More than Twist in my Sobriety

Genie in a Bottle

For years, the clinking of glasses was a soundtrack to my life, a symphony of celebrations and connections. But what happens when the clinking ceases and the sips turn into sober moments? I never consumed hard liquor, yet wine was like a social passport, my companion in celebrations and heart-to-heart conversations. I loved the wine culture, learning about it, visiting wine tastings, and enjoying it with loved ones.

For years, I danced between two worlds—the holistic realm of yoga, meditation, and wellness, and the dazzling cityscape of international travels, social gatherings, and late-night revelry. These worlds may seem disparate, but they were, in fact, a reflection of the beautiful dichotomy that defined me. The yoga mat to ground me, the wine glass to lift me up.

It is now 5+ months that I have not had any alcohol and I have been reflecting on what led me to it and how this experience has been.

Sipping Life in the Land of Dionysus

The story starts around my 18th year of age. I once found myself savoring the sweet notes of wine amidst the vibrant nightlife of my hometown—a city that pulsated with energy, its heart intertwined with the very essence of partying. Growing up and studying in Athens, I was immersed in a culture where the spirit of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry, enveloped us, uniting the city's wandering souls through the night's euphoria. This was the norm.

From Aegean Breezes to City Hustle

From the Aegean's embrace, my professional work with digital arts led me to the city of angels—Los Angeles—a place where dreams take flight like the summer winds off the Mediterranean. The glittering allure of LA nights was undeniable, and the wine glass remained a constant companion.

New York State of Wine

Then came New York City—a metropolis that never slept, a realm where I danced in the shadows of towering skyscrapers and revealed in the city's intoxicating embrace. New York beckoned with its bright lights, and I answered with late-night escapades, fueled by the clinking of glasses, the rhythm of heels on concrete, and the enchantment of its endless possibilities.

But amidst the intoxicating swirl of city life, a curious realization began to dawn—a realization that transcended the allure of the urban playground. As I navigated the bustling streets and the glitzy parties, I found myself yearning for the things I had left behind—the tranquility of nature, the tenderness of the Aegean Sea, and the slow-paced embrace of a simpler life.

Region Beta Paradox

I realized that my glass had been a vessel, not only for libations but for escapism. It helped me overlook decisions and situations I have put myself into by making them more tolerable. It was like I was in a continuous Region Beta Paradox.

Imagine navigating the city: when the destination is close, we will leisurely walk to the place. But when it is further away we will use transport and get to the destination in less time than if we actually walked to a destination even closer. This paradox teaches us that if things aren’t bad enough we will not take strong measures to improve them rather than tolerate the situation for a longer time. With these superficial choices, I was in a constant state of tolerance.

From Merlot to Me

It was a crisp, clear evening in the heart of Manhattan 5 months ago, when I found myself on the precipice of transformation, a journey of shedding old skin to reveal the true essence of self.

I never said I was not going to drink again. It never was about cutting the wine itself but rather than beginning to make conscious choices. I wanted to test how far I could go without it with no expectations.

With my wine glass now an artifact of the past, I flew back to Greece. As I turned my focus inward, I discovered a newfound intellectual curiosity—an awakening of the soul. Like a voracious reader diving into the pages of a gripping novel, I delved into the depths of self-exploration.

Nights on the islands were calm and beautiful and would end whenever I needed them to end. Mornings now began with a morning sea swim, book reading, and working out, a portal to the inner realms of consciousness. And I waited for my friends to slowly wake up from their hangover haze.

It wasn't just alcohol I bid farewell to; it was the notion that I had to please everyone but myself. The glittering cocktail parties, the dizzying social whirlwind—they all melted away to reveal a simple truth: When you are not in the wine haze you have to make conscious decisions about how to nourish your life and soul.

Letting Go

"In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself." Deepak Chopra's words echoed in my mind as I was leaving behind habits and people that did not serve my journey anymore. Letting go isn't about loss; it's about reclamation. I realized that letting go is about shedding the layers of conformity and rediscovering the essence of who you are—your true self, the self that doesn't need external validation.

“I don’t have an alcohol problem. I could never go sober because I cannot imagine deriving myself from that pleasure” I hear my friends say clueless of their oxymoron.

In this life, I am all about experimentation. I find it extremely satisfying to identify ego attachments, to try to let them go, and to see what arises from each experience. Freedom and liberation only come when one detaches from the ego’s limitations and egoic attachments.

Would you try it?