TARA CHANDER
My greatest inspiration has come through experiences in nature, extensive world travel and ultimately through decades of living in India, immersed in a culture filled with unparalleled beauty, wisdom and deep spirituality.
Growing up in New England, witnessing Autumn’s exquisite display of color, I was forever mesmerized by the indescribable beauty that this change in seasons created. As a young student, introduced to the timeless and transcendental works of visionaries such as Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, the concept of ‘change and transformation’ became the core of my curiosity; an impetus and an Energy which began to shape my life.
Educated in Boston, my roving spirit found me studying in Berlin, Germany at 16 years old and in Salzburg, Austria during my college years; life transforming experiences indeed!
As an educator for 16 years on the Big Island of Hawaii, my mission was building community while nurturing the unity within this beautifully diverse culture amongst these gentle and soulful people. It was here, surrounded by the healing powers of nature, that my practice of yoga began in earnest. Yoga became a way of life. During the following 16 years as Director in a global corporate environment, with a home-base in India, building bridges and fostering understanding among cultures continued to be the focus of my professional work.
My passion in the healing arts and natural medicine led me through decades of study in the USA, India and Europe. Practicing and experimenting with both classical and contemporary approaches to the scientific art forms of yoga, tai chi, qigong and meditation, I realized that the techniques and ‘tools’ that each of these practices offer all lead to the same goal - supporting health, happiness and deep healing.
Through the gift of association with some of the great Masters of India, experiencing their teachings, their humility and simplicity, I learned over and over again that a true teacher merely guides one to discover the truth and peace within oneself. Our own Ralph Waldo Emerson suggests,
“What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
Through a spirit of adventure, continuous curiosity, self-reflection and discovery; through our shared stories and experiences, we all share this sacred journey of the human spirit!
To offer the gifts, teachings, tools and techniques of yoga is my aim. My approach is gentle and simple, using the breath, sound, movement and meditation. Proper structure, relaxation and calmness are key, enabling the free flow of energy, chi, life force or prana – different names for the same healing, life-giving, sustaining energy. Overall well-being is the result of a system that is functioning at its optimum; a system in balance with all its parts ‘in sync’ – our body, mind, emotions and spirit. Yoga, as a practice, helps support this natural balance.
Thank you for joining me in our quest.
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu - May all beings everywhere be happy and free.