THE CONVERSATION
WITH
TARA LEE
YOGA TEACHER AND NUTRITIONIST
Meet the exceptional first guest teacher of The Collective—the wonderful Tara. Beyond being an incredible yoga teacher, it’s Tara’s energy and presence that instantly create connection. She has guided hundreds of students over the years, bringing deep care and expertise to every practice.
In this conversation with Tara Lee, we explore her elemental approach to yoga—Earth, Water, and Fire—as we prepare for our upcoming Restorative Retreat in Menorca. Over the course of three days, Tara will guide us through coaching and yoga practices inspired by these elements, drawing on her many years of experience. Tara shares her insight, experience, and personal reflections on how these practices support grounding, emotional flow, and transformation.
WHAT TRADITIONS HAVE SHAPED YOUR UNIQUE APPROACH TO YOGA AND TEACHING?
Over the years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to study with some wonderful teachers across a range of traditions. My early training in Vinyasa flow gave me a strong foundation in movement and breath, but it was my studies in shiatsu, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and pranayama that really deepened my understanding of energy and the subtle body. These influences have shaped how I sequence classes and how I view the body,not just in terms of muscles and bones, but also in terms of energy flow, emotions, and the connection to nature. Everything is interconnected, and for me, thats where the magic truly lies.
WHY DO YOU FEEL AN ELEMENTAL STRUCTURE WILL BE SO BENEFICIAL FOR WOMEN, ESPECIALLY IN A RETREAT SETTING?
Working with the elements helps us return to what’s natural and instinctive. We all move through cycles and transitions—daily, monthly, and across the seasons of our lives. Elemental practice gives us both language and movement to honour those rhythms. In a retreat setting, where there’s space to slow down, go inward and reconnect, it can be incredibly powerful. Women, in particular, tend to hold and carry a lot—for others, for the world—and these practices offer a gentle yet profound way to release, recharge, and realign.
HOW CAN THE EARTH ELEMENT HELP US GROUND OURSELVES MORE DEEPLY—BOTH ON THE MAT AND IN DAILY LIFE?
Earth practice is all about coming home to yourself. It’s steady, grounding, and nourishing. When life feels overwhelming or scattered, working with the Earth element helps create a sense of stability and calm. Through strong, supportive postures, balance work, using steady breathing, and a conscious connection to the ground beneath us, we begin to feel more rooted and centred. That groundedness then filters into our daily life, helping us become more present, aware, and at ease.
HOW DOES CULTIVATING THE WATER ELEMENT SUPPORT EMOTIONAL RELEASE, FLEXIBILITY, AND ADAPTABILITY—BOTH PHYSICALLY AND PSYCHOLOGICALLY?
Water is the element of emotion, intuition, and flow. It teaches us to move with what is, rather than resisting or holding on. In practice, Water is expressed through fluid transitions, hip-opening postures, and breath that flows like a wave. When we soften into the Water element, we often find it’s easier to let go—physically, emotionally, mentally. It’s especially supportive during times of change, when we need to be more gentle with ourselves and go with the current, rather than fighting against it.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS—PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, ENERGETICALLY—OF WORKING WITH THE FIRE ELEMENT? ARE THERE BREATHING PRACTICES OR FLOWS YOU USE?
Fire is the element of transformation, motivation, and inner strength. Physically, it helps build heat, strengthen the core, and support digestion both in the literal sense and through what’s known in yogic terms as Agni, our inner fire. It energises us up and helps shift stagnation or heaviness. In practice, I often include more dynamic movement and kapalabhati breath (or breath of fire), which stimulates the nervous system and clears mental fog or emotional stagnation. Fire practices offer a powerful way to reconnect with your sense of purpose and direction.
“Fire is the element of transformation, motivation and inner strength.”
TARA LEE
WHAT’S YOUR GUIDING PHILOSOPHY BEHIND FIRE AS A TRANSFORMATIVE FORCE IN THE BODY AND MIND?
Fire helps us burn through the things we no longer need—old patterns, limiting beliefs, tension, even fatigue,but it also gives us clarity, strength and focus. I see Fire as both a catalyst and a cleanser. It teaches us to harness our energy in a sustainable way,not just burning bright, but staying steady and strong, so we don’t ‘burn out’. In practice, it’s about building intensity in a mindful, supported way,so that transformation comes from within, not from pushing or force.
WHAT’S THE INTENTION BEHIND COMBINING CORE WORK AND PRANAYAMA IN FIRE PRACTICE?
The core is often viewed in physical terms, but in yoga it is seen as our energetic centre. And the source of willpower, self-belief and inner fire. Physically, it includes the deep abdominal muscles, diaphragm, pelvic floor, and lower back, everything that supports our posture, balance, and stability. By strengthening the core and pairing it with breathwork, we’re stoking that internal flame, bringing vitality and resilience into the body and mind. The pranayama and kriyas (or cleansing practices) clear out any energetic blockages and help us stay present in the heat, which is where real transformation happens.
DO YOU FIND YOURSELF PERSONALLY DRAWN TO ONE ELEMENT MORE THAN THE OTHERS? OR DOES THIS SHIFT?
It shifts always, which is the beauty of working with the elements.The seasons, time of life and circumstances affect what we need on any given day and we need to listen and notice any imbalances in our energy.. Sometimes I crave the stillness and the support of the Earth element, especially if I feel scattered, like after travelling. Other times, I may need Water, to move my body more fluidly and go with the flow. Or I might need a bit more Fire on certain days, and crave more movement to create heat and feel energised, particularly if I’m feeling lethargic or if it’s cold outside. The key is tuning in and honouring where you are, and trusting that it’s all part of the cycle.
WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO FEEL PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY, BY THE END OF THIS RESTORATIVE RETREAT?
I’m really looking forward to the sense of connection that develops when we remove ourselves from our usual environment and busy lives and gift ourselves time to focus on ourselves. There’s something very special that happens when women gather together with a shared intention and openness in terms of the connections that develop in the group and the group as a whole. My aim is that everyone who joins us leaves the retreat feeling more free in both their bodies and minds , more aligned, and more in tune with themselves.Above all, I I would like for each person to leave feeling deeply nourished by the yoga practices, the time in nature, the beauty of the venue, the delicious food, and the shared experience with one another.
Tara, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and your presence with us—not just here in conversation, but through the energy, intention, and care you bring to your practice. As we explore Earth, Water, and Fire together, we know these practices will offer each of us the space to reconnect, restore, and transform. It’s a gift to have you leading us, and we truly can’t wait to experience it all alongside you.
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