Tara Stiles is the founder of Strala Yoga, a sparkling creative phenomenon (yogi, dancer, chef, knitter, designer, writer, philosopher… the list goes on!) and an all-round inspired entrepreneur who is changing the way people move, think, eat and play in life around the world.
Her innovation in yoga and movement named Strala started as classes in New York parks, migrated to a lovely Soho studio and then expanded into a global movement. From collaborations with W Hotels to bring them Strala at hotels around the world, to a yoga clothing line with Reebok that’s inspired by color, art, and her childhood favorite things at times, there’s no shortage of Tara’s glitter-filled, mind-expanding personal touches and rainbows of brilliance in everything she creates.
When I first met Tara I was a guest on a show she was filming in Los Angeles six or seven years ago. We were doing yoga and talking about making life more balanced… and I seriously have never smiled so much in a day in my life! Her generosity, warmth and authenticity were so different from the wellness guru culture of Los Angeles… and since then, the smiles and the inspiration have multiplied! In many ways I wonder if I would be doing what I’m doing with feng shui & design if I hadn’t met Tara; in so many ways her ultra-creative and totally personal style of life, business and motion validated what was possible in terms of creativity, work and life.
That’s the philosophy and revolution of Strala Yoga: it’s a system of movement that flows like a dance, devoid of the rules, the perfection and the struggle I’ve encountered in some yoga classes. Instead, you find your own best way to move, your own best ways to think and your own best ways to actualize your creative potential. It’s all linked. Your connection to your body, your breath, your space, your whole life — it’s all expanded in Strala. Strala shows you what is possible by making things easy and free-feeling: in all the easy movement you start to feel the philosophy of “the path of least resistance” as something real rather than abstract. You start to live with more ease and space in your mind, body and routines. That’s where the magic happens!
Tara’s new book Strala Yoga arrives on August 2nd, and if there’s one book I am going to be sure to read this year, this is it! If you pre-order the book now (right HERE!) you can download a Strala Yoga Mini Course that includes an Energize Class, a Hard Poses Made Easy class and a Strala Training sneak peek lecture today! I’m so excited to gift this book to clients, friends and family members who are in need of more permission to be themselves, live with more flexibility and move more freely!
Q & A
If you had an extra hour in your day every day, how would you spend it?
Swimming in the Mediterranean. I might need a few more hours if I’m not close 🙂
If we could peek into your refrigerator, what would definitely be there?
Yogurt, almond milk, spinach, apples, and a giant watermelon.
A go-to simple recipe that’s a classic for you?
My Detox Veggie Soup is always a go to. I love making a giant batch and eating it every other meal or so or for snacks during the week.
How do you make yourself at home?
Pants off (when guests aren’t around usually).
What’s the best wellness purchase you’ve ever made?
Adding extra days to play, swim, and be in nature, when I’m on work trips in some of the most beautiful places around the world.
The one object in your home that you cherish…?
My cookie monster ornament my mom made when we were little.
The daily habit that’s been game-changing…
Hot water with lemon and mint in the morning. I never thought I’d be a convert but the hype is real.
The best lifestyle decision you ever made…
Follow my passion as a career.
Where do you go OR what do you do to find inspiration?
Nature. anywhere where I can see the sun come up and go down without buildings and cars obstructing the view.
