We’re no saints. No one is. No pope, no mystic, no one could ever rise above being human. Being human? Having the capacity for self-awareness, consciousness, rationality, emotions, inventions, creativity. At the end of the day, though, everyone has to take a dump, has to fight off disease, has to die. Being human means accepting and living the limitedness of our existence.

So the other day, I kicked the health can down the road a bit. After busy days of adventure, hot springs and hikes, I just felt like, wow, I need a break, I need to let go! Went to my favorite beach spot and downed three large Heineken, accompanied by sumptuous fresh seafood.

Of course, the yoga routine at dusk was a bit shakier than usual. Moral of the story: a bit of alcohol might even provide some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. According to studies, moderate drinkers are at lower risk for the most common form of heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), than are either heavier drinkers or abstainers.

Key is: moderation. Sometimes, just let go. Give yourself a break. Otherwise, you could accumulate tensions that explode like a volcano when the body is about to triumph over the mind.