A Trail of Memory
a newsletter from my heart to yours
It is the brave Spirit
That carries us over the last mile
and up the long, hard climb
and brings us home happy.
~The Spirit of Arcadia
In the summer of 1967 my mom started going to summer camp in the mystical woods of Maine. Little did she know her life would be forever changed (and perhaps would lead to mine even existing). My mom fell in love with the magic and the teaching and lessons of the outdoors while realizing just what she herself was capable of as a human.
Fast forward to 1978 when my mom met a blonde, energetic cutie (my dad) in Washington DC though a dear friend and trying to sell her 1972 Chevy Nova (that’s a whole other story), with whom she connected in a shared love for the great outdoors. Their idea of a good time was hoofing it to a campground in the middle of everywhere over an air conditioned hotel any day. There was no convincing. They just loved being outside and sharing those experiences together.
This grand adventure turned into that of marriage and then raising a family (that’s where I get to enter the picture). My memories of family vacations as a child consist of carrying everything we would need on our backs, rationing our food, pumping our water from mountain streams, reading a book (we picked a new one each time) around the camp fire, belly laughs, getting through challenges together, no devices... unshakable presence.
In 2005 the evergreens of Maine called my family (mom, dad, brother and sister) to their sacred grounds. My mom was excited to share the roots of what brought her to life as a little kid and planted the seeds of connection with my dad. We spent a week in Baxter State Park; soaked in sun and environmentally friendly bug spray in attempts to ward off the black flies (aka flying chainsaws). We were greeted by momma moose and baby the first morning, mist that would cloak us in comfort to then rise and give way to the day, ancient evergreens that welcomed us just as we were. We were together; we were in nature... and that’s all we needed.
Then a whole lot of life happened... growing up... moving away... trauma... celebrations... the magic of Maine had become a faint memory.
Until this past August...
My mom had decided that to celebrate her 70th year of existence on this planet she wanted to hike in that sacred soil that recorded hers and our footsteps all those years ago. We woke before the sun and made our way back to Baxter. Every mile that we inched closer to Katahdin our nervous systems also softened. The day greeted us with mist that cloaked us in comfort and gave way to the day. The climb was strenuous at times (as it is) and we came together as a family once again (as we do). Looking down over the park from the summit I could feel that little girl from the 1960s standing right there next to me; except that little girl was my momma; brave and courageous and 70 years young. Her spirit had come to life out here and she had brought us all hOMe happy.
Some reflection questions for you (with love):
Where is somewhere you’ve been that made you feel enlivened?
What was it about that place that made you feel that way?
What is one thing that you can do it integrate that feeling of alive into your everyday life?
The Return
Birch, pine and spruce infused with effortless patience awaited footprints longing to be recorded in New England soil.
Kairos encased days held healed and healing hearts as the seduction of stories and scars is short-lived here.
Bluebird skies teach us to expand; mountain waterfalls remind us to change; wildflowers celebrate our differences; feathered friends help us to sing; red squirrels invite us to laugh;
and
quiet mornings...
If you listen closely, you will hear those tiny saplings: birch, spruce and pine, taken root 20 years ago, from seeds planted and needles shed, whisper in the breezes....
“We’re back.”
~~~
With wild love,
Tara
I invite you to retreat with me…
Nov 14-16, 2025
Finding Freedom: How Wild It Is to Let It Be
Yogaville | Buckingham, VA
Are you ready to dream wide awake? Do you feel like you are on the cusp, just not sure what the next step is? Join me at Yogaville for a weekend retreat and find your path…
Dec 4-7, 2025
Woven Word Retreat
House Boheme | Rutherfordton, NC
Join me this winter in Appalachia for a special writing retreat focused on weaving together movement, rest, and expression.
March 5-10, 2026
Earth & Soul: An Elemental Harmony Yoga Retreat
Cabrera, Dominican Republic
We have ONE spot left! Join us for "Elemental Harmony," a 5-day immersion designed to bridge your inner world with the vibrant pulse of the Earth. Discover more here.
May 8-14, 2026
Where the Veil Whispers: Yoga, Nature, and Irish Magic
Carlingford Yoga at Eagles Rock Retreat in Ireland
Immerse yourself in the magic of Ireland, where ancient stories echo through the hills and the air is filled with a sense of wonder. This retreat is an invitation to step away from the ordinary and into a space of profound beauty, connection, and inner peace. Click here to learn more.
Let’s go on an adventure together! Explore my upcoming offerings here.
Experience the freedom + focus of private yoga sessions in the comfort of your own hOMe. Tailored to your unique needs and goals, private sessions with Tara offer personalized instruction and support to deepen your practice and enhance your well-being. Book your session here.
As a certified life coach, I guide driven individuals to recognize and channel passionate energy to manifest a life of deep fulfillment and freedom. Your dream life can become your reality. I’m here to help. Click here to learn about Life Coaching.
Book a 30-minute free Clarity Call so we can discuss all of the possibilities that await you.
I am deeply honored to share this incredible offering from my friend, Iris Verbaas (known as @nabalo on social media).
We were shaped by the rhythms of the Earth, not by the speed of modern life.
EarthKind is an internet-free, soul-deep lifestyle path designed to bring you back into rhythm with yourself and the Earth. Built like a full course but delivered as a beautifully crafted, offline-friendly guide, it’s packed with rituals, reflections, and elemental wisdom you can carry with you into the forest, the garden, or a quiet morning on your porch. Download it once, read it anywhere, and begin a new way of living, rooted and present.
This is not just a guide. This is a course in disguise. A lifestyle shift. A remembering.
Built for the ones who want to live differently, closer to nature, further from the noise. Because there is a reason you’ve been craving stillness, a reason the screen has begun to feel like a cage, a reason the seasons call to you more loudly than your to-do list. Your soul remembers a different way of being.
EarthKind is your way back. Explore more: https://stan.store/nabalo
Metta Mats is committed to making the world's most vibrant, highest performing, environmentally-friendly yoga mats. Enter code “greatabiding10” at checkout for 10% off at mettamats.com
Discover my collections of poetry & much more at my gift shop.
I recently had the honor of being a guest on the Beautiful Work Beautiful Life podcast with the amazing Laurel Holland.
Stay Encouraged - Sept 15, 2025
Laurel Holland interviews Tara Eschenroeder, a seasoned yoga instructor and retreat leader, about her journey and the impact of yoga on her life. Tara shares her transformative experience with yoga, which led her to pursue a life aligned with her purpose. She discusses the benefits of community and cleansing practices, emphasizing the importance of inner work and connection with nature. Tara highlights her upcoming yoga and music festival in Virginia and her various offerings, including retreats, virtual coaching, and guided meditations. She encourages listeners to stay encouraged and trust their inner knowing.
Listen to my episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or watch us here on YouTube, and be sure to check out other episodes of the podcast — and stay encouraged.
Thank you for reading my newsletter.
Love Notes:
“It filled my soul in a way I didn’t know I needed…Such a big heart! So grateful for all the love she gave so freely.” -Anonymous, Retreat Participant
Dear One, if connecting with me has impacted your life in a positive way and you feel it could also impact another, I invite you to take a few intentional moments to leave a Google Review right here to continue that ripple effect.
What a beautiful story! Love you and your momma, too! 🤍