Lay your armor down
a newsletter from my heart to yours...
We all have it...
For some of us it might be scrolling the gram, for others it might be never giving ourselves full and complete permission to say the thing, and for some it might be navigating through our days with gloved hands to never feel the full impact of life experiences that present themselves to us; the list goes on of ways that we armor ourselves to this life and the world.
I've been guilty of this too.
A few months ago I found myself deep in the woods of Appalachia communing with fireflies of synchronous and blue ghost in type.
(if you haven't heard of these beautiful beings I highly encourage you to do some research and experience them someday if possible)
This is an adventure that I've been taking with family and friends for the past 4 years; A non-negotiable weekend in my annual rhythm.
The hike began heavy laden with everything on our backs that we would need for the next 3 days; overcast skies and skin welcoming cool damp air to accompany us for the 7 mile trek. The hike was enjoyable...conversation flowing accompanied by welcomed moments of silence listening to the messages of the woods around us.
And then...the rain...
Just a slight mist and drizzle at first that turned into pretty much torrential downpour. Looking at my dad with his poncho over top of his backpack quite resembled Quasimodo. I couldn't stop smiling.
We finally made it to the campsite to be met with an ever so brief pause in the rain (thank you Father Sky), but not for long. My dad rigged together two beautiful branches salvaged from the woods clothed with lichen and moss, attached them both to trekking poles complete with bowlines tied so pleasing to the eye. A tarp brought with the intention to be used as shelter if needed was put to good use.
Huddled under the shelter we nourished and told stories as we watched and listened to the rain. Upon realizing it wasn't going to let up for some time we cleaned up as much as possible and headed to our tents.
Belly down, just like little me camping decades ago, I listened to the symphonic sounds pelting against my shelter. My resting face was a smile.
And then... I heard it.. drip, drip, drip...
The rain was letting up.
Instinct and intuition shot me out of that tent clothed in a puffer coat and undies (apparently the part of my brain that remembers the importance of clothing shuts down partially in the woods).
First just one, then two then 15 then more than I could even count.. the fireflies were coming out to play.
I sounded the alarm as calmly as possible for my camping counterparts to come and witness the miracle happening on the other side of canvas and mesh walls.
Surrounded by silent symphony we watched in awe...no words...
Time disappeared as we were embraced in Kairos. We eventually made our way back to the tents.
The rain came again... more this time... accompanied by booms of thunder and flashes of lightning felt on a cellular and bone deep level. I lay there with my palms open. None of this could have been planned. I had nothing to do with the miracles that I was witnessing a part from simply beholding them. There was no armor in sight. None was needed
I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep...
And my invitation to you dear friend.
Put it down.
Even if just for a moment.
Nothing to do.
Nothing to control.
Rest now.
Fireflies...Finally
Mother Mountain called to them in a voice so sweet and familiar...
(come hOMe)
Fiddleheads unfurling exemplified true self becoming from within...and there is no rush my love...
(I see you)
Fireflies danced and sang and made love in the Mountain Laurel without hesitation and needing no permission...
(I want you
Thunder shook and rain baptized tired bodies; mortal bones.
There was nothing to control.
(rest now)
And they finally laid their armor down.
~~~
With open palms and open heart,
Tara
S I G N A T U R E
O F F E R I N G S
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In taking privates with Tara you will receive one on one instruction customized for you. As a Yoga Alliance 500-hour RYT, 200-hour E-RYT, RCYT, YACEP, Certified Coach and Mentor, and self published author, Tara is passionate about educating others about the practice of yoga, so any questions or special requests will be gladly received. Whether it is your first class or your five hundredth, Tara takes it upon herself to carefully construct each class to cater to each individual practitioner. Learn more about private yoga sessions here.
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“Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” - Mary Oliver
Your dream life can become your reality. I am here to help you.
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Let’s go on an adventure! Explore all of my upcoming events and festival offerings here.
A Bridge to the Essence of You: A Yoga and Enneagram Experience
Highland Lake Cove in Flat Rock, NC
Saturday, November 16, 2024
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Join me and co-host Ali McGhee for a special full-day immersive experience where we explore two wisdom systems with ancient roots.
What is the alchemy of you? What are the ingredients of your essence? And what would it feel like to arrive within a sacred circle of humans only here to celebrate what that is?
Learn more about this experience & reserve your spot here.
A Weekend of Rewilding at Yogaville
108 Yogaville Way, Buckingham, VA
November 7-10, 2024
This experience is for all humans longing for a reconnection with their own inner wild and knowing; a journey back to the deep wisdom within. You are invited to join us for a weekend of holding space for the sacred remembering of our internal compass; our instinct and intuition.
Throughout our time together, we will explore tools that can be utilized in everyday life that will provide manageable and breathable ways to occupy and live the life of your truth and integrity.
These tools will include (and will not be limited to) journaling prompts and discussion, exploring the felt sense, dreamscape hiking, meditation, visualization, integration between sessions, breathwork and asana.
Included in this weekend of self-exploration will be the rhythms of Druminyasa. Feel the vibrations as you connect breath, heartbeat, mind and body to a vinyasa flow led by Tara and to the beats of the drums by percussionist Brad Ellsworth.
Learn more & register here.
My three self-published collections of poetry (Collecting Feathers, Landing hOMe, Sacred Details) are all available world wide.
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Metta Mats offers the world's most functional and vibrant yoga mats created by independent artists. 25% of each purchase goes directly to the artist. They offer a 30-day love it or money back guarantee, along with free shipping across the U.S.
Use code “greatabiding10” at checkout for 10% off your purchase.
Find yours here www.mettamats.com
Thank you for reading my monthly newsletter and for your endless love and support.
I’ve curated a Spotify playlist here for you to enjoy. Happy listening my friend, I appreciate you!
Love Notes
“Tara is an amazing teacher. With her guidance and love I have re-directed my negative thought patterns. I am living a life of joy and wonder!” - Jane, Retreat Participant
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