potato,

your recent posts remind me of some interesting reading I've been doing regarding brain elasticity. Science is showing that our brains have the capacity to 'stretch' and learn much more, even when we're adults, than was previously believed. However, amazing scientific methods that can now measure activity at a cellular level demonstrate that when we quit certain activities - fail to practice certain habits - that area of the brain 'adopts' whatever activity has taken their place, and reinforces it. We really must 'use it, or lose it.' So, for example, if we were previously engaged in a positive activity such as exercise. . .or playing chess. . .or analyzing legal precedents (whatever), and our drinking caused us to gradually discontinue these activities, and take up less healthy ones (such as sitting around watching TV or doing inane computer games), then the brain 'muscles' for the healthy activities become lax, and those less productive habits take over the brain cells and become strengthened.

This might help explain why you, potato, feel at such loose ends sometimes. You've quit drinking. . .but other areas of the brain have become accustomed/addicted to alcoholic-type activities - or lack thereof. It becomes imperative, then, to consciously work at developing good habits to replace our destructive alcoholic ones. This is what you're no doubt referring to when you say that changing is WORK. We really do need, once we quit/moderate drinking, to WORK at becoming active at more healthy, productive pastimes.

There's a book I have here, called the I Ching Handbook, that systematically and logically leads the reader toward healthy ways of thinking and living. It's quite an amazing book, and Jake and I each have a copy. I started the exercises a year and a half ago, and was amazed at how the few that I completed changed my habits and ways of thinking. Then I suffered a physical injury, and laid off the exercises. . .and lost my edge. We're planning to start going thru the book/exercises again once we feel that alcohol has loosened its grip sufficiently that we can really apply ourselves to them. I HIGHLY recommend this amazing book to anyone. . .it's truly NOT a religious book, but is written by someone who has a real grasp on how to effectively 'life coach' other people into more productive habits of thinking and living. I think it will be a very useful tool.

Also, in my case, I'm taking my next level Reiki course in a couple of months. The healing energy that I'm in touch with in that practice can only help with this process, and it will give me another healthy pastime/outlet.

What are others here planning to do to replace their less-than-ideal ways of thinking, and passing time?

G4M, I too have a degree in Reikki and find it very helpful, but due to the alcohol have sort of put that on the back burner when I need it most along with meditation. I need to get moving in that direction again. I am scheduled for reflexology today but may just change my preference to reikki which I sorely need. I think I may have that I Ching book will have to look. Accupuncture is also something that is helpful with this process.

Interesting. I discovered that spiritual pursuits were not easy when I was actively over-drinking. Now that things are settling out somewhat, I'm eager to get back to my spiritual roots!

I don't know how you quote a portion of someone else's post. Somebody tell me . Duh! Oh Wait! lol[quote][/quote] I cannot thank you enough for this. It is the sort of thing I totally need. Man you guys/ gals are awesome! I live in a vaccum I do not have many people around me but those I do have are healthy and great. I don't see them much though. I gave up a bunch of unhealthy people years ago because they were so lost in addiction they would have tried to rob me blind. I need the book you are talking about. Yeah!

Maybe it's that button on the right that says 'quote' but not sure because I'm new here. Talk to you later.