The Power of Connection
by Tamara Neale
A Collaborative Journey by Tamara & Nancy
This collaboration was more than just a meeting of two minds; it was a celebration of women working together, lifting each other up, and creating something truly special. Having Tamara’s 10-year-old daughter, Jade, involved added an extra layer of meaning. As she gracefully moved through the space with palo santo and sage in hand, her presence brought a sense of grounding and purity to the offering. Including Jade reminded us of the importance of passing on these practices to the next generation, showing her the power of community, intention, and shared passion. This collaboration was not just about combining our skills—it was about weaving in the wisdom of the past, present, and future. It’s moments like these that showcase the incredible strength and beauty that emerges when women come together, supporting one another and nurturing a shared vision.
Tamara, The Hobbyist:
While social media can sometimes gets a bad rap, it was our online connection that sparked the idea for a real-life collaboration on the shores of Chesterman Beach in Tofino. A simple conversation led to a beautiful exploration of how two like-minded wellness practitioners could create something meaningful for the Tofino and it's surrounding communities.
Nancy, True North Yoga:
Our initial online chat quickly blossomed into a vision of blending scent and sound—a practice where Tamara’s deep knowledge of essential oils could enhance my yoga, breathwork, and sound healing sessions. As a yoga instructor and sound practitioner, my work incorporates crystal singing bowls, gongs, and other instruments to create immersive experiences. The idea of layering these sounds with locally inspired and crafted essential oils felt like a natural and powerful combination.
Tamara:
We knew we wanted to bring this collaboration to life in a setting that matched our intentions, and what better place than the beach, right next to the Pacific Ocean on Tla-o-qui-aht Indigenous lands? This special space, rich with wisdom and history, felt like the perfect backdrop for our combined practice. Our goal was to honor the Sturgeon Full Moon of August with a ceremonial sound bath and essential oil experience on the beach. However, the weather had other plans, and we had to reschedule.
Nancy:
We opted for the following day - the weather was still misty and wet, but we kept the faith. Just as we were setting up, the sun broke through the clouds, bringing warmth and light to our gathering. It was a moment of pure synchronicity, a reminder that the universe had aligned us perfectly for this shared offering. It wasn’t about the Full Moon anymore—it was about being present, together, for the sun and each other.
Tamara:
This collaboration has been incredibly fulfilling - and a reminder of why I started The Hobbyist: to create spaces for connection, community, and experiences that reach beyond the surface. Working with Nancy has been a beautiful blending of our shared passions, and it’s been incredible to see our ideas and intentions come to life and shared with others.
Nancy:
I feel incredibly grateful to be on this path of sharing yoga, meditation, and sound healing. It’s given me the chance to connect with so many like-minded individuals, and collaborating with Tamara has been a special highlight. To combine our practices in a way that not only enhances each other’s work but also provides something unique to our community is truly fulfilling.
Tamara:
This event was a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best moments are the ones that happen unexpectedly and completely out of the blue! It’s not always about perfect timing but about being open to what unfolds. I look forward to more moments like this, where we come together to share, support, and celebrate our unique contributions to the wellness communities in our areas.
Tamara & Nancy:
This collaboration has shown us the incredible strength that arises when women come together with a shared purpose. By blending our skills, creativity, and passion, we created something greater than the sum of its parts. There’s a unique power in women supporting each other—lifting each other up, sharing knowledge, and creating space for connection. Our collaboration was more than just an event; it was a testament to what’s possible when we work together, honoring our individual talents while building something beautiful for our community. We’re excited to continue this journey of collaboration and can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
Nancy + Tam xo
Find out more about the lovely Nancy Trueman with My True North Yoga