Create what only you can create, in your own unique way, then give it away with the same lightness and joy as making a wish while blowing on a dandelion.
This year scooted me to a place I wasn’t expecting. But when you realize life is a big ride down a snowhill, things get clear fast. You have a choice: tense up with fear and rigidity, and try to control the ride, or hold on to what you need, release what you don’t, and lean into the joy of it all.
A Few Things That Happened This Year
I led chair yoga at the Vogue Knitting Conference.
I sent Mike to Berlin to lead a Tai Chi workshop.
I went to London twice to lead Strala Intensives.
I led a Yoga and Creative Writing retreat with my friend Ann Garvin.
I led a retreat in Iceland with my friend Mindy and Eat Pray Move Yoga.
I led workshops at the Boost Conference, and joined a pool race dressed as lettuce.
I led a retreat at Canyon Ranch with a rock-star ensemble faculty.
I moderated my friend Avanti Kumar Singh’s book launch in Chicago.
I led yoga at a festival in Austria and took a road trip there with my Strala pal Julia.I took the family to Berlin and London and led a Strala Intensive and community event at one of our partner studios.
Thousands of Strala Guides led strala classes and Softness Breaks all around the world, in multiple languages, every day. Several Guides led Intensives and 200+Hour Strala Trainings, expanding our community so beautifully.
Daisy started gymnastics, and got really good, really fast.
We visited friends in Miami.
My dear friend Erna in Malaysia passed away.
Our cat, Lantern, died.
I knitted a bunch of hats and a few sweaters.
I went to Toronto to be on the Life Happens podcast.
Daisy starred in a horse show and had a standout role in a play.
We made homemade pasta, often.
We drove back and forth between the East Coast and the Midwest more times than I can count.
I made a few pillows.
I got a wonderful kids’ book deal (details coming early next year).
I cleaned my mom’s house.
I saw a bald eagle.
I led an online 200+ hour strala training.
I led our global Strala community in hundreds of online classes, sharing countless meaningful moments with thousands of people all over the world, practicing together.
I’m taking softness into this year, not just because my new book, Living Softly, comes out in January 2027, but because I’m living what I believe, creating what only I can create, in my own way, and giving it away with joy and lightness, like blowing on a dandelion.
I share with you what has given me great value.
A Gentle reminder that Strala Yoga 1/2 off annual membership sale is on through Dec 31. This is the perfect time to begin and encourage those around you to form a daily practice of softness.
The code only works to purchase on the web version. After you create your account, you can practice with the web version or the app.
Go Deep
Gift yourself the skills and freedom that being a forever student brings.
We’re excited to extend 1/2 off online intensives and home retreats. My favorites are the Art of Sequencing, 100+Hour Shiatsu Training, 50+Hour Tai Chi Training, and our classic 25+Hour Strala Training but they all are fantastic for going deeper into your practice and leading. I also gift myself the luxury of 7 Days Rest and Renew every year.
lots of love,
Tara
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us at Newtonville Books in Boston for Rejuvenating Yoga with Tara Stiles, followed by an intimate conversation with Michelle Maros about Dear Friend with Boston-based literary influencer, Jean Stehle. January 13th, 7-9pm Save your space here.
Our 500+Hour Advanced Teacher Online Training in Ta Chi and Qigong is starting in January. Save your space here.
Strala Online 200+Hour Yoga Teacher Training, Begin in 2026. Save your space here.
Join us in person in Berlin for our 200+Hour Yoga Teacher Training
April & May 2026. Save your space here.
Strala 20+Hour Yoga Teacher Training for Inspired Life, Work, and Wellbeing in Amsterdam Sept 19&20 Join us here.
Online Workshops, Intensives and Trainings
Complete your 25+, 100+, 200+ and 500+Hour Trainings right from home. Dive into The Art of Sequencing, Leading Kids, Tai Chi, Yoga and More Special Programs.
Let us know any way we can help.