Tata Yerba Mate'.

[SplinterInJaguarsPaw]

So SWIM has been swimming around endless laps of craving and aversion- caught in the cradle of greed. I am ready to give, ready to serve, and I ask all other swimmers to take my offering of mate as the latest link that makes up the ball and chain game. It lights the fire, but this medium takes more fuel than it allows me to utilize. Who here has quit caffeine/mate altogether? What changes have you seen in your life because of it? Who here notices substances binding one to a dense lustful playground? Sugar, caffeine, marijuana, alcochol, nicotine, and all un-nourishing stimulants are in a conspiracy together. Plotting for your forevermore blindness in hopes to quench their lack with your divine energy. Walking the tightrope with this "helping" hand seems to be pulling me off more than it allows me stay and walk in balance. First post, ranting, and I wish you Love.

 

[tigerstrike92]

It's hard to see where you're coming from for me. I have an almost anti-addictive personality. I enjoy very strong black coffee, organic cigarettes, the occasional drink, but I don't feel as though I NEED any of them. I even average a couple cups of yerba mate a day. However, I have always been able to stop when I want with no ill effects, sometimes for weeks at a time.

The plants can be powerful allies and friends, but they are NOT teachers.... imo. Friends, unfortunately, can turn on you. These friends can definitely suck you into spending all your time with them, introducing them to other friends (non-plants), and taking over your health/well being.

My suggestions: Cold-turkey quit all substances in questions for an entire month. See how you feel, if you feel more fulfilled and healthier, then keep it that way. If you feel like you might need a little help, drink a couple cups of strong mate in a row. Then you can more appreciate the effects. If you use them everyday, the effects will diminish, and you will never have the same experience as the first time after abstaining, which has helped to keep me from over-using each substance.

Hope this helps!

 

[Ljosalfar]

Sugar, caffeine, marijuana, alcochol, nicotine, and all un-nourishing stimulants are in a conspiracy together...Walking the tightrope with this "helping" hand seems to be pulling me off more than it allows me stay and walk in balance.

Ah. Yes, the matter of balance. The substances mentioned can all be allies, no? And I believe it is craving that can feel like a conspiracy. Just by being desirous beings we sometimes conspire against our best selves. Welcome to the Nexus.
L