Day 6: Fell to the Dragon

Ok, confession time.  I almost made it.  I made the mistake of hitting Starbucks on the way to work Thursday morning.  They were brewing my favorite bold, Komodo Dragon.  Oh my God.  I had to have it, or so I thought.  I only had a tall! But that was enough to set me back, berate myself all day, and feel lousy in the afternoon.

One very good thing–I really felt how the caffeine impacts me.  Not having had any in almost 6 days, I really noticed it, and I didn’t like the feeling at all.  So maybe that’s what I needed to complete the “cure,” so to speak.  I think so.  Don’t worry, I won’t make everyone live through another 10 days. 

Day 7: Back to the Mat

So, today, trying again.  Mentally, today was a good day to push through this (hopefully permanent) experiment.  Friday’s are generally a day when at least the pace slows down a bit at work.  So lunging at a cup of coffee isn’t top of mind, so to speak.  I am back at it.  Turning inward for more resolve, praying, and most importantly, keeping myself in the present–in the moment–is really what is helping.  Not thinking about why I need a cup of coffee, why I need it to get through work, that is really helping, too.  

So now I am using my meditation to power this more directly and it seems to be really helping.  Still, I am a little weak…:-)

Days 8, 9 and 10 should be the final test.  Wish me luck!

Peace. 

Post from: EveryJoe

Day 6: Fell to the Dragon; Day 7: Back to the Mat

Day Two: When Does the Fun Begin?

Ok, here’s the truth: not loving the caffeine-free experience so far.  First of all, every Sunday morning for YEARS, I have gotten up, made coffee and read through two to three newspapers.

This morning, I began with my meditation time.  I have to say, until this really fun phase of caffeine withdrawal passes, it may be even more difficult to concentrate on my meditation. Today it seems as though it is more challenging.  But in the long run I am sure it will pay off.     

I could barely get through my Sunday morning reading, however.  Didn’t help that in the lovely and fleeting warmth of the summer months I could smell my neighbor’s coffee brewing.  Heavenly aroma, yet forbidden.  I stayed away from my local ‘Bucks this morning, just didn’t know if I could resist the temptation.  

Skipped the herbal tea, no decaf (sorry, just can’t make myself do it). I decided to take a healthier route and squeezed some fresh orange juice.  Yummy, and also a nice change.  Gave me a little energy boost, actually.

Now, since I am going through all of this to improve my yoga practice, I thought I would ground myself a little, and focus on my breathing this morning.  At least this way, I thought I might be able to relax my jangled nerves.

I began by centering my breathing on my belly.  Breathing in and out slowly, I used my abdominal muscles as much as possible to “push” my breathing.

I also did my very best–which is hard when you are a little stressed–to keep my upper body calm. I consciously relaxed my jaw, neck and shoulders as I breathed in and out slowly.  This seemed to help a lot. It felt really good anyway.

I also took a little longer to exhale–which I always find really does soothe me, new caffeine-free lifestyle notwithstanding.  I took my time, and paused a bit after each exhale before beginning again.

So, Day Two is almost over. I locked my coffee brewer away in storage, and got rid of what was left of my sugar supply.  Went to the grocery, picked up some fresh fruit to help with the cravings.  So far, so good, I guess.

Tomorrow it is back to work, where I will face the toughest test of all. No morning coffee with my colleagues.  I’m hoping I won’t experience the headaches I’ve heard about from others who have tried to quit caffeine.   

Talk about having a “Monday.”  I’ll just have to rely on my morning prayers and practice to get me through. 

Now this is what I call spiritual multi-tasking.

Day Three, here I come.  Oh boy.

Until next time, tip a cup of java for me tomorrow, will you? 

Peace.

No headaches to speak of this morning, but they are coming on now that it is late in the day here in the eastern United States.   

Post from: EveryJoe

Day Two: Decaffeinated and a little less bouyant