A Soft Beginning: Use Only the Energy You Need
I ran into a neighbor at our local coffee shop yesterday. With her shoulders practically up around her ears, she apologized profusely for her mother roaming the neighborhood a little lost.
We had seen her mom earlier. She seemed happy and fine, close to her daughter’s home, and there was no intervention needed.
Of course, that wasn’t the experience of her daughter.
She was carrying a pile of tension and stress that had invaded her while caring for her mom. She explained that she was moving her mom into assisted living and hit play on telling that story, probably for the hundredth time to friends and neighbors.
But all I could see was how much it was taking a toll on her.
I did my best to take a few big, deep breaths while she talked. When there was a little free space, I reminded her to take good care of herself. Not just for her, but for her mom too.
Noticing our extra tension isn’t a failure. It’s a recognition, just like noticing when we’re thirsty, that we need something.
Take a breath. Have a Softness Break. Come back to yourself. And probably drink some water.
When challenging things happen, stress and tension can invade us before we even realize it. We’re simmering in a culture that expects this response, enforces it, and in some cases even praises it. We can start to believe that the more we care, the more tense we should be.
But that extra tension isn’t helping you, and it isn’t helping the people around you.
Tai chi teaches us that our habits, good and bad, aren’t something we need to feel shame or embarrassment about. But we do need to recognize them. Once we notice what we’re doing, we have the opportunity to physically, mentally and emotionally bring ourselves back into harmony.
Soften.
Let yourself be movable by your breath.
Move yourself from center.
Use only the energy you need to do the task at hand.
We can all do that.
xo
Tara
P.S. I’m packing for Amsterdam and Metzingen this week, and apparently most of my suitcase is Strala swag to bring to everyone. :) Sticker Mule has been supporting us with stickers and buttons for our Strala gatherings, and they’re making it easy for you to get some for yourself or your own Strala events too. I wrote a little more about what I’m packing here.
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
Amsterdam, Netherlands. September 19-20. It's a homecoming for sure after several years away from Amsterdam. Join our vibrant community. RSVP your space here.
Metzingen, Germany. September 26-27. Our Weekend of Softness is a gathering you don't want to miss. Practice together, connect with our global community, and spend a weekend moving, breathing, and living softly. RSVP your space here.
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.
Effingham Illinois. Join us Saturdays at 10am ongoing, for an easy going Energize Yoga class. It's been incredible to be part of this growing community. Join us. 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.
