A Soft Beginning: Lean on Me
I'm back from Amsterdam and Metzingen for another round of Strala Intensives, workshops, community hangs, catching up with old friends, and even a cool opportunity to lead a Softness Break workshop for Hugo Boss. Friends ask me if it's all exhausting and what I do to "recover," and sure, sleep is good and helpful, along with a good dose of healthy foods and lots of water, but all of that has thankfully become just a part of life, thanks to this practice of softness and community encouragement.
I wrote a little more about my time in Europe, the wonderful people I connected with, and what these experiences continue to teach me about softness over on my Substack. You're welcome to read along.
The "work" of what I do is sharing how to do this wonderful practice. We move, we breathe, we connect, we share. When we do this while listening to what's going on with ourselves and what others have to share, we become like superheroes of our energy. We have more of it than we might expect, and we definitely have more of it than other people looking at our lives from the outside might expect. And then, when your friends are surprised by how well you take good care of yourself, there is another chance to share. The more people feeling connected and truly taking good care in every moment, the best we can, the better. Our wellbeing is literally connected.
One big secret from the practice of shiatsu is to allow yourself to lean on someone. When you are supporting someone in shiatsu, instead of trying to fix, move, or manipulate them, even with the best of intentions, which wears both people out, center yourself and lean on them with some of yourself. This works in regular life too. You probably won't be leaning on someone in the grocery store or when talking with a friend, but center yourself and really listen to them. Notice how you feel and respond with care. This is leaning too. This is using what you need, resting what you don't, and the heart of being that person who "just has good vibes" that people want to be around. It's not about having your life figured out or never being rigid. It's giving yourself the chance to notice when you are out of balance and having the courage to guide yourself back to center.
Here is a simple Softness Break to feel better right now.
And whenever you want a little company in your practice, we're here for you every day on the Strala Yoga app. There's a new practice waiting for you each day, along with thousands more to choose from, and a wonderful community to connect with and encourage each other along the way.
Off to London I go next week to do it all again!
xo
Tara
Your week of accomplishing more with less tension is ready.
Sunday — Restorative Yoga
Monday — Weights with Ease
Tuesday — Tai Chi
Wednesday — LIVE Gentle Yoga
Thursday — Weights with Ease
Friday — LIVE Energize Yoga
As always, you can follow along with our daily global studio schedule or choose your own adventure based on the time you have and what your body is asking for. Everything is right here, ready whenever you are.
So grateful for another week together.
Upcoming In Person Classes, Workshops and Trainings
London Om Show. October 16-18. Use the code: TSYOGA2026 for free entry tickets for our community to the show! Workshop registrations are available now. RSVP your space here.
Berlin, Germany. Oct 9-10, 2027. 20+Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Tara - Create Community RSVP your space here.
Online Trainings - Learn Together
Healing and Teaching Support for Trauma and Stress with Tai Chi and Qigong RSVP here.
500+Hour Advanced Tai Chi Training Jan 3 - Dec 31 RSVP here.
200+Hour Yoga Teacher Training - April 5 - March 3 RSVP here.
