Presence means being aware of what's occurring in your mind and life at the present time (being "conscious"). Being fully present and aware, allows you to make good decisions, and be in control.

Alcohol, especially in the context of overuse, or being drunk, creates unconsciousness. Good decisions and coherence aren't possible in that state.

Ultimately, the goal of everyone here, is to follow TSM, in order to gain control, and avoid drunkenness.

The more time you spend in a state of consciousness, and in control, the more desirable and preferable that state becomes. It has nothing to do with happiness, emotions etc., but rather being able to be fully present.

Less drinking= more consciousness and control. Why not be mindful, and prevent the unconsciousness that comes with being drunk.

That would mean limiting drinks, not drinking to the point of incoherence, and taking breaks from drinking. That would mean, days with no drinking, and days with minimal drinking.

Over time, regaining control of yourself becomes the norm, while drinking to excess loses its appeal. It simply feels better to be in control, then to be drunk and unconscious.

This has nothing to do with " Forcing" AF days, or feeling deprived because you can't drink more than a few drinks in an evening. Rather, that is the default state to live life in a conscious way.

TSM works well, no matter how much or little your drink. There is a very definite change in thinking as you were emerge from the unconscious state alcohol creates. It only makes sense that the more time you are conscious, the more your behavior will default you to that state.

That has been the case with all the successful people I have seen on this forum, and for myself.

Perhaps the frustration seen around here, is never getting yourself away from alcohol enough to become more conscious.

I have often said that I feel any and all AF time is good because it gets you used to not having alcohol in your system, and having to deal with life in a sober way.

It's not easy, but TSM takes away the physical stuff, and gives a chance to start learning to live life. I am still learning, and often feel like no-one told me how to do even the simplest of things - usually relationship stuff with friends and family. In the past I just got blotto if I wanted to say something.

Well said, both of you!

The more time you spend in a state of consciousness, and in control, the more desirable and preferable that state becomes.

I'd second that. It's so much better once you achieve mental sharpness and tranquility without alcohol. It's also great to be able to respond instantly to any emergency, unexpected task, surprise visit, or any other challenge, while mentally sharp and tranquil.

well said

I must confess, I was rather unconvinced about this to start with - if we could do this, we wouldn't be alcoholics in the first place, surely? however, I've now come around to this way of thinking - a little effort pays back many times over

this quote came to mind whilst I was pondering this topic, which I think is apt:

"Anything can be achieved in small, deliberate steps.
But there are times you need the courage to take a great leap;
you can't cross a chasm in two small jumps."

I'm not sure I understand the quotation. Is the first sentence to be taken to mean that only boring/small things can be achieved thusly? It says "anything," but the second sentence contradicts the literal meaning of the first.

It's hard to argue with the idea that we can't cross a chasm with several small leaps, though.

You know, I try to not make my newfound sobriety sound like a big deal or something philosophical. Otherwise, drinkers will think you sound pompous and grandiose.

My 2 cents.

I'm guessing you're referring to my original post here.

First of all, I don't consider myself sober or experiencing sobriety, but rather I'm not enslaved by a useless drinking habit anymore.

Because I'm not drinking mindlessly, I can think clearly, and finally understand that drinking does nothing positive.

The post was in the spirit of helping people still struggling with the concept of getting away from drinking all the time, and viewing not drinking as a loss of some sort.

trumpeting sobriety is not something I am particularly interested in hearing either. Sharing success with TSM with other people in the TSM world, however is worth sharing. Isn't that why people following the TSM method are here?