What a strange month it's been. I was called to jury duty for the 4 weeks of october 24 - november 18th, TODAY! Although I am all for doing my civic duty, it really puts a damper on doing business. They don't let you know if you will be called until the day before. So, every day you call and see if they will need you the following day. You really can't plan or schedule anything, in case you get called! I thought, oh well, I'll just take a month off of work.
Day two of jury duty, walking my dog thru downtown and I see a 'For Rent' sign in the old Farmstead Bike space. I had looked into the space originally when i heard they'd be moving into a larger space a few blocks down and adding a cafe, but at the time the owners wanted to hold onto the space. I immediately called Brianna & Greg. Then I called the crazy yogis you see in these pictures to see if they would be on board to teach in this new studio. They were! By the end of the next week the lease was signed, legal stuff was in place and I announced to the community what the plans were. Everyone has been so excited, so helpful, so on board in every respect. All challenges that have come up have been solved by individual people presenting their skills and lending a hand. Literally. Northfield really needs a dedicated space to do yoga and that message was resoundingly clear.
Yesterday 5 boxes of brand new bolsters arrived. Then blocks and straps and the yoga gifts of richness just keep coming. John Mitchell was available to install the barre today on one wall (in an odd flute we had two days of cold weather so he wasn't able to work on the job he was currently doing outdoors). I was perusing the art store for paper lanterns and got into a conversation with the owner April who offered to 'tidy up' my logo & convert it into a useable format as a trade for yoga. Every person I run into has offered so many gifts of skill & time. Our GoFundMe is almost at its goal in just over 2 weeks.
Most of all I am thankful for this team of teachers. They are the absolute best yogi-full of fun, heart, compassion and knowledge. Anytime I've felt frustrated or challenged I take a minute and close my eyes and visualize them and their fabulous energy. This community is the best. Soon right down the street from a kitchen store, yarn store & book store there will be a full accessible yoga studio with a full schedule of classes everyday. After yoga, stroll down and get a coffee or tea at Littlejoy, and in the warmer months we can hang out and have yoga chats on the fabulous deck with a view of the namesake of the studio, the river.
Welcome one and all to River Flow Yoga. We will meet you where you are in life, in your practice on the mat and in hearts and minds. We can't wait to be your new yoga home.
I can't tell you how excited I am to read this news from Boulder, CO, where I have been wondering -- seriously scheming -- how the heck I might open yoga space in my basement because I am so craving/missing in-person yoga in my life. And now I don't have to! I am thrilled, and can't wait to come visit when I am back in town. Thank you, Shawnee -- and all your teachers -- for making this move for us! Whoo hoo!
This is soooo fantastic!!! I am so grateful. Looking forward to reconnecting in so many ways: with yoga, myself, the amazing teachers, and this fabulous community in person. Shawnee, thank you for your inspiration and opening up the doors!
Best story ever Shawnee!
What a wonderful story!! I’m excited to see how it continues to flow. Many blessings and gratitude for you Shawnee and all the other co-conspirators in this collaboration.