The Weekend Pour: The Spiritual Edition

Every Friday, bringing you a book, podcast, and article that I'm reading or listening to with a drink in hand.

Sep 20, 2024

Welcome to my new weekly feature, the Weekend Pour. Each week I’ll bring you the books, podcasts, and articles that I’m reading and listening to with a drink in hand. This involves some deep cuts for me and is not always about drinks. Case in point, this week leads with spirituality. Why? Spirituality is one of the most important protective factors for prevention and recovery from substance use disorder.

Like most Americans, I define spirituality pretty broadly. For me, it’s not about a specific religion but the practice of seeing ourselves connected to something greater. In that way, I find nothing incompatible about not having a specific (or any) belief in God and being spiritual. Whether you’re an animist or atheist, rest assured I have no intention of changing or challenging your beliefs.

But these “deep cuts” are the foundation of my own thought and, in that way, I thought it might be interesting to offer a peek into my weekly research. I’d love to receive suggestions and have you post your own books, podcasts, and articles below.

The Drink: Tomonotomo

First, let’s start with what I’m drinking: Tomonotomo Tobalá Non-Alcoholic Distilled Agave Spirit. I just added some agave syrup, orange bitters, and a grapefruit peel.

Delightful!

Agave beverages are deeply connected to the indigenous practice of spirituality in Mexico. I discussed as much in my NASM Mindful Drinking Course:

One way that alcohol is connected to culture is through people’s history and beliefs. Agave beverages are a great example as they are connected to the indigenous people of Mexico and their mythology. Although Mexico is best known around the world for its production of agave spirits such as Tequila and Mezcal, the agave plant that is used in each spirit was originally consumed as early as 2,000 B.C.E in pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica as a lightly fermented beverage known as pulque. There it was central to Mayan cosmology and a key reference regarding culture, tradition, and cuisine.

It's really a wonderful thing to consider what we eat and drink as a spiritual practice. Whether it's prasadam in the Hindu Vaishnava tradition or the Eucharist in Catholicism, many religions share this feature. However, we can also view this through the more modern, secular practice of mindfulness.

Mindful-ness drinking and eating can express gratitude and appreciation for the variety and abundance of our food and drinks while also acknowledging the labor and natural resources that make them possible. This practice deepens our connection to what sustains us and fosters a greater sense of respect for the effort and environment involved in bringing food and beverages to our tables.

Thank you to Oar Health for sponsoring this issue of *Positive Damage*!

The Article: More spirituality in health system could boost health, well-being (Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health News, June 12, 2024)

This is a short read if you want to peruse the article summary or a longer study if you want to dive into the systematic review.

Either way, I was struck by how the integration of spirituality into healthcare reflects many of the ideas we embrace in mindful drinking. This article highlights research showing that when healthcare systems acknowledge spiritual needs — whether through meditation, prayer, or even meaningful conversations — patients tend to have better outcomes. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, mental, and, yes, spiritual.

In my experience, addressing someone's relationship with alcohol extends beyond simply cutting down or abstaining — it involves nurturing a deeper sense of purpose and connection. Much like spirituality, mindful drinking encourages people to be intentional about their choices and to find meaning in their experiences. This article underscores that a more holistic approach — one that taps into people’s spiritual needs — could not only boost health but also help create a sense of wholeness in everyday life. Whether through mindful drinking or broader wellness practices, it’s about fostering that inner connection that ultimately contributes to better well-being.

The Podcast: A Hunger for Wholeness: What We Mean When We Talk About “God” with Rabbi Bradley S. Artson (Part 1)

Among my favorite theologians is Sr. Ilia Delio, Franciscan sister, holder of the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology at Villanova University, and author of over 20 books. Her podcast, A Hunger for Wholeness, blends science and spirituality with an often ecumenical message.

In one of the latest episodes of A Hunger for Wholeness, Sr. Delio talks to Rabbi Bradley S. Artson who offers a thought-provoking dive into how we understand the concept of “God.” This discussion isn’t limited to theology — it reaches into our broader human desire for connection, wholeness, and purpose. As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about how we relate to alcohol, community, and wellness, I found Rabbi Artson's perspective especially resonant. He reimagines God not as some distant, controlling force but as the pulse of life that we interact with daily.

In mindful drinking, we often talk about being present and intentional in our choices. Rabbi Artson’s framing of God as a process, as something we participate in rather than observe, mirrors that same approach to life — fully engaged, mindful, and relational. This isn’t about dogma; it’s about the choices we make, the connections we foster, and the awareness we bring into our daily actions. Just as I strive to help people build healthier relationships with drinking, this conversation invites us to build a healthier relationship with our spiritual selves and each other.

The Book: Sober Spirituality: The Joy of a Mindful Relationship with Alcohol (Brazos Press, 2023)

If you’ve followed me for a while, you might know that I’m Catholic. I’ve written and spoken about it on more than a few occasions. However, lately, I’ve felt a closer connection to my Episcopalian brethren (and sistren?) for more than a few reasons but one in particular is this lovely book by Rev. Erin Jean Warde. Whom I’ll be interviewing this week for my podcast, The Mindful Drinking Podcast.

In Sober Spirituality, Episcopal priest, Erin Jean Warde, explores how sobriety intersects with spiritual growth, offering her unique perspective on the journey of abstaining from alcohol. Her narrative blends personal insight with practical advice, illustrating how sobriety can become a path to deeper self-awareness and spiritual fulfillment. Warde’s approach aligns closely with the principles of mindful drinking, emphasizing that intentionality and presence are crucial in transforming our relationship with alcohol.

Warde’s reflections provide a compelling argument for viewing our reappraisal of alcohol not just as a lifestyle choice, but as a transformative spiritual experience. Her accessible writing and actionable guidance make Sober Spirituality a valuable resource for anyone seeking to integrate mindful drinking with their spiritual practices!

Also, check our Rev. Warde’s Substack, Chaos Land, here.

Have a great weekend!

Don’t forget to add what have you’ve been drinking, reading, and listening to below.