Personal Initiations

One of the definitions for an “initiation” is “the act of beginning something’ – or going from one “way of being” to another.

For me, my initiation was more about ending something.

About a month ago, I ran across a book called “The Alcohol Experiment” by Annie Grace. For the experiment, you refrain from drinking alcohol for 30 days while reading a chapter of her book each night before going to bed.

Easy Peasy.

I’ve toyed with the idea of not drinking in the past but must admit that I enjoyed it so much I didn’t think the rewards outweighed the “risks” – until, that is, I got insight from Annie Grace. Oddly enough, her book provided the information that took me to my “tipping point.”

I know that alcohol turns into sugar and that sugar “feeds” cancer. Almost everything has sugar in it, and I was able to rationalize my unhealthy behavior, thinking, “Well, hey, I don’t eat sweets, so I am probably getting a “normal amount” of sugar.”

But while reading The Alcohol Experiment, I learned that in 1988 alcohol was declared a carcinogen by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer). Alcohol contains 18 poisons, including ethanol, arsenic, and lead. In addition, it causes an in-body reaction that results in secreting a substance called acetaldehyde, which, even in small amounts, is deadly.

Even more disturbing is that, even though I was diagnosed with cancer three times, and all my doctors asked if I drank, not ONCE did any of them say, “Hey, you know, alcohol is a known carcinogen – I suggest you stop drinking.”

WTF???

For those who think a glass of red wine can’t kill you because of the benefits of the free radicals, antioxidants, tannins, etc. – WRONG.

The alcohol industry pays for these false studies to be printed, but if you do your digging, no amount of alcohol is “safe.”

Anyhoo – you don’t have to be a “fall down, pass out drunk” to know you may need to take a break from alcohol. And because alcohol is a socially accepted, addictive drug (unlike heroin or cigarettes, which are also addictive but not so accepted), knowing these facts may not be your “tipping point.” You may still find it difficult to stop drinking.

If that sounds like you, I suggest petitioning Durga.

Durga embodies the inner power of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other lesser gods. Durga means “evil disease destroyer” and can be invoked to support you when overcoming negative thoughts and weakness.

Her mantra said three times for seven consecutive days can provide the support you need!

Mantra

“Shanti, Karmani Swapna Darshane, GrahPidasssu Chograsu Maahaatmyam Srinu Yaanmam.”

Personally, I found Durga very helpful in my journey. If you are trying to move away from anything (or anyone) that is harmful to your being, Durga is your “go-to” Goddess!