Welcome to my newly revamped newsletter, The INUR Wellness Connection, Subscriber First Name! Each month, I'll share a curated selection of Stillness Sessions, Noteworthy News, Mindful Musings, Nourishing Nibbles, and more. Whether you're looking to deepen your meditation practice, challenge yourself to grow, or simply find a moment of reprieve, this newsletter aims to be your go-to resource for nourishing your inner wellness.

In this edition, you'll find:

• A 20-minute talk and guided meditation to help you reset and experience “life breathing”

• Updates on the grand opening of my new Portland location

• This month’s Guided Meditation Circles (in-person in Albany, NY, Portland, OR, and live steaming from anywhere)

• A short musing on how to stay centered amidst current events

• My go-to recipe for Superhero Muffins—a healthy and delicious boost we need when feeling weak, whether emotionally or otherwise

I hope you find something here that resonates and supports you on your wellness journey. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions—I'm always eager to connect.

Wishing you an abundance of peace and presence.

In wellness,
Tara

Experience a moment of tranquility with "Stillness Sessions," where mindfulness and guided meditation come together to foster deep self-awareness and emotional renewal. Recently recorded during a Meditation Circle titled "Release, Opportunity & Reflection," this session invites you to reflect on what no longer serves you, embrace new possibilities, and trusting your journey. Listen on Insight Timer and allow yourself the gift of stillness, connection, and opportunity.

Portland Open House: Despite an epic ice storm making attendance nearly impossible, my daughters, a committed group of dear friends (with studded snow tires!), and some new co-working colleagues braved the icy conditions to honor my part-time return to the Rose City.

Although many couldn't make it in person, the touching phone calls, heartfelt texts, and promises of future coffee dates were incredibly meaningful. Their words of encouragement and excitement for my homecoming reinforced that this is the right step for the next chapter of my practice.

I look forward to more of those cherished moments with my Portland community—both new clients and colleagues, as well as old friends—in the months ahead.

March Meditation Circles:

• ALBANY, NY —> less than 48 hours from now!

  Monday, March 3 @ 6 PM ET in The Studio
  10 McKown Rd #204, Albany, NY 12203
  (down the hall from my office)
  
  Monday’s topic: “Mindfulness & Presence.” We will discuss the state of unrest most of us are experiencing and explore ways to come into stillness and balance.

• PORTLAND, OR
  Wednesday, March 19 @ 5:30 PM PT at Lajja Yoga
  10850 SE Main St, Milwaukie, OR 97222

  Meditation circles are held in Portland and Albany, providing an opportunity for individuals to gather in a peaceful environment and deepen their practice. These sessions are free to attend and designed to cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness.

  Please visit my Calendar of Events for these and future offerings.

Navigating the Polarities of our Time

I don't typically make a habit of discussing politics within my practice, as I deeply honor the fact that my clients span a wide range of political affiliations. However, my clients are coming into my office with heightened fears about the amplified division of our country and I couldn't help but reflect on the polarities work I often discuss in my lectures.

When we find ourselves immersed in an environment rife with fear and division, it can feel overwhelming, and disorienting. However, we must remember that these negatively-charged emotions represent just one end of the proverbial battery—the negative pole. In order to restore balance, both within ourselves and in our broader society, we have to be willing to confront the opposite end of the spectrum. What’s the opposite end of the battery?

The only ways we can balance on a seesaw are either with two people, one on each end (+/-) with equal and opposite force, or one person straddling the middle, with one foot on each side (+/-). If we are only willing to see the negative side of what’s happening, the seesaw will remain imbalanced and unable to work. We must find a way to balance at the fulcrum—to sit in neutrality. And the only way to do that, is to accept we also need to acknowledge the positive side of the battery.

I know it’s hard for some to consider but if you’re willing to stretch for a moment, ask yourself: what might be an opposite thought we haven’t yet considered about this current situation?

Many of us might instinctively respond that the antithesis of fear is trust or love, and the antithesis of division is unity. But as my teacher has advised, those lofty ideals of love and unity are actually ascended (neutral) states—they sit at the fulcrum. The true opposing forces to fear and division may in fact be something more like infatuation and clinging.

Where might you be clinging to the past or to a way of thinking? This level of self-reflection is critical if we hope to move beyond the current polarities of our time and rediscover a path toward genuine unity and wholehearted love at the center.

The road ahead may seem daunting, but the reflections imparted by my clients has inspired me to approach this challenging chapter with renewed humility and openness. I am taking time each day to consider what I am clinging to. I encourage you to do the same—to search inward for the areas where you may feel polarized and strive to move towards ascension. Only then can we transcend the divisiveness of the present and reclaim our shared humanity.

Superhero Muffins by Shalane Flanagan

These nutrient-dense muffins from Run Fast Eat Slow are packed with almonds, oats, and veggies—the perfect superhero boost when we need a little extra strength.

Prep time: 30 min | Cook time: 25 min | Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• 2 c (190g) ground almonds or almond meal

• 1 c (100g) rolled oats

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

• 1/2 c (60g) walnuts, chopped

• 1/2 c (100g) raisins or other dried fruit

• 1/2 c (100g) dark chocolate chips

• 3 large eggs, slightly beaten

• 1/2 c (175g) zucchini, grated

• 1/2 c (50g) carrot, grated

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 c maple syrup or honey

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1.) Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper muffin cups.

2.) In a bowl, combine the ground almonds, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, walnuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.

3.) In another bowl, mix the eggs, zucchini, carrots, melted butter, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do not over-mix the batter.

4.) Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each to the brim. Bake ~25 minutes or until the muffins are browned on top and a toothpick comes out clean.

5.) Let the muffins come to room temperature before removing from the muffin tin.

Nutrition (per serving):

Calories: 265 | Carbohydrates: 24.4g | Protein: 6.8g | Fat: 15.4g | | Saturated Fat: 6.8g | Cholesterol: 46.5g | Sodium: 224.8g | Fiber: 4.3g | Sugar: 14.1g

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. The more we can spread these messages of balance, compassion, and shared humanity, the better.

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