a struggle to abstain completely, if I'm being honest.
I get it. My wife is there, too. And to be honest, yes, we all have that moderation point that it's important. But the virtual of sharing wine is so very human, so very wonderful. There's a great poem by Li Po that begins with this stanza...and I don't think he's in anyway suggesting over-indulgence...but he is advocating for the cultural beauty of it all...alone or together.
Beneath the blossoms with a pot of wine,
No friends at hand, so I poured alone;
I raised my cup to invite the moon,
Turned to my shadow, and we became three.
Now the moon had never learned about drinking,
And my shadow had merely followed my form,
But I quickly made friends with the moon and my shadow;
To find pleasure in life, make the most of the spring.
More and more of us are struggling with the same issue. It's clear now that alcohol has no medical benefit (beyond the emotional pleasure and stress reduction those who use it responsibly can get). Alcohol is toxic to many organs in the body, there is no "safe" dose, from a medical perspective, and it's becoming clearer that alcohol can be classified as a carcinogen. In many ways alcohol/wine use seems to be a bad habit that, obviously, many of us have learned. As we all know, bad habits can feel good despite consequences, and can be very difficult to break. Can we consider David's post a rationalization of a bad habit? A rationalization hundreds of millions of us are making? There are millions who don't drink and millions who are considering stopping (or cutting down). It seems a bit sad if we can't get the same emotional benefit of alcohol/wine, especially the social benefits, without drinking. Yes, a struggle.
I can't speak for Dave B, but personally, I do feel I'm rationalizing when I imbibe. TV series that show wine in each episode normalizes daily use... something I've never ever found to be ok. Thx
Many years ago, my doctor actually wrote me a prescription for a glass of wine every evening for the heart! Well, one glass became two over the years (nothing like having an excuse), but I recently had to change my diet for my gut. That meant cutting wine, coffee and tomatoes, among other things.
Interestingly, that same doctor died from COVID complications. I liked him, but switched doctors before then. My husband continued to see him. He had some odd ideas, like offering to write a script for hydroxychloroquine for my husband in case he got COVID. My husband declined.
I will raise an occasional toast of wine with friends. I love a good port or malbec. I can smell it now...
Yes; moderation is key. Everything we do has its risks and benefits.
I loved this essay. Until very recently, I had a glass of wine every night (alright, sometimes 2!) as I made dinner. It was a ritual I cherished and yes, The Experts have forgotten to take into consideration the joy and the stress-lowering effect that a SMALL amount of alcohol can have.
Here in Canada especially they are keen to put the warning labels on alcohol asap but I don't see anyone rushing to do the same with highly sugar charged pop which we also know (for sure) is the fast track to Type II diabetes, particularly if consumed daily.
Anyway, the study still rattled me since both of my parents died young (not alcohol related) but when I look at the bald facts, 30+ glasses of wine a month is probably not the best for me. But honestly? When friends ask, I have to report I have experienced NONE of the alleged benefits of being "sober": better skin, sleeping well, no lethargy. I just feel a bit sad! (And I have not taken the pledge completely! Last night I did have a glass of wine - since it's my birthday "week" - and I hadn't had any since New Year's Eve).
And, it was ... glorious. "Moderation in all things." This is a thoughtful and well done piece, David - cheers!!
Well, yes, I too remember sharing such nights with friends, often around a fireplace inside while winter dumped tons of the white stuff on us, so much so that they had to stay overnight. You’re right bout the inner warmth and good feelings such nights generated. Sadly, for me, on an entirely physical level, I came to hate the mornings after with my head over a toilet ridding myself of the overindulgence and the day long headache that followed. Just being honest: I don’t miss that part at all 😂 Hope that down-to-earth honesty doesn’t offend anyone. That’s just me.
Oh, that's just it. It's not about the over-consumption. No one wants that feeling. But the first sound of that "pop" of the cork on a summer night with friends is just marvelous. It's what that sound and that cultural moment signify. Certainly not about "drinking yourself silly." :)
Exactly!
There is definitely joy in sharing wine with my bestie. Unfortunately, I'm (newly) one of those who would do best to steer clear of wine for the most part (the ole ticker). I allowed myself some good wine on Saturday and it was oh so good. But it's a struggle to abstain completely, if I'm being honest.
I get it. My wife is there, too. And to be honest, yes, we all have that moderation point that it's important. But the virtual of sharing wine is so very human, so very wonderful. There's a great poem by Li Po that begins with this stanza...and I don't think he's in anyway suggesting over-indulgence...but he is advocating for the cultural beauty of it all...alone or together.
Beneath the blossoms with a pot of wine,
No friends at hand, so I poured alone;
I raised my cup to invite the moon,
Turned to my shadow, and we became three.
Now the moon had never learned about drinking,
And my shadow had merely followed my form,
But I quickly made friends with the moon and my shadow;
To find pleasure in life, make the most of the spring.
More and more of us are struggling with the same issue. It's clear now that alcohol has no medical benefit (beyond the emotional pleasure and stress reduction those who use it responsibly can get). Alcohol is toxic to many organs in the body, there is no "safe" dose, from a medical perspective, and it's becoming clearer that alcohol can be classified as a carcinogen. In many ways alcohol/wine use seems to be a bad habit that, obviously, many of us have learned. As we all know, bad habits can feel good despite consequences, and can be very difficult to break. Can we consider David's post a rationalization of a bad habit? A rationalization hundreds of millions of us are making? There are millions who don't drink and millions who are considering stopping (or cutting down). It seems a bit sad if we can't get the same emotional benefit of alcohol/wine, especially the social benefits, without drinking. Yes, a struggle.
I can't speak for Dave B, but personally, I do feel I'm rationalizing when I imbibe. TV series that show wine in each episode normalizes daily use... something I've never ever found to be ok. Thx
Many years ago, my doctor actually wrote me a prescription for a glass of wine every evening for the heart! Well, one glass became two over the years (nothing like having an excuse), but I recently had to change my diet for my gut. That meant cutting wine, coffee and tomatoes, among other things.
Interestingly, that same doctor died from COVID complications. I liked him, but switched doctors before then. My husband continued to see him. He had some odd ideas, like offering to write a script for hydroxychloroquine for my husband in case he got COVID. My husband declined.
I will raise an occasional toast of wine with friends. I love a good port or malbec. I can smell it now...