The Power of Abiding Love: Tell Your People
a newsletter from my heart to yours
Great Abiding Yoga...
So, what exactly does it mean?
As many of you know, storytelling is one of my love languages, and I have one for you.
Many moons ago, I was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in the middle of March, during an ice storm (yes, I made my grand entrance one day after my dad's birthday).
My mom and dad brought me home to my grandparents' house as power was out all over the city, and it was a safe, reliable place to be. My grandparents are some of the most generous and loving humans I've ever had the honor of knowing in this lifetime. Coming home that day was only the beginning of one of the most important relationships that I would foster in this lifetime.
My parents were young. My dad was in residency, and my mom was working; living paycheck to paycheck and sustained by faith, discernment, and love. My grandfather owned a business that took up a good amount of his time. And then there was Foo Foo....
Marian Olander Atwood, my grandmother, was unapologetic in her ways. There was no question as to when she walked into a room as a result of how good it smelled and her radiant personality. If you walked away from a conversation with her without laughing, you were definitely missing something. She had this ability to see what you were capable of and voice it in a way that you needed to hear (especially when you were the one who had forgotten).
A good portion of my earliest days were spent with my grandma. She would take me outside and let me inspect leaves for as long as I wanted (yes, that started very young). As soon as I learned to walk, I discovered stairs and how much fun they were to go up and down. She would chase me up and down for hours (nope, my energy level still hasn't changed).
My parents and I eventually moved away from Missouri to the East Coast. The bond I had with Foo Foo remained. We went back to visit often, and she and Bapa, my grandfather, came to visit as often as they could. It was always something to look forward to.
One of the many things that was special about my grandmother was how she ended her conversations and signed pretty much every card she sent in the mail:
"With Great Abiding Love"
Although I didn't exactly know what this word "abiding" meant when I was younger, there was a part of me that did because I could •feel• it.
When I started my business back in 2014, coming up with a name was a thing. I don't remember the day or the moment, but I do remember the clarity once it came. And what a gift that I was able to share this with my grandmother before she transitioned over the rainbow bridge.
On my right bicep, you will see her handwriting that I saved from one of the many cards that she sent.
Her physical body may no longer be with me, and her love will remain... enduring and steadfast.
So my invitation to you for this newsletter is simple....
Go to your people. Tell them that you love them. Do it now.
I love you.
Great Abiding Love
There was always an unspoken connection, but I suppose that is the language of love; something that is meant to be felt, not explained or defined. She always showed it so unconditionally through her work and involvement with the community and with her dedication about academia. Eagle Eye was always watching. She showed this through her love and appreciation for the little things; never overlooking their importance. Winstead’s milkshakes to chewing her food at least 20 times before swallowing, she savored life. Above all, she showed this through her love, passion and dedication for family. She may not have been very big physically, but her roots were mighty. She sustained us all. She is my roots. Through chasing me up and down the stairs, to patiently waiting as I inspected the art of a leaf or a plant as we walked by to teaching me how to properly talk (girl, twirl, world, walrus, squirrel) to letting me sit on her lap way into young adulthood. She saw me take my first steps and after that only encouraged me to fly. No matter how much distance was between, she was right there… and she still is.
She lives on. She lives on through her smell of extra and Dune perfume; every time we gaze upon the magnificence of a whale. She lives on through laughter and remembering there is never a bad time to engage in it. She lives on every time I see the moon (and I know it sees me)…
~~~
With great Abiding Love,
Tara
Come retreat with me…
Finding Freedom: How Wild It Is to Let It Be
Yogaville | Buckingham, VA
Nov 14-16, 2025
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…
~~~
Woven Word Retreat
House Boheme | Rutherfordton, NC
Dec 4-7, 2025
Join me this winter in Appalachia for a special writing retreat focused on weaving together movement, rest, and expression.
~~~
Earth & Soul: An Elemental Harmony Yoga Retreat
Cabrera, Dominican Republic
March 5-10, 2026
Join us for "Elemental Harmony," a five-day immersion designed to bridge your inner world with the vibrant pulse of the Earth. Answer the call of the elements where the lush jungle meets the turquoise ocean in the breathtaking setting of Cabrera. Discover more here.
Where the Veil Whispers: Yoga, Nature, and Irish Magic
Carlingford Yoga at Eagles Rock Retreat in Ireland
May 8-14, 2026
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.
Are you ready to dream wide awake?
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.
Are you standing at the edge of making a change? The time to take your first step is now. Click here to learn about Life Coaching.
Private 1:1 Yoga with Tara: Your Personalized Path to Wellness
Experience the freedom and 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.
From gentle flows to challenging poses, we'll work together to build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, Tara's expertise and compassionate guidance will help you find your inner balance and cultivate a love for yoga.
Book your private session with Tara here.
Curious to learn more? Schedule a Complimentary Clarity Call to chat with Tara about private yoga and/or life coaching!
Let’s get together soon! All of my upcoming events can be found here.
It’s such an honor to be a part of the Metta Mats commUNITY. They’re 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, yoga apparel and more by visiting my gift shop: greatabidingyoga.com/shop
Thanks for reading my July newsletter, here’s a new Spotify playlist for you to enjoy!
Love Note…
“This experience goes beyond words. It started in my mind as a "yoga" retreat. It ended up being so much more. It was self opening, self-awing, and challenging. I appreciated every minute of it. It was not a retreat from life but a retreat into oneself to bring to Everyday Life.” - Hattie, 30's, 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.