by RB

It was only 3 years ago, on a Sunday afternoon, that I would be at the pub; listening to live music, drinking a beer or glass of wine after having smoked a joint before leaving the car. I would feel anxious about being there, worrying if I looked good, nervous if guys talked to me, and really quite uncomfortable… but, to avoid feeling all of that, I would just get stoned and have another drink. I would eat junk food as it was easy and cheap. I wasn’t really enjoying myself, but it’s what everyone else was doing, so I thought that I should be doing it too. I did not know any other way.

Last Sunday was so very different, so relaxing, and I enjoyed every moment. I spent my Sunday arvo doing a session swap with a fellow esoteric student. We shared ideas on how to be more responsible with our savings, we discussed healthy recipes, and I shared what I had learnt at a recent workshop with Chris James. We were both connected with each other, listening and expressing, taking the time to fully listen to what each one of us was saying. We both laughed and had a great time.

Thanks to the courses that Universal Medicine has presented, I have learnt so much. What is so great is that instead of just learning, reading and gaining knowledge, I have been able to connect to me again, and make this connection my way of life. The connection to me has been created by my taking the time to tune into my body and feel it – rather than ignoring my body and its loud signals, and living life based on what ‘everyone else is doing’. I no longer need to do certain things at the expense of my body, just to fit in to what society considers normal, even if it is quite harmful.

Now I do know another way, and I wouldn’t want my life to be any different. Being present, aware, drug and alcohol free is what makes me feel so great today.