Meet Taraleigh Weathers

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taraleigh Weathers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Taraleigh , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

You know, I’ve had quite the rollercoaster ride with this thing they call imposter syndrome. Have I completely overcome it? Not quite. It’s like an uninvited guest who sometimes shows up at the most inconvenient times, bringing all its baggage. But let me tell you a little story about my band, The Middle Ages, and our recent viral adventure.

So, picture this: we had a few videos go viral, and suddenly, the trolls crawled out of the woodwork. They left comments so vile, you’d think their keyboards were powered by pure spite. “Kill yourself,” they said. “Quit music,” they demanded. “You’re the most annoying person ever,” they proclaimed. It was like stepping into a room full of knives, each one aiming straight for my heart.

And then, as if that wasn’t enough, I stumbled upon a website with five whole threads dedicated to how much people hated me. One thread had 17 pages! Seventeen! I won’t lie to you, it hurt. I know better than to read these comments, but curiosity got the best of me, and I dove in headfirst. And oh, the guilt and shame that followed! I spiraled into a pit of self-doubt, replaying every nasty comment, remembering every time I let someone dim my light.

You see, I used to love sharing videos of my dancing. It brought me immense joy. But somewhere along the line, I realized I had subconsciously stopped because of what people had said. Their words echoed in my mind, and I let them silence my happiness. But then, something magical happened. I shared what was happening on social media, and the response was overwhelming. I was met with so much love and support. People missed my silly dancing videos! They told me those videos were the sunshine they needed in their lives.

That was my aha moment. I had let the loud voices of the haters drown out the quieter, but infinitely more important, voices of the lovers. I had given my energy to the negativity instead of filling my own cup. And when I fill my cup, it overflows, spreading love and joy to those who need it. That’s what makes me, well, me – your eccentric, crazy auntie who dances like no one’s watching and loves like there’s no tomorrow.

The reason those hurtful words hit me so hard was because those pesky imposter thoughts in my head tried to convince me the haters were right. But deep down, I know better. I am magnificent simply for existing, and everything else is just a delightful bonus. Think about a baby – you could never tell them they’re anything but a miracle. So why should we say any different to ourselves?

I’m hoping this is the last time imposter syndrome kicks my butt because my fire to shine is burning brighter than ever. Sure, shining like the sun might cast some shadows and bring on more hate, but it also spreads more light. And I’m here for it. The dark doesn’t change who I am or how I serve people. It only makes the light more precious.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Imagine having a crazy, eccentric auntie who believes in you unconditionally and constantly cheers you on – that’s me. Through various avenues, I bring this supportive energy to the world, serving those who need it most.

I got here by taking a non-traditional path. After earning a dance degree from Arizona State University, I danced professionally and even secured a gig as a professional cheerleader for the NBA. It was an exhilarating experience until I tore my ACL on the court in front of 25,000 people, abruptly ending my career. This pivotal moment shifted my focus to helping others with their health and well-being. I earned my health coach certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and completed my yoga teacher training at Liberate School of Yoga.

At heart, I’m a cheerleader and was born to be a crazy auntie. I infuse these traits into everything I do, from leading transformative retreats and integrating wellness at music festivals and corporations and performing with my band The Middle Ages that I started with my husband in our 40’s. My journey, though unconventional, has equipped me with a unique perspective and an unyielding passion for supporting and uplifting others. Whether through dance, wellness coaching, yoga, or comedic hip-hop, I’m here to inspire and cheer you on every step of the way.

Retreats for Renewal and Discovery

I lead transformative retreats around the globe, taking care of all the logistics so participants can unwind and rediscover themselves. Life is chaotic and people often lose touch with who they are. My retreats provide a space for them to reconnect, resulting in life-altering experiences for everyone involved. I host several themed retreats, including the PLAY! Retreat that will take place in the Dominican Republic this year, Wild Woman Retreats with Hayley Jane, and Songwriter Retreats with Ryan Montbleau.

Roots Rock Revival and Wellness Integration

Years ago, my friend Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band, Dead & Company, and Oteil & Friends) invited me to Roots Rock Revival, a camp near Woodstock, NY. Founded by Oteil, Luther Dickenson (North Mississippi Allstars), and the late Butch Trucks (Allman Brothers Band), its mission is to keep the music of the Allman Brothers and the Grateful Dead alive through classes, workshops, concerts, and jams. I saw a need for wellness at the camp and gradually introduced yoga, mindfulness, massage, sound healing, and reiki. Now, it’s one of the most popular areas at the camp.

Yoga and Mindfulness for All

I’ve taught yoga and led intention setting ceremonies at festivals like Jam Cruise, Hulaween, Gathering of the Vibes, and Grace Potter’s Grand Point North. My classes are inclusive, welcoming everyone with a body, and I especially love converting newbies to the joys of yoga. I serve on the board of directors for Accessible Festivals, a nonprofit making live music accessible for all, and Sangha Studio, which does the same for yoga. I also lead mindfulness sessions for corporations, making the practice accessible, fun, and inspiring.

Writing and Media Contributions

Writing is another passion of mine. I had a column in HuffPost for years and occasionally write for Relix Magazine. My work has been published in Surrender to the Flow and Elephant Journal, among others. I authored a book titled How to Rock Your Life: Maintain the Magic of Live Music in the Everyday Experience, blending my love for music and wellness.

