Q & A with Melissa Etheridge: On Yoga, Books & More
Melissa Etheridge is more than just one of the most successful singer-songwriters of our time. She has overcome many an adversity (including beating cancer), and has been a leader in the gay rights movement for years. On top of all that, she reads great books and practices yoga with our friend, Kathryn Budig.
MindBodyGreen: Is there a particular song that has had a profound influence on you at just the right time -- or perhaps provided some sort of inspiration or healing?
Melissa Etheridge: Wow, so many have, I am such a music lover. While I was going through chemo, the song "When It Don't Come Easy" by Patty Griffin was incredibly healing for me.
MBG: How has yoga influenced you?
ME: Yoga has opened my heart center up. It has strengthened me, especially my upper body so I can hold my guitar with more strength and perform longer and with more confidence.
MBG: What do you love about yoga?
ME: I love that yoga is body, mind and spirit.
MBG: How often do you practice?
ME: I try to practice it three times a week.
MBG: What are you reading now? Do you have any current favorite books?
ME: I read all the time, sometimes more than one book at a time. Right now I am reading The Vortex by Abraham Hicks and On Becoming An Alchemist by Catherine MacCoun. I LOVE them both.
MBG: Favorite quote?
ME: Speak true.
MBG: Favorite healthy food?
ME: Quinoa
MBG: Favorite guilty indulgence?
ME: I do not feel guilty about anything any more.
MBG: You've met a lot of incredible people -- is there anyone you haven't met that you'd like to meet?
ME: Ken Wilber
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