Dear Biet,
I am so distressed about the Israel-Hamas war. What do you recommend?
Thanks,
Marc, LA
Dear Marc,
This is so normal right now. I have found it super-helpful to do my signature somatic practice and connect with the terror that’s in my body from childhood. Once I saw what my fears were, and how they aren’t present fears, but an old childhood terror of war and illness, I was able to separate. Even if you aren’t on social media tooting about it, and are more private, it’s so important to know what you believe in. I find that remembering who we are at our core and our purpose gives us great power. Just know you’re not alone, and while many people want different outcomes, there will be a calm after this storm.
Love, Biet
Dear Biet,
I want to get sober, but I don’t consider myself an “alcoholic.” I would say I am a cocaine or drug addict. What do you recommend for someone who is looking to get sober, but doesn’t feel they belong in AA?
Thanks,
Sam, Nashville, Tennessee
Sam,
Every real alcoholic thinks they are a drug addict. It’s kind of like a badge of honor for an alcoholic. Drug addiction is just one form of alcoholism. Do not let definitions and stories take you away from solutions. Anyone who is a “cocaine addict” could benefit from abstinence and a spiritual program. I don’t care if you use CA, NA, AA, rehab or a spiritual teacher or whatever to get yourself free and clean, but Lord do I wish for you to taste the magic that comes with sobriety. I have been sober for 15 years. While I don’t speak about 12-step and it isn’t something I personally believe anyone should speak about publicly, I will say that my total and radical sobriety for 15 years has been the single best thing in my entire life, and the touchstone to all that is successful in my life. Any way you slice it, I am an addict of the full-blown variety, and that admission is the key to my freedom.
Hope this helps! Biet
Dear Biet,
I have been wondering about aliens, and thinking about it nonstop. Do you have thoughts on aliens?
All Best,
Marns, Dubai, UAE
Marns,
First of all I’ll say I can’t verify anything regarding aliens, because there is no proof I am aware of. With that said, I imagine perhaps aliens live among us already. I don’t really think they are coming in on ships. Perhaps they look just like humans, and are just part of the mix. My homework for you is: Answer this question for yourself. Ask yourself what you believe, and then feel that fully.
Love, Biet
Dear Biet,
I am Jewish and American and I have not felt safe or calm since the attacks in Israel. What do you recommend? I am also a college student and feel frightened of the pro-Palestine and pro-Hamas marches that are going on.
Thanks,
Aviva, NYC
Dear Aviva,
It is understandable to feel that way! Being a human is a naturally unsafe proposition, it always ends in death, and sometimes unexpectedly. In this regard, you can try and imagine that this time is no different from any other. Yes, antisemitism is at an all-time high, and yes, one who is Jewish is in more danger than they were before October 7. From a spiritual lens, I can say that while these horrors and the continued horror of war on innocent children is a nightmare and the news is bombarding us with it, we must turn to our purpose on this planet and what we believe in. War puts into perspective what is important. What is the higher right? What matters? I get emotional about it, and that emotion is why we come to this planet—to love and to believe in evolution and consciousness. I pray that peace will find its way to the region, and also to the world as it does, and for now I focus on my faith and purpose. I hope this helps, even for some small bit. Be aware, but don’t waste time in fear for too long. It’s draining.
Love, Biet