Chapter 1: A Personal Reflection on Coffee

The absence of coffee feels akin to losing a cherished companion. My head aches, and I question whether alternatives like MUDWTR can provide solace.

Life is changing rapidly as I prepare for my yoga instructor training in Peru, which begins in just 19 days. I’ll be immersing myself in the Amazon jungle, focusing on enhancing my self-awareness and honing my skills to become a competent yoga instructor.

Many don’t realize that yoga transcends mere physical activity. The term originates from the Sanskrit word "yug," meaning to yoke or unite. Essentially, yoga is about connecting with our Divine consciousness or Supreme Self. While stepping onto the mat is a significant step, it’s just one facet of a much larger picture.

As I gear up for my yoga training, I’ve been examining my daily habits more critically, particularly my coffee consumption. Although not explicitly caffeine-free, many yoga teacher training programs promote a vegan or vegetarian diet.

I sensed that the training environment would be less about coffee fanaticism and more about balance. When I inquired whether coffee was available alongside tea, the host replied, “Coffee is only available upon request.” This made me realize it was time to reevaluate my relationship with coffee.

I don’t want to be the person who appears dependent on coffee during training. I aspire to fully embrace this opportunity, and if I emerge with a healthier perspective on coffee and a newfound appreciation for tea, I’ll consider it a success.

While I don’t view coffee as inherently bad, it has become a cornerstone of my daily routine. It brings me joy each morning and motivates me to treat others kindly. Without it, I find myself unapproachable—not even I want to be around me!

Compromise and Celebration of Small Wins

Thus, I began the process of reducing my morning coffee intake nearly a month ago, just as my departure approached. Instead of brewing a full French press, I opted for half, which I regard as one cup. Admittedly, a traditional French press yields 4-5 cups, but I adhere to a personal rule: coffee must be consumed from a mug of at least 12-16 oz.

This transition was manageable, though I missed the ritual of savoring warm, creamy coffee at the start of my day. Occasionally, I found myself brewing a full pot, but it was merely a habit. I could prepare my morning coffee with my eyes closed, and stopping mid-process felt foreign.

The challenge intensified when I resolved to delay my coffee consumption until later in the day. Lately, I’ve been resisting coffee until between noon and 3:30 PM, just as my nagging headache begins to surface.

Without coffee, I often find myself battling a bad mood or a sense of hopelessness. I’ve only managed to go a full day without coffee once, which plunged me into one of my more challenging mental states.

On that fateful day, I also started my period, compounding my discomfort. The combination of cramps, cravings, and anxiety was overwhelming, and by day’s end, all I could think of was indulging in wine and baking cookies. I’ve heard that red wine alleviates menstrual cramps, and it seems to work wonders for me.

However, I still lack an effective strategy for reducing my coffee consumption.

Seeking Alternatives

Initially, I believed it was the ritual of coffee-drinking that I craved. To remedy this, I began making a warm cup of Yogi Throat Comfort tea each morning, one of the few teas I enjoy. While sipping tea while reading and writing is pleasant, it lacks the invigorating kick that coffee provides. Instead, it leaves me feeling lethargic.

After my challenging day without coffee, I felt myself slipping back into unhealthy habits. I ultimately decided to brew a cup of coffee, and the results were alarming. I transformed back into my cheerful, optimistic self, brimming with hope and fresh perspectives.

Inspired by a recent article from Christopher Robin, I decided to try a coffee alternative. My mom had some MUDWTR, which she hadn’t replaced with coffee, so I asked for the remainder.

Coffee alternatives can be pricey, and I’m reluctant to spend money on something that may end up collecting dust in my cupboard. My previous experiences with natural deodorants have left me wary.

To be honest, my initial experiences with MUDWTR weren’t disappointing. However, this time feels different from those instances at a juice bar. Although it provides more satisfaction than my tea, it still doesn’t replace my coffee.

A Daily Battle

Now, as I write this, all I can think about is coffee. I even had to stop writing midway to reflect on my struggles. Today, I’m battling a persistent headache from going another full day without coffee. I was offered a cup during a meeting yesterday, and I nearly broke down.

I had consciously chosen a location without coffee to resist temptation, but my kind client had other plans. I politely declined, citing my preparation for the upcoming trip.

The real challenge arose later in the day while I worked on a significant project. Instead of giving in to my coffee cravings, I opted for kombucha, yet thoughts of coffee lingered.

Coffee, much like wine, has a way of weaving itself into our daily lives, often feeling essential for various occasions. When I reached for a cookie I had baked earlier, my first instinct was to brew coffee, only to remember that the cookie was delightful on its own.

A Journey of Growth

Having consumed coffee since high school, it has helped me through numerous challenges. It feels as though I’m mourning the loss of a dear friend.

Ultimately, even if I don’t completely eliminate coffee before my trip to Peru, I’m proud that I can now wait until the afternoon to indulge. I've significantly reduced my intake!

To energize myself, I’ve been committing to more frequent yoga sessions each morning, which also prepares me for my training. Perhaps I can request coffee when tea is offered before meditation and yoga practice.

Yet, I don’t want to be that person who needs coffee to function. I’m striving to wake up naturally, a difficult challenge, but it’s essential for my mental well-being.

For additional insights, I highly recommend reading Christopher Robin's related story; it’s definitely worth your time.

This video titled "Life and Grief Update Ramble: Mourning Coffee" explores the emotional journey of transitioning away from coffee. It provides a relatable perspective on the struggles of letting go and finding alternatives while maintaining self-care.