That’s right, I’m giving up coffee as of today and it’s okay.
To better understand the Wellbeing Program at Live Well Studio, earlier this year I read Women, God, and Food as well as Food Rules. The former spoke loudly to me about listening to what my body needs for nourishment not what I’m in the habit, convenience, or tradition of eating. This sounds like an easy concept yet it’s not been easy for me. Yet ~8 months later, I’m starting to understand and hear my body’s requests.
(BTW – Food Rules, in my opinion simply states the obvious things we chose to ignore. “Don’t eat foods that turn your milk a different color.” Seems obvious.)
In the past few months I’ve also experienced various aspects of the Ayurveda tradition. It also speaks to listening to our bodies subtle, (and sometimes not so subtle), cues about what will nourish it, help it heal, and sustain a state a wellbeing.
So, I’ve been listening to my body’s wisdom and it’s brought me to the declaration, I don’t drink coffee. Why? To bring greater ease to my mind and body. When I drink coffee, even if it’s ½ caf, I get a jittery feeling in my body and in my mind. I behave a bit more frenetic and my thinking bounces around in not-so-productive ways.
Will this be easy? Yes, because I’m choosing to embrace the ease and comfort it’s absence brings to my life. Plus, I now have the whole world of tea to explore!
Footnote: For me coffee has played many roles: I like the taste, it’s fun being associated with it’s status as a hip habit, I adore the morning ritual of hot coffee, I hold dear memories of family gatherings sipping coffee as one by one siblings and parents wake and join in the conversation, and pragmatically it’s a cheaper way to hold a business meeting than lunch. I acknowledge and honor these roles and know life without coffee will still be sweet and gratefully, more peaceful.
