Sadhvi

Happiness. I know it’s a choice.  Meyer Baba is pretty well-known for  ”Don’t worry, be happy.”  I have days where I experiment with consciously being aware of my mind’s tendency to create problems and drama and fear and worry and, instead, to choose happiness.  It is not as easy as it sounds!  Now that I am in this new phase of my life, called men-oh-pause, I have to say that I find it more challenging than ever to be happy.  So I wanted to share something that someone sent me: that taking heroin and cocaine were quite common just a few generations ago.  Hmmm, now that’s something I never considered!  I have spent my whole life trying to love myself, accept myself, and be forgiving with myself–and to not take drugs.  I no longer dye my hair;  I won’t be taking any HRT any time soon;  and I know for a fact that anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications are not going to solve any of my “problems.”  So when I start to think that life must have been simpler way back when, well, now I know why: they had the help of cocaine and heroin.  For some reason, I feel better.  Enjoy!

  A bottle of Bayer’s heroin:  Between 1890 and 1910 heroin was sold as a non-addictive substitute for morphine.  It was also used to treat children with a strong cough.

 Metcalf’s Coca Wine:  Just one of many types of wine with cocaine that was available on the market.  Everybody used to say that it would make you happy and it would also work as a medicinal treatment.  I imagine it did! 

 Mariani Wine:  In 1875, this was the most famous Coca wine of its time.  Pope Leo XIII used to carry a bottle with him at all times.  He awarded Angelo Mariani (the producer) with a Vatican gold medal.

Maltine Coca Wine:  This “wine” was made by the Maltine Manufacturing Company of New York, and it was suggested that you take a full glass with or after every meal and children should take only half a glass. 

Throat Lozengers with Cocaine (1900):  All stage actors, singers, teachers, and preachers had to have these for a maximum performance.  They were great to “smooth” the voice.

Cocaine Toothache Drops:  These were very popular for children in 1885.  Not only did they relieve the pain, they made children happy!

Stickney and Poor’s Pure Paregoric for Babies, with Opium!:  With not only opium but 46% alcohol, I’m sure this would make those little ones sleep well.