Ace-Yoga

Tara Stiles on why to start yoga today

The expert yoga instructor, author and model talks about how yoga has helped change her life

The expert yoga instructor, author and model talks about how yoga has helped change her life

How did you first become interested in yoga?

My earliest memories are sort of yoga-like. I remember feeling that everything is connected and I felt a strong sense that we are all here to help each other. When I was little I would go out to the woods and meditate. I also saw a lot of colours; later I found out this is categorised as synesthesia, and is sometimes experienced by long-time meditators. I then got into the physical practice in my teens in a ballet programme I was in and was happy to know there was a practice around all the feelings I had been experiencing. I kept going with it from there.

How has yoga changed your life?

Yoga has helped me to find the ease in effort, whether that is something physical, mental, or emotional. Practising with ease has helped me accomplish whatever I set an intention on without stress or tension creeping in. On a daily basis this works wonders for leadership skills, performing in a business meeting, and innovation and creativity around the projects I work on, whether it’s writing a book, designing a clothing line, or planning the growth of Strala (the style of yoga I invented).

How do you complement your practice?

Intuitive eating is essential for me to feel and perform my best. I am super into preparing and cooking my own meals, and eating fresh, plant-based foods that fuel my life. I like to read a lot on topics like entanglement, intuition, quantum physics, and consciousness. Since I’ve always felt everything is connected, it’s fascinating for me to learn about the ways science explains and connects the dots as well.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to improve their practice?

Practise regularly and start paying attention to what you eat and how it makes you feel. Start cooking at home more often. Do yoga every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Put a yoga mat out by your bed or in your living room and leave it there. When you walk by it, you’re more likely to practice than if it’s rolled up in a corner.

Photo by @paulreiffer from @tarastiles Instagram