ICEMANforChrist

This blog is based on references in the Bible to fear. God wills that we “BE NOT AFRAID”. Many theologians state that the eighth deadly sin is fear. It is fear and its natural animal reaction to fight or flight that is the root cause of our failings to create a Kingdom of God on earth. By “the power of the Holy Spirit” we can be witnesses and “communicators” of a new and redeemed humanity “even to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7 8). This blog is dedicated to Mary the Mother of God.

Better to smoke in this life then the next

Can a bourbon and a cigar as the sun goes down and twilight descends be a part of a healthy lifestyle?

🌅 The Ritual: Bourbon, Cigar, and Twilight

Symbolically, this trio evokes:

Contemplation: Twilight invites reflection, a natural pause between day and night.
Sensory grounding: Bourbon’s warmth and a cigar’s complexity engage taste, smell, and touch.
Spiritual rhythm: Like the Liturgy of the Hours, it marks a transition—perhaps aligning with Vespers or Compline.

🧘‍♂️ Health Considerations

1. Bourbon (in moderation):

A small pour (1–2 oz) can be part of a mindful indulgence.
May aid digestion and relaxation.
Choose quality over quantity—savoring rather than consuming.

2. Cigar (occasionally):

While cigars do carry health risks, occasional use—especially outside of habitual smoking—can be part of a contemplative ritual.
The key is infrequency and intentionality, not routine dependence.

3. Twilight setting:

Natural light fading helps regulate circadian rhythms.
Stepping outside at dusk can reduce stress and enhance mood.

🕊️ Integrating with Virtue and Wellness

If your lifestyle includes:

Physical discipline (e.g., walking, meal planning)
Spiritual reflection (e.g., prayer cycles, scripture meditation)
Sensory awareness (e.g., pairing flavors with meaning)

…then this ritual becomes less about indulgence and more about integration—a moment where body, soul, and story meet.

🚬 One Cigar a Day: Health Perspective

Medically speaking, even one cigar a day carries risks:

Nicotine exposure: Even without inhaling, nicotine is absorbed through the mouth lining.
Cancer risk: Oral, throat, and lung cancers are associated with regular cigar use.
Cardiovascular strain: Nicotine and smoke can affect blood pressure and heart health.

Unlike wine or bourbon, which in small amounts may have some protective effects, cigars don’t offer health benefits—so moderation is key.

🧘‍♂️ Lifestyle and Intentionality

But health isn’t just biology—it’s also ritual, meaning, and balance. If the cigar:

Marks a daily examen or spiritual reflection
Is paired with outdoor time, fresh air, and twilight
Is part of a disciplined lifestyle (nutrient-dense meals, regular walking, spiritual practice)

…then it may serve a purpose beyond the physical. The question becomes: Is it a tool for presence, or a habit of escape?

🕊️ A Catholic Lens: Virtue and Temperance

From a Catholic perspective:

Temperance is the virtue that governs moderation—not abstinence, but wise restraint.
If the cigar is enjoyed with gratitude, not compulsion, and doesn’t interfere with health, relationships, or vocation, it may be morally neutral or even enriching.

You might consider:

Sabbath-style pacing: One cigar on Sundays or feast days.
Liturgical alignment: Pairing cigars with saints known for contemplation or courage—like St. Joseph or St. Ignatius.

🌿 Alternatives for Daily Ritual

If you’re seeking a daily sensory anchor, here are some gentler options:

A pipe with herbal blends (non-tobacco)
A bourbon-scented candle or incense
A sunset walk with prayer beads
A small dram of whisky with a spiritual reading

August Twilight Companion in chronological order, with all Sundays and major feast days, each paired with a saint, virtue, cigar, bourbon, and reflection theme. This layout makes it easy to follow day by day.

