You’ve heard of the “Bro Code”? Well, this isn’t it. This is the “Brew Code” because a code should cover everyone.

Brew believers believe the Divine Bean and Hops have invited us to follow a certain path, a Tao if you will, to live happy, productive lives:

1) Don’t be an asshole

It’s basic. It’s blunt. It’s mandatory. It shouldn’t need to be explained, but no one wants to drink coffee or have a beer with an asshole. If you have any doubts as to whether a behavior falls under this category, it probably does. The whole point of existence should be to make the world better than you found it, and that is impossible without kindness.

That’s really all you have to do to be a Brewnitarian. It’s easy. If you really wanted to dive into deeper levels of what it means to be a Brewnitarian, however, here are a few suggestions:

2) Practice empathy

There have been many sayings to underscore empathy over the years. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is a classic. Empathy is the foundation upon which fulfilling relationships are built. That said, don’t be afraid to “Do unto others as they would do unto you” if they break the social contract of mutual respect.

3) Be not envious

Seriously. Jealousy just brings unhappiness - why do it? Some of the other traditional ‘sins’ allow you to have a little fun at least…but there is nothing fun about jealousy. There will ALWAYS be someone with a bigger mug than you - enjoy the brew you have!

4) Be present

The past is past: Don't dwell in it, learn from it. The future isn’t here yet: there will be time to enjoy it when it arrives. The present is here: live your life now. Put your phone down and enjoy that beer with your friends.

5) Your body is your temple

You only have one you. When it dies, that’s it. Game over. Off to Brewnirvana. While Brewnirvana is AMAZING (or so we’ve heard), we kind of think this life can be pretty interesting. It makes sense, then, to extend your life as long as possible. You are the only person responsible for your own body. Look both ways before crossing the street and treat your body like the temple it is. Be kind to You.

6) Anything worth doing is worth doing well

You have a finite amount of time each day. You can spend it doing something or nothing. But either way, the time is spent, so you might as well spend it well. If you are going to make coffee, make great coffee. If you are going to brew beer, brew great beer. Be the best YOU you can be.

7) Look for the reasons not the excuses

Making excuses abdicates responsibility, and we are always responsible for our own actions and thoughts. If you want to know why something bad happened, look for the reasons not the excuses.

8) Be good. Do good.

Life can be hard…for everyone. Be the help someone needs. Endeavor to do good deeds both big and small regularly and at some point the favor will be returned. Good attracts good.

9) Self care as you would care for others

It is as important to take care of ourselves as it is others, because if we don't take care of ourselves we won't be able to effectively help others. Think of it as recharging your batteries. Play your favorite music, get together with good friends, be unproductive for a while. It’s ok.

10) Don’t “have” fun, actively make it. Pursue enjoyment.

Actively seek it out. Do it. Life is too short. Bring fun into the mundane. Expand your comfort zone. Grow.