Why ‘Sober October’ - The Ayurvedic Perspective

Well, let's start with where we left off in the previous blogpost when we talked about Ahimsa or maximum non- harming. I’m tempted to go into a long rant here pouring over all of the good knowledge of the Yamas and Niyamas which are the additional yogic guidelines and actions for a healthy lifestyle but, quite frankly, we don't need to, because the essence of Ahimsa itself encompasses the Yamas & Niyamas. Instead, we’re going to familiarize ourselves with the Ayurvedic concepts of the gunas and the doshas. Simply put, the gunas are the three main attributes of energy: Sattva, which is pure and good; Tamas, which is depressing; and Rajas, which is active and can be good or bad. These attributes are constant in existence, unescapable, and it is up to us, the users of our bodies, to try to be mindful of how we contact, create and manage them. Yogic management is always based on balance. 

Alcohol, according to Ayurveda, is Tamastic, related to the guna Tamas, and in the West we classify it as a depressant as well. So when we consume alcohol we are inviting Tamas, or the energy of lethargy and inactivity, and we create imbalance. 

Now, the doshas, in Yoga and Ayurveda, are the three main elements found in the body (and the world). These elements and their properties are: Vata-cool, dry, porous, mobile/unstable, and flakey; Pitta -hot, spicy, oily, active and; Kapha- dense, static and stable/immobile (I could make all these lists of properties longer but I just hope you're getting a good idea of the basics.) Each individual is made up of a combination of the three doshas with one being the predominant one. (There are lots of free tests out there if you are curious: http://ayurvedadosha.org/doshas/ayurveda-dosha-test#/axzz6ZeKYkhDM.) 

The doshas also have their time to play in regards to the time of year and the seasons that we pass through. The dosha of the Fall is Vata, meaning that this time of year is already naturally prone to be unstable, flakey, dry etc., understanding balance and counterbalance, it’s appropriate to avoid tamas.

​The gunas and the doshas are the universal energies and the worldly attributes at play together, guiding us and giving us the opportunity to choose and manage how we balance our lives. It’s easy to see that our bodies thrive when we manage our lifestyles, this is why ‘Sober October,’ or abstaining from any form of intoxication during the autumn season, because of it's prominence of Vata dosha, is especially effective.

Simple template.
1. Consuming anything which distorts perception is the opposite of purity, leading to less Sattva. 
2. Adding anything depressing to the systems will have the effects of Tamas on your systems. 
3. Any sort of consumption which alters activity leads to lack of personal control of Rajas.

I actually still have a lot of respect for the practice of altering perception through substances and plant medicines. However, distortion in combination of depression and lack of self- control is a dangerous combo, and with it being the season of the dosha of change, it’s a really good time and opportunity to decrease disillusioning variabilities and to enter into some good sattvic self- reflection. Yoga gives you techniques for altering perception, engaging in movement and decreasing depression, basically getting high on your own supply! 

Finally... 

I’d like to wrap up with accountability, which seems especially important now. Having an  alcohol- free month won’t be hard for me, so I’m upping the stakes and I’m committing to having a sugar free month.* In order to ensure that this happens I will also have a cannabis free month. One way to create accountability can be to pledge a goal and maybe invite a friend with you for the challenge. Another would be to journal, and if you do that, you won't just see that the universe is here to support you, you’ll also have a record of it, one that can further support you in the future the way that Yoga, the techniques and guides of balancing, can support you NOW! 

NAMASTE!


*NO added sugars; ketchup; bbq sauce; honey; sirup. Fruits are exempt from the rule and the occasional bar on long hikes will be permitted. 
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