My Not Drinking Diary, Clare Tucker (Sacred State)

Welcome to The (Not) Drinking Diary Series, today I’m chatting to Clare Tucker, founder of Sacred State.

In her own words: Reborn from the music industry through the powers of transcendental meditation, the practice of yoga and spending time in my spiritual home Rishikesh, India. After a life overhaul, today I now celebrate my wellness practice; Sacred State, which specialises in Reiki, Sound Healing and Yoga retreats.

Clare is currently running a special introductory offer for you all:

Only £35 for your first 1-hour reiki & sound healing session at Centre 151 in London. Email her for further info & to book.

Name: Clare Tucker

Age: 38

Location: London, UK

1.Tell me a little about yourself …

My new project Sacred State officially launched in the New Year, but my real life-changing journey began in 2017 with a transformational stay in Rishikesh, India.

Prior to this I had worked for 10 years tirelessly in the music industry running my own PR & Artist Management company in London, whilst burning the candle at both ends. Looking for fulfillment and a life change, I quit my business and headed to the Ganges at the foothills of the Himalayas (where both alcohol and meat is illegal) and completed my Yoga Teacher Training.

6 months later I had made this my spiritual home and was now also a qualified reiki & sound healing practitioner. During my time in India I gave regular reiki healings and with very positive feedback now knew that helping others was my new path. On my eventual return to the UK I discovered I was entirely reborn from the music industry with a completely new lifestyle and outlook. Today, Sacred State’s studio is based in Hackney providing Reiki & Sound Healing treatments using Tibetan singing bowls.

2.Tell me a little bit of your drinking story …

Well first of all I’m a Geordie, so drinking is very much part of the culture in Newcastle and so the partying started at a young age. I then became a DJ & radio presenter in my 20’s, which of course lead me even further up the party path. Next I set up a music PR company and moved to London in my late 20’s and also began managing bands and DJ’s.

Alcohol and the music industry go hand in hand so it was a big part of my blurry life and in the long run not doing me any favours.

3. What led you to think differently about drinking?

4. How would you describe your relationship with alcohol now?

Non-existent!  I’m so busy with my new life that I don’t even miss it!

I’m comfortable being around those who do drink socially, but I tend to leave the party before people start repeating themselves.

5. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced since your approach to alcohol shifted?

Personally I haven’t found it too challenging, however my social life is very different now and I do find it concerning how much of UK society revolves around alcohol.

My biggest challenge has in fact been other peoples responses to me not drinking, it seems they have more of a problem with it than me, which I find amusing. Just the usual comments like: “you’re no fun anymore, where has the old Clare gone, aren’t you bored?”

To be honest I feel more fun, balanced and happier than ever and that’s all that matters really!

6.What lessons have you learnt about life (and yourself) since your relationship with alcohol has changed?

I have learnt that I don’t need alcohol to have a good time and that you do in fact spend more quality time with friends and family.  I have now realised how comfortable I am in my own skin and that I don’t need alcohol to give me extra confidence.

Health is so very important too; if you have good health you are a very rich person!

7. What benefits of cutting down on alcohol or stopping drinking have you experienced?

8. Are there any resources that have helped you to cut down or stop drinking? 

Not a resource as such, but I think being part of a spiritual community in India made me view the world in a very different way.

9. How do you start your day? Do you have a morning routine?

For the past 7 years I have had the same routine – wake, brush teeth, shower, transcendental mediation for 20 mins, breakfast, work. I do this religiously, and I also do 20 minutes transcendental mediation every evening too. It’s a bit like a bath for the brain!!

10. Do you have any rituals you always make time for?

Yoga & meditation – these are my coping mechanisms for London life.