Creating a More Accessible and Human Approach to Yoga
Women Fitness:
You created Strala Yoga to make yoga feel more natural and accessible. What was the vision behind this approach, and why does it resonate with so many people worldwide?
Tara Stiles:
I didn’t have a big vision, really. I mostly saw a lot of what I thought could be done differently. Dogma, rigidity, and abuse are what I didn’t like coming out of the yoga community.
I wanted my friends to practice, but I didn’t want them to be subjected to what I saw happening in a lot of studios and systems. Yes, there are some great teachers out there and always have been, but so many of the systems themselves have been designed by abusers to enforce rigidity and prey on the vulnerable.
This isn’t unique to yoga, of course, but I saw the chance to try to make something better. That was always the starting point for me, and one I keep coming back to: reject rigidity, abuse, and control, and you have room for progress, feeling connected, and real wellbeing that actually helps people in their lives.
Yoga as an Anchor in a Fast-Paced World
Women Fitness:
International Yoga Day celebrates yoga as a tool for holistic wellbeing. How can yoga help people cultivate physical, mental, and emotional health in today’s fast-paced world?
Tara Stiles:
Slowing down can be hard, so instead I love replacing the rushed habit of being disconnected with moving well, noticing how you feel, and responding with care.
We can all take a Softness Break during the day to check in with the Breath-Body Connection. These moments help us come back to harmony when we notice the rigidity creeping in.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