Creative Ventures and Comedic Hip-Hop

I also make playful and accessible guided meditations, leveraging my ADHD as a superpower. In the musical realm, I’m part of a comedic hip-hop band called The Middle Ages with my husband. We’ve performed at Inclusion Festival, Nectars, Higher Ground, and Radio Bean, and even embarked on an 8-stop house concert tour from Atlanta to NYC, concluding with a recording session at Leesta Vall Studios in Brooklyn.

New Endeavors and Ongoing Passion Projects

Currently, I’m excited about our upcoming PLAY! Retreat in the Dominican Republic, as well as continuous efforts to expand our wellness integration at various music festivals and corporate settings. My work is all about making everyday life magical, playful, and fulfilling. I believe that play is the pathway to manifesting the life of your dreams, and I strive to live intentionally, making each day my bestie.

To help you on your journey, I’m offering a free guided meditation called Make Today Your Bestie, along with the option to purchase an accompanying e-book that teaches you my life altering morning routine, and visioning workshop that has changed the course of people’s lives. This meditation, e-book, and workshop are designed to help you embrace each day with joy, playfulness, and intention. It’s my way of sharing the tools and techniques that have transformed my life, helping you make every day your bestie too.

So whether you join me at a retreat, participate in a yoga session, or dive into my guided meditation, know that I’m here to cheer you on, support you, and help you shine your brightest. Let’s make every day a celebration of life, filled with laughter, love, and endless possibilities.

In all these endeavors, my goal remains steadfast: to inspire, support, and uplift those I serve, helping them rediscover their light and joy in the midst of life’s chaos.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

There are three biggies that have made all the difference for me: allowing myself to be playful and have fun, holding space for people to feel safe and be their real selves, and being a brave, bright light in a world that can sometimes seem filled with shadows.

Life is too short to take everything so seriously. I learned that the hard way after my dance career ended abruptly. Instead of wallowing in despair, I found joy in the simple, playful moments. Being playful isn’t just for kids – it’s a powerful way to connect with your inner self and the world around you. To embrace playfulness, I advise letting go of perfection and not worrying about looking silly. Embrace your quirks and imperfections; they make you uniquely you. Make time for play just like you would for work or chores. Dance, sing, paint, or just goof around – whatever makes your heart happy. Surround yourself with playful people, as their energy is contagious and can help you see the lighter side of life.

Creating an environment where people feel safe to be their real, authentic selves is magical. It’s like giving them a big, warm hug that says, “Hey, it’s okay to be you here.” This is something I strive to do in all my retreats and classes. When people feel safe, they can truly open up and grow. To hold space effectively, listen without judgment and be present. Let people share their stories and feelings without jumping in with advice or opinions. Show empathy by trying to understand their experiences from their perspective. A little empathy goes a long way in making people feel seen and heard. Encourage authenticity by being your true self, which will encourage others to do the same. Share your own stories and vulnerabilities to create a safe space for openness.

The world can be a tough place, filled with negativity and hate, but your light is needed now more than ever. Being brave enough to shine brightly, even in the face of darkness, can inspire others and bring about real change. To shine your light, stay true to your values and let them guide you, as your values are the foundation of your light. Practice self-care, because taking care of yourself is crucial – you can’t pour from an empty cup. Spread kindness through small acts that can have a huge impact. Be the light in someone’s day, and you’ll find that your own light grows even brighter.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

In my journey, I’ve discovered the immense power of play, authenticity, and shining bright in the face of negativity. These elements have transformed not only my life but the lives of those I’ve had the privilege to guide. Now, I’m eager to bring this transformative energy to the corporate world and live music events, both virtually and in person.

Imagine a workplace where employees start their day with a sense of calm and presence, feeling energized and ready to tackle their tasks with enthusiasm and clarity. This is where I come in. My mission is to hold space for individuals, allowing them to play more, be more present, and start their day in a way that sets them up for success.

I offer a range of services designed to boost productivity and overall well-being in the workplace. From engaging workshops and mindfulness sessions to organizing and hosting retreats that provide a much-needed break from the daily grind, I aim to create environments where employees feel valued and inspired. These experiences are crafted to help individuals reconnect with their true selves, fostering a culture of authenticity and joy. Additionally, I bring this same energy to live music events, where I can create spaces for intention-setting ceremonies, helping festival-goers and staff leave everything at the gates and fully immerse themselves in the experience.

One of my most cherished offerings is the intention-setting ceremony, similar to what I’ve done on Jam Cruise. These ceremonies help participants set positive intentions, ensuring they have the best, most impactful experience possible. The goal is for them to carry the magic home, feeling rejuvenated and inspired long after the event is over.

Furthermore, I believe in the power of regular connection. That’s why I offer monthly mindfulness sessions that help employees maintain their energy levels and productivity. These sessions are not just about relaxation – they’re about building habits that lead to sustained well-being and success.

If you’re looking to create a more vibrant, present, and productive workplace, or if you’re organizing a live music event and want to enhance the experience for everyone involved, I’d love to collaborate with you. Together, we can make each day a bit brighter, a bit more playful, and a lot more successful. Let’s transform the corporate world and live music scenes, one mindful moment at a time.

By bringing me into your organization or event, you’re investing in the well-being and productivity of your team or attendees. Let’s make work and events a place where everyone can thrive. Reach out to me, and let’s get started on this exciting journey together.

You can contact me at taraleigh@rockinglife.com

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.rockinglife.com http://www/middleagesband.com
• Instagram: http://www.intagram.com/rockinglife__ http://www.instagram.com/themiddleagesband_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockinglifetaraleigh

Image Credits

Kayla Gray Creations, Ripetide Photography