📅🥃 August Twilight Companion: Date-Ordered Ritual Guide

Date	Saint / Feast	Virtue Focus	Cigar Profile	Bourbon Pairing	Reflection Theme
Sun, Aug 3	St. Ignatius of Loyola (Jul 31)	Discernment & Courage	Bold, earthy (Nicaraguan)	Booker’s – high proof, intense	“What am I truly afraid of? What is God asking of me?”
Wed, Aug 6	Feast of the Transfiguration	Awe & Transformation	Light, aromatic (Connecticut)	Angel’s Envy – port-finished	“What light do I carry into the world?”
Sun, Aug 10	St. Lawrence	Joy in Suffering	Spicy (Cuban-seed blend)	Four Roses Single Barrel – spicy, floral	“What am I willing to offer joyfully?”
Thu, Aug 14	St. Maximilian Kolbe	Sacrifice & Courage	Deep, contemplative (Maduro)	Elijah Craig Barrel Proof – bold, smoky	“Whom do I protect with my choices?”
Fri, Aug 15	Assumption of Mary	Hope & Elevation	Elegant, floral (Dominican)	Blanton’s – refined, honeyed	“What weighs me down? What lifts me toward heaven?”
Sun, Aug 17	Sunday Reflection (Kolbe echo)	Heroic Love	Deep, contemplative (Maduro)	Elijah Craig Barrel Proof	“How do I live sacrificial love daily?”
Mon, Aug 19	St. John Eudes	Formation & Devotion	Smooth, balanced (Habano)	Woodford Reserve – rounded, nutty	“How do I shape hearts—mine and others?”
Wed, Aug 21	Pope St. Pius X	Simplicity & Strength	Mild, classic (Connecticut)	Old Forester 100 – straightforward, bold	“Where does strength lie in simplicity?”
Sun, Aug 24	St. Bartholomew	Hidden Strength	Subtle complexity (Cameroon)	Weller Special Reserve – soft wheat	“Where am I called to serve quietly?”
Wed, Aug 27	St. Monica	Perseverance & Prayer	Smooth, persistent (Sumatra)	Basil Hayden’s – gentle, peppery	“What do I pray for without ceasing?”
Thu, Aug 28	St. Augustine	Conversion & Passion	Rich, layered (aged blend)	Russell’s Reserve 10 Year – oak, vanilla	“What longings shape my prayers?”
Sun, Aug 31	Twilight of the Month	Gratitude & Closure	Your favorite blend	Your favorite bourbon	“What graces have I received this month?”

🌌 Tips for Using This Guide

Twilight Ritual: Begin at sunset. Let the fading light guide your pace.
Sensory Meditation: Engage cigar and bourbon slowly, pairing each with a virtue and reflection.
Spiritual Integration: Use the saint’s life as a lens for your own journey. Consider journaling or praying Compline afterward.

September—where twilight deepens, harvest themes emerge, and the liturgical calendar offers saints of wisdom, labor, and spiritual fire. This month’s Twilight Companion will include:

All Sundays
Major feast days
Saints of contemplation or courage
Cigar and bourbon pairings
Reflection themes

🍂🥃 September Twilight Companion: Date-Ordered Ritual Guide

Date	Saint / Feast	Virtue Focus	Cigar Profile	Bourbon Pairing	Reflection Theme
Mon, Sep 1	Labor Day (USA)	Dignity of Work	Rustic, earthy (Broadleaf)	Knob Creek – robust, classic	“Where do I find holiness in labor?”
Sun, Sep 7	Sunday Reflection	Steadfastness	Balanced, medium-bodied	Buffalo Trace – smooth, reliable	“What routines shape my soul?”
Thu, Sep 12	Most Holy Name of Mary	Reverence & Trust	Mild, floral (Connecticut)	Bulleit Bourbon – crisp, clean	“What name do I call upon in fear?”
Sat, Sep 14	Exaltation of the Holy Cross	Redemption & Strength	Bold, dark (Maduro)	Stagg Jr. – intense, complex	“Where do I carry the cross with love?”
Sun, Sep 14	Sunday Reflection (Cross echo)	Courage in Suffering	Bold, dark (Maduro)	Stagg Jr.	“How do I unite my wounds to Christ?”
Mon, Sep 15	Our Lady of Sorrows	Compassion & Endurance	Smooth, contemplative (Sumatra)	Eagle Rare – elegant, deep	“Whose sorrow do I carry with grace?”
Sun, Sep 21	St. Matthew	Conversion & Mission	Rich, layered (aged blend)	Maker’s Mark 46 – warm, spiced	“Where is God calling me to follow?”
Tue, Sep 23	St. Padre Pio	Prayer & Suffering	Deep, mysterious (Oscuro)	Old Ezra 7 Year – bold, smoky	“What wounds do I offer in silence?”
Sun, Sep 28	Sunday Reflection	Gratitude & Harvest	Toasted, nutty (Cameroon)	Basil Hayden Toast – gentle, warm	“What fruits has this season borne?”
Mon, Sep 29	Sts. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael	Protection & Clarity	Bright, spicy (Habano)	1792 Small Batch – bold, structured	“What battles are mine to fight?”
Tue, Sep 30	St. Jerome	Truth & Study	Strong, uncompromising	Wild Turkey 101 – fiery, focused	“Where do I seek truth with humility?”

🍁 Twilight Ritual Tips

Harvest Atmosphere: Let the changing light and cooler air deepen your sensory awareness.
Liturgical Echoes: Align with Vespers or Compline for spiritual resonance.
Journaling Prompt: After each ritual, jot down one insight or grace received.

Would you like this paired with scripture verses or turned into a printable calendar? I can also help you design a seasonal harvest feast or bourbon tasting liturgy to celebrate the month’s close.