Tacos are better on Tuesdays

I recently sat down to do this interview with my friend Ashley. The questions focused mostly on Yoga, which I was pretty excited about. I have always felt that I learn so much about myself when I do interviews, but since I haven’t talked much about my practice, I was really grateful for the opportunity to answer these questions and reflect on the last 3 years.

Click the photo below for the whole interview:  

12 days ago a friend challenged me to be sober. 

In all honesty, I’ve never had an extreme or addictive personality, but I was definitely throwing back the wine like it was no big deal for the last, ohhh, as long as I can remember. A glass here and a glass there, somehow turned into a glass or 2 every night. Not even because I felt like I needed it, but because every night it’s there, available, and everyone else is doing it. A lot of my nights are spent out, hanging at friends houses, or going out to eat. Many events I attend seem to revolve around social drinking. Its just kind of always there, hanging out in the background. Plus, I am constantly surrounded by people that love to indulge, enjoy and celebrate life. 

When, and where do you draw the line? 

A couple weeks ago, I went to meet my friend for dinner. 1 glass of wine turned into 3, multiple friends stopped by, and 5 hours later…I was wasted. I’m guessing it had something to do with the 2 yoga classes I had taken earlier in the day…followed by the lack of food I ate for dinner. Needless to say, I woke up in my clothes, on my friends couch…and had to be at my Saturday morning yoga teacher training in less than 2 hours. 

Yikes. 

Not really my favorite version of myself. Not really myself at all. 

I somehow made it through my yoga training. Saturday’s consist of asanas, which means 4 hours of practicing and perfecting postures, teaching mock classes, and focusing intensely. Im surprised I held it together, there were a couple times I thought I might throw up. After class, I picked up some taquitos, and hacked open a coconut, and then took a very, VERY LONG nap…I NEVER NAP. Ever. So I knew this was bad. I needed a nap that bad. I needed to just lay in the sun, on my couch and sleep it off. I literally could not move to do anything else. 

My friend came over, sat down, and the first thing out of his mouth was, “Why don’t you just stop drinking all together? Maybe, take a little break.” My reply,  ”Well, I don’t really drink THAT much.” To which he says, “No, I’m not saying you have a problem, I’m more talking about how you are numbing yourself. You’re putting that into your body, consistently, clouding your visions and dreams. You don’t even know it.” This is the same friend, who I was concerned about months ago, cause I felt like he really was starting to develop a bit of a problem…he’s been sober now for almost 3 months. 

Whoa…talk about a reality check. And a really great friend. 

Its funny, cause I kept picking up my guitar and it would be so blank and foggy in my head…Unable to access the goods. Forgetting the code. So yeah, maybe my friend was on to something. 

I accepted the challenge and here we are, 12 days later: I feel amazing. 

I feel clear, extremely sensitive. I feel everything. I can totally feel the difference without all the extra sugar in my body. I didn’t even realize it, till I went without it. I’ve also been doing the vegan/raw food thing for the last 12 days too. My body always reacts really well to a plant based diet. When my Ayurvedic doctor told me to lay off the wheat and dairy almost a year ago, I had started eating animal protein again. I had justified because I wasn’t going to be eating wheat or dairy, that I needed animal protein, otherwise I would just be eating veggies, and fruit. Turns out, that is all I really needed.  Im feeling like a plant based diet is really serving me well right now. 

I have also been in yoga teacher training the last month, and it has been a really amazing experience. We are learning so much not only about yoga, but alternative medicine practices, diet, breathing, and taking care of the body and mind inside and out. 

I get a little torn on the diet thing, for every 100 things that praise a vegetarian diet, there are 100 things that say why it’s not good. There is always one and the other. I guess you just have to find out what works for you, and leaves you feeling alive and energized. I don’t think there is an end all be all that works for everyone, but I do think there is something to be said for eating for your blood type. It’s taken me years of research and trial and error to figure out what works the best for me. 

