Dear Subscriber First Name,

As winter continues its quiet work, I’m noticing both endings and new possibilities moving side by side. This newsletter contains a reminder for the last two Albany Self-Discovery Sessions, a new Portland offering (yin yoga + guided meditation @ Atrium), the remaining February Portland openings for in-person counseling, a mindful muse about shedding—and an invitation to turn toward co-creation.

There’s also a cozy tahini lentil recipe at the end, offered as a small act of care and steadiness as we continue to listen for what’s next.

Much love,

Tara

We’re down to the final two Self-Discovery Sessions in this series:

· PROCESSING THE UNCONSCIOUS ·
Tomorrow - Wednesday, February 4 (Albany, NY)

This week’s session explores Squares + Polarities, a self-discovery processing techniques developed by my teacher, Leslie Temple-Thurston. Together, we’ll work with inner opposites, creating space for insight, integration, and movement.

This work is all about bringing old, stuck patterns from the unconscious to the conscious mind.

We can’t release what we’re unaware of.

Wednesday · 6:30–8:00 PM @ The Studio
10 McKown Rd #204 (down the hall from my office)
Albany, NY 12203

Pre-registration is required.

· CLOSING SESSION ·
Next week - Wednesday, February 11 (Albany, NY)

Next week marks the final gathering of the in-person Albany series. We’ll return to a few fan favorites from earlier sessions—Automatic Writing and Oracle Cards—and close our time together with a Cacao Ceremony, weaving insights into a sense of completion.

If you missed earlier sessions and still feel drawn, you’re very welcome to join us:

Wednesday · 6:30–8:00 PM @ The Studio
10 McKown Rd #204 (down the hall from my office)
ALB, NY 12203

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited.

· FEBRUARY 20, 2026 · 6 PM PT ·
YIN YOGA EVENT @ ATRIUM (PDX)

You asked—and I listened. I heard from Portland clients that wanted a Self-Discovery experience of their own. I’m truly excited to bring this offering to life!

Join me for Yin Yoga & Guided Meditation @ Atrium, an evening designed to slow the nervous system, soften the body, and create space for reflection.

Atrium Yoga & Movement Studio
(located in the Breathe Building)
2305 SE 50th Ave, Portland, OR 97215

Friday, February 20, 2026
6:00-7:30 PM PT
Pre-registration is required. Click the below to register.

· IN-PERSON COUNSELING (PDX) ·
AVAILABLE DATES

I still have availability for in-person sessions at my new Portland location (60th/Division).

Friday, February 20 and Monday, February 23 still have availability. Click here for online scheduling or reach out directly.

· COMING SOON ·
VIRTUAL SELF-DISCOVERY SESSIONS

I’m also hearing from clients far beyond Albany and Portland—and I’m so grateful for that reach. If you’ve been wanting to join a Self-Discovery Session from wherever you are, virtual offerings are on the way.

More details soon. 💛

We’re moving through a seasonal and symbolic transition. In the Chinese zodiac, each year carries a particular energetic tone—a metaphor for the inner work many of us are already feeling. As the year of the Snake concludes, we’re invited to reflect on themes of slowing down, turning inward, and shedding the final layers that have restricted our growth.

As old patterns loosen, a new question arises: what lives in this spaciousness? What wants to be created now? If the Snake invites reflection and release, the Horse—entering our arena on February 17—carries different qualities: movement, vitality, and forward momentum. Not rushed or forceful, but animated by desire and life energy. This is an invitation to turn toward what you’re ready to co-create with joy, allowing what comes next to be shaped by aliveness rather than urgency.

This is a moment asking for your presence, your aliveness, and your quiet yes.

Lemony Tahini Lentils with Wilted Kale

Recipe adapted from Laura Wright of the First Mess

A hearty, citrusy bowl with protein-rich lentils for grounding, greens for vitality, and lemon + tahini for creamy, refreshing balance. This is a one-bowl meal for when you want something warm and nourishing—offering steadiness and bright energy.

Prep time: 30 min | Cook time: 30 min | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

• 4 cups vegetable stock

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 medium shallots, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and finely chopped; leaves roughly chopped (about 3 cups)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp salt, divided

Lemon-Tahini Sauce:

• 1/4 cup tahini

• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• 1/4 cup mellow white miso

• 2 tsp unsweetened rice vinegar

• 2 tsp maple syrup

• 2 garlic clove, minced

• 1/4 c water, more or less to your desired consistency

Directions:

1. Combine the lentils and vegetable broth in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes. Set aside in the cooking liquid.

2. While the lentils cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, chopped kale stems, and 1/4 tsp salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.

3. Add shallots and cook until soft and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant.´

4. Stir in cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes.

5. Add the chopped kale leaves, 1/2 cup vegetable broth from the lentil pot, and remaining salt. Cook until kale is wilted and tender.

6. Add the lentils along with enough of their cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency. Warm through.

7. In a high-speed blender, combine all ingredients for the lemon-tahini sauce. For a mellower garlic flavor, let the garlic sit in the lemon juice for about 10 minutes before blending with the remaining ingredients.

8. Spoon lentils into bowls and drizzle generously with sauce. Enjoy.

Optional touches:

• Serve lentils over a nutty brown rice

• Garnish with soft herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro

• Top with toasted pumpkin seeds

• Or add a jammy egg

Nutrition (per serving):

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 20g | Mostly Monounsaturated Fat from Olive Oil & Tahini: 25g | Sodium: 400mg | Fiber: 15g

Notable Nutrients (per serving):
Iron: ~35-40% DV
Folate: ~45–50% DV
Magnesium: ~25–30% DV
Potassium: ~20–25% DV
Vitamin K: ~200%+ DV (from greens)
Vitamin C: ~40–50% DV

If you have any questions about anything written here or if you simply want to reach out, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm always happy to connect and continue the dialogue.

If you know someone who might benefit from the insights shared in this newsletter, please feel free to forward it along. And of course, if you'd like to book a holistic counseling session or register for any upcoming events, you can do so through my website.

I look forward to connecting with you soon.

Much love,

Tara