We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Tardy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks is riding tandem with courage and fear. As an embodiment facilitator, I’m dialed into what feels right and what doesn’t. My body gives me clues, and I can either listen or ignore. I’ve learned that ignoring clues from the body is a recipe for disaster. When it comes to taking risks, I rely on both logic and intuition. Our mind is the center of analysis, of critical thinking and risk assessment. It’s highly valuable, but it will also create stories about every possible thing that could go wrong. In the words of one of my teachers, if the caterpillar had a human mind then it would never become a butterfly. Risk-taking induces some fear. The key is to feel the fear, and have the courage to do it anyway, as if to befriend your fears. This is my philosophy in both life and work.Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I spent my 20s working in the corporate world, while teaching yoga on the side. Eventually, I became so engulfed in my corporate career that I no longer had enough hours in the week to teach. I felt the effects of spending my most valuable resources, my time and energy, working toward something that I wasn’t truly passionate about; I was stressed out, exhausted, uninspired, physically sick all the time. I worked for a great company that valued their people, but I was burnt out from working tirelessly on a dream that wasn’t my own; on an identity I had built that was not authentic. I knew that I could either spend another decade of my life climbing the corporate ladder, or I could take a leap into teaching yoga full time and expanding my offerings to immersive experiences and group facilitation. I don’t regret the time I spent in my prior career, because I learned tools that have helped me as a business owner. It not only taught me about business and marketing, but it also taught me about intangibles like professionalism, connection, and purpose. In many ways, working in the corporate world was a lot easier than working for myself, but I lacked a sense of purpose. Now purpose is at the center of everything I do. Whether it’s through yoga and embodiment facilitation, one-on-one coaching, or leading retreats, I want to inspire people to find the fullness of life. I want to guide people to confront their patterns and self-imposed limitations, so they can step into new possibilities. My purpose is to help people listen to the wisdom of their bodies, to experience the healing power of rest and the liberating power of movement. If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ohhhhhh I love being the tour guide! We would go to yoga every day, checking out some of my favorite studios; The Atrium Yoga Studio, Pralaya, Black Swan, and The Breathing Room to name a few. With all that yoga, we’d be very hungry! I’d bring them to Velvet Taco for the #4 (Nashville Hot Tofu, trust me it’s delicious), Pokeworks for a sushi bowl, Local Foods for the truffled egg salad sandwich, El Tiempo for fajitas and margaritas, and the Asia Market for Thai Lao food. I’d show them the great view of downtown from Buffalo Bayou Brewery. We would take the dogs for a walk in Memorial Park and bike along Buffalo Bayou. On a hot day, we’d head to Galveston for some beach time. Hopefully the Astros have a home game, and while we’re downtown, we’d stroll through Discovery Green. We’d top off the week with some live outdoor music at White Oak Music Hall.Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My number one biggest cheerleader is my husband, who is a sounding board for my wildest ideas and reminds me that the details matter just as much as the big picture. I’ve been lucky to learn from a handful of teachers who selflessly pass along their yogic wisdom including Amy Ippoliti, Robert Boustany, Nirlipta Tuli and Uma Dinsmore-Tuli. My friend and mentor, Carie, who has offered endless guidance through my transition from the corporate world to solopreneurship. The students who choose to practice yoga with me!

Website: www.robintardy.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rktardy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/robintardyyoga

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkKFsjEqdjs8_2-rlEGQEQ

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