Personally for me, dairy and wheat or no-no’s. Im also not very good with sugar. Veggies are my favorite and fruit comes in at a close second. When I am craving cheeseburger, you bet I eat it. But I also just read something about…how when we crave certain foods, we are really just craving the minerals in those foods. So you could say, someone that loves wine for instance, is really just craving the antioxidants. 

Im learning about some really interesting philosophies, based around getting the most minerals and nutrition for your body, with the least amount of effort. That is why I am such a big proponent of super foods.

Super-foods (soo⋅per⋅füds, n): 1. Plant-based foods that boast extraordinary energizing and healing properties due to their abundance and density of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, and other vital nutrients. 2. Something with outstanding qualities that sustain and stimulate the body, mind and soul (i.e.: love, sun, pure water, joy) 3. Foods that nourish Super Heroes, those who boldly dare to Be the Change they wish to see in the world.

Things like bee pollen(Vitamin A, B1, B12, E),  Maca(Antioxidants, Stamina, strengthening immune system), Cacao Nib(Antioxidants, brain health), Chia seed (fiber, antioxidants, complete proteins, Omega’s, Calcium), Chlorophyll (helps build hemoglobin, supports healthy red blood cells, cell regeneration, oxygenizes blood, anti carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, binds too and removes heavy metals), or vita-mineral green(supports blood sugar, detoxification, immune system, liver, kidneys, blood, bones, colon, regularity, circulations, and longevity), are all things you can throw into your smoothie in the morning.

My favorite smoothie contains: 

Coconut Water (Fresh is best) 

Handful of walnuts 

Handful of spinach or kale (stems removed)

1 Tablespoon Chia Seed

1 Tablespoon Vitamineral Green 

1 Tablespoon Maca

1 Tablespoon Hemp Seed

1 Tablespoon Cacao Nib

1/2 Tablespoon Spirulina

9 drops of Silica (promotes healthy hair, skin & nails) 

Vitamin C

Ice and blend. 

Top with Bee Pollen.

Sometimes I add a handful of frozen blueberries, a 1/2 a frozen banana or 1/2 an Acai packet. 

Ground Flax or Flaxseed Oil is optional

Trust me, I am all over the place when it comes to this stuff. For how much I know, I try not to get too crazy with it all. But I will say…When I am filling my body, with vibrant fresh food: green juice, fresh fruit juice, sea weed wraps, raw vegetables, etc.. Vs. dull food: animal protein, wheat substitutes, dairy substitutes, sugar, etc…I feel amazing. My skin shines. My digestion is top notch. I look healthier, thinner, happier, clear, balanced, grounded, and overall less anxious and stressed. 

I am so happy my friend put me up to this challenge. As I approach recording and this new album, it is so important to me, to be not only well rested, rehearsed and prepared, but also to be at the top of my game with a clear, focused mind, a strong body, and an immune system operating and firing at its most optimal, highest potential. I feel like i’m training for the Olympics! Ha. But really though, life feels more enjoyable at this level. And It feels good to be taking extra special care of myself. (And it feels REALLY good to not wake up with a headache). We all deserve that.

Not to say that I wont ever drink again, or eat another cheeseburger. I do believe everything in moderation, but for now this seems to be working. I have my friends to thank and my community for supporting me. I am thinking maybe just drink like normal people do, at christmas or birthdays, or on special occasions. It doesn’t seem to serve me to do it everyday, or consistently for that matter. Another friend asked me, “Well for how long are you gonna do this?” And my response, “I dont know, im not attached…for as long as I feel like it, I guess.” (I’ll definitely keep you guys updated!)

During this time where the new moon just passed and the seasons are changing, it’s a good time to clear out the old. Things, people, habits, etc..that no longer serve you. What kind of energy are you surrounding yourself with? What kind of people are you letting into your space? What kind of people are those people letting into their space? Your space is sacred. You can feel when the tap shuts off and things don’t flow as easily as they are when you are aligned with the life you really want to be living.

Now is as good a time as any to re-access your life, your friends, your goals, and your outlook on life.

Where could you do a little maintenance, a little tune up? What could you let go of?

Let it goooo, into the wind and don’t look back. You wont even know its missing in a couple days. 

It always amazes me, even when I make little adjustments in life, I feel 1o times lighter. It can be big or small:  Getting rid of old books that dont serve me, clearing clutter on the kitchen counter, throwing away old love letters & photos, or ebaying clothing.

“Cleaning house” means making room for the goodness that is waiting, RIGHT NOW, to come into your life. 

At the end of the day, you have to live with the things you invite into your space, and if they aren’t working for you anymore, you have the right to escort them right out. If people frown, or your friends give you a hard time, or your family wishes something else for you, tough nuggets. Its not up to them. We all deserve to be happy, healthy and loved. 

You always have a choice.  

So choose it fully, and choose it well. 

In love, in light, in the clouds…

Won’t you join me? 

XO 

TP 

I just received this email from my friend in Bali, who’s midwife has been nominated for the CNN Hero of the Year award. I just love when things like this hit so close to home. I love that there are people out there living a life of service, devoted day in and day out to bettering the lives of others. A true inspiration for all, especially us women. 

I never do this, but if you have a moment to vote it would be greatly appreciated :) Check out the video link & email from my friend below!

Lotsa love - TP 

Hello Friends,

I just got home from having lunch with our midwife, Robin Lim, who is also nominated for CNN Hero or the Year award for the amazing work she has done here in Indonesia and globally for the education she has provided regarding Gentle Birth, Breastfeeding, Lotus Birth, etc.  She started a Birthing Center and Clinic named Bumi Sehat here in Ubud as well as another clinic in Aceh, Indonesia (in response to the devastating earthquake in 2004)  to provide an free option for the hundreds/thousands of women that need it.  She has delivered thousands of babies and saved hundreds of lives by giving women a viable option to come and have their babies under care and supervision of midwives and volunteers.  According to Robin, 961 women die everyday in or from childbirth because they are not getting or can’t afford proper care.  Here in Indonesia, if a woman deliveries her baby in a hospital and can’t afford to pay the bill ($70 for natural birth and $700 for cesarian), she cannot remove her baby from the hospital until she can pay the bill and while the baby is there, the mother is allowed in twice a day at 8am and 8pm to feed and change her baby!  Can you even imagine?  Since the average income in Indonesia is $80/month, there are a lot of babies suffering in the hospitals while the parents try to find the money to get them out.  
Robin and Bumi Sehat provides a free place for women to come and have their babies, under the best care and supervision.  The Clinic is run completely on donations from people like you and I.  Because of the amazing work that she has done, CNN has nominated Robin one of the CNN Heros of the Year.  If she wins, she will be granted $250,000 which will go to building a much needed new clinic, supporting the clinics and staff, supplying things like pre-natal vitamins to the hundreds of women that survive on white rice alone, and start funds to open more clinics like the 2 existing ones.  The clinic also provides pre and post natal care, childrens clinic, acupuncture, nutrition support, breastfeeding support as well as jobs for those in the community. Just visiting this clinic helps to put things in perspective.
Of course this cause is very close to my heart, especially in the days before my own birth experience.  I feel so blessed and honored to be having a baby with the guidance of such an amazing woman and hero.  She lives everyday (and night) of her life in service.  
Please, I beg you, to take a few minutes everyday to vote for Robin.  Please spread the word.  You can vote up to 10 times a day and every single vote gets her closer to being able to help thousands of women, children and babies.  If you want to even go one step further, donate to the clinic.  Every dollar counts.
To Vote: http://heroes.cnn.com/vote_en.aspx
To learn more about Bumi Sehat and Robin: http://www.bumisehatbali.org/