Last time we chatted with this month’s Guest Editor, Tara Stiles, she was on her way back from the Swiss Alps – Swiss misses need their yoga flow too, naturally. Tara often travels beyond the walls of the studio that started it all, Strala Yoga in New York, jetting around the globe to exotic locations we’re dying to downward dog our way to ourselves, from Paris to Bali.
Tara is all about the flow. A Strala practice is one that’s full of life, always flowing (literally: every Strala class is a flow class of some form), and less form-centric than many of the other styles we’ve tried. Tara’s generous attitude toward the body and celebration of freedom of movement makes this Yoga Matters a fun read – and explains Tara’s devoted following of laid-back, happy yogis…
Name:
Tara Stiles.
Studio(s):
Strala Yoga flagship in SOHO, NYC with partner studios and gyms globally.
What originally drew me to yoga:
Some of my first memories were “seeing colors” and self-taught meditation. Seeing how the universe is connected with a strong desire to help others. I was a strange kid. I learned about the practice of yoga when I was a teenager and continued learning more from others from there.
Biggest surprise about yoga:
The power we have to evolve.
Coolest place I’ve ever practiced:
Wow, I am lucky. I’ve led classes and practiced on top of a helipad in Malaysia, rooftops in Tokyo, mountains in Verbier. I think it’s become a thing to find the most amazing places I can host an event or a class. We keep getting better too!
Pose I feel most powerful:
Handstand. It’s just fun and makes me feel strong.
3 other yogis classes I love to take:
So many. My friend Tao Porchon Lynch. She’s 96 and so full of life! Sandrine Bridoux in Paris, a friend of mine who just started teaching and is super talented and an amazing spirit. Yogananda. Can we bring him back for a class?
One thing you’d love to see happen in the yoga community:
More ease and freedom in attitude and movement.
Project or cause I am most passionate about:
Biggest lesson yoga has taught me:
Patience. I’m still working on that.
Biggest lesson I hope to teach through yoga:
Ease and freedom of body and mind through movement.
Advice I would give my 16-year-old self:
Make good choices. Follow your heart.
When I'm not on the mat, I’m:
Running a company, writing books, on a plane, or in my kitchen.
Personal mantra:
You are a space maker.
