Microdosing

I have always liked the taste of coffee but have never acquired the habit of a daily cup of Joe. But lately, I’m developing a new habit, many steps short of addiction. The inspiration was Trader Joe’s little bottles of black Cold Brew coffee, I put a microdose in a glass— a little more than what’s need to fill the bottom and then double that amount with oat milk. Just after lunch, I treat myself to my concoction, imagining it will give me just a little extra boost to keep energized through the afternoon. Probably it doesn’t work like that, but like I said, I like the taste and perhaps, that little microdose of caffeine is all I need. 

 

Since the forced feasts (though well-intentioned) of my time in China, I really needed to take control of my diet—and hopefully, lose about some 5-10 pounds in the process! Years back, I felt the same need and created my own personalized “Doug-diet.” The premise was simple— no sugar, minimize snacking and when doing so, only celery or carrots sticks, and generally eat less of everything—smaller portions and no seconds. Miraculously, it worked years ago and seems to be helping now. If nothing else, it feels good to be slightly less than full after each meal. I don’t deny myself foods I like— like almonds. But instead of taking three handfuls, I take some 5 nuts. Micro-dosing. 

 

Hearing about other people’s diets ranks up there with listening to their dreams as one of the least engaging conversational pieces. But bear with me here. The subject came up because my daughter and I were discussing how much news we should be watching or listening to. It’s clear that the constant assault of the frankly unbelievable torrent of mean-spiritedness, stupidity, cruelty and permissions to tear down our own democracy, no outside invaders necessary, not only breeds despair and hopelessness in us, but is designed to do so. If there’s one clear transgression—say the Jeffrey Epstein files— the public can pay attention and support the necessary consequence. But the fascist playbook’s strategy is to distract and overwhelm, create so many disastrous scenarios that it takes the needed attention away from any one of them. 

 

And in the process, pummels the listeners into shock, numbness, hopelessness, hammers them into submission because it’s too much for our frail human psyches to absorb. By refusing to engage in the tsunami of bad news, we have hopes of preserving the joy that is a powerful tool of resistance, while turning our attention to the small acts of kindness and connection that also make a difference. Like the way my daughter organized a neighborhood block party that was a wonderful, community-connecting event. 

 

At the same time, if we don’t pay attention to any news, they also win, going on their merry way wreaking havoc and destruction while we enjoy playing cornhole with our neighbors. So there has to be some middle ground. 

 

That was when my daughter shared her friend’s strategy— microdosing on the news. Just enough to know what’s generally going down, what demands a response that might actually be useful. Like cancelling Disney/Hulu subscriptions until the language they understand—money— got them to reverse the decision on Jimmy Kimmel. 

 

Actually, I’ve been microdosing my whole life. Never got into the habit of reading the newspaper every day cover to cover and instead, just looking at the headlines in the newspaper boxes when I went for a walk. Like the character in the move Meet John Doe, I’ve known my whole life “that the world is being shaved by a drunken barber. I don’t have to read about it.” Use that time and energy to read poetry or play Bach or teach music to children. It worked well.

 

And is working well again, however qualified that word “well” means today. I get most of my news from Facebook posts and since all my Facebook friends are not brainwashed conspiracy theorists, I believe I’m hearing about what’s important to hear about. Often with a good dose of eloquent insight or humor or inspiration. Like certain poisons that are actually beneficial in small microdoses, it’s one way to survive the toxic assault. 

 

And now it’s time for my little quarter cup of coffee.