Gratitude is the music of the heart, when its chords are swept by the breeze of kindness. ~Author Unknown
When the doors of Lila East End Yoga opened two years ago, I stepped into a space which we all encounter at one time (or many) in our lives, a space that is full of uncertainty, risk, fear, coupled with excitement, dreams, and vision. Leaving a great job and career, and embracing the risk of starting something I had never done before, feels now like the greatest leap thus far in my life. Though the transition came with fear, unknowing, and questioning, I had faith and trust that it was the right direction for me, my family, and the community at large.
In a recent conversation I had with a dear friend, it became very clear that this leap was providing my life with abundant joy. During this conversation we caught up about life, relationships, weather, careers, and answering that go to question “how are things going”. Near the end of our conversation in her sweet and caring voice, she said she was so inspired by my life, my willingness to step into my dreams and to go for what it is I really want to have in my life. My usual reaction to this sort of feedback is to push it away, negate it in some form, or just simply change the subject. Instead, I paused and began reflecting on the honest picture I had just painted her of my life. I have a beautiful family that fills me with joy daily (as well as challenges that keeps me on my toes and living my practice), a career that aligns with my passions and asks me to evolve and grow, a home that provides shelter and refuge, and a community that supports me. My honest response to her was, “I am incredibly grateful.”
When reflecting on 2 years of Lila being in business, gratitude is what continues to rise above all else. The more I reflect, the more people, things, and circumstances I want to thank and share gratitude.
The teachers at Lila, who also happen to be my friends, make this studio flow. They are some of the sweetest, most caring, talented, and inspiring individuals I know. We are so lucky to have Allison, Brett, David, Elizabeth, Jen, Jessie, Kristy, Maxeen, Shannon, and Tisha sharing their teachings and ideas with us at Lila.
The students create our community. Get to know your neighbors on your mat! They are musicians, doctors, mothers, fathers, artists, lawyers, caregivers, gardeners, farmers, writers, dreamers, coaches, and much more. We have such an incredible group of folks joining to practice as community. As Philosopher Douglass Brooks says, “You are the company you keep, so keep great company.” This is an easy task at Lila. Thank you for sharing your practice with us.
The space is quintessential Portland, Maine. Tucked at the bottom on Munjoy Hill, the nooks, crannies, wood, brick, and tight space has grown on me. The space has become a refuge and sacred space. It literally holds calming, restoring, and uplifting energy. Thank you to Alice for renting this space. Thanks to my husband (Saer) for his continual handiwork to keep the space looking and flowing well. Thanks again to the start up construction crew to get this rolling – Colin, Joe, and Saer. A big heartfelt thank you to Kathleen Swinborne for planting this seed in my brain as well as fielding countless questions about running and owning a business, thanks for your trust and belief that I could do it, and your willingness to share.
My family, my health, my breath, all provide tremendous support, love, and trust.
The list of gratitude continues to grow, and with it, the business will continue to grow. I look forward to growing together in community. Join us the first weekend in June, for a full weekend of special events: meditation, yoga, movies, more yoga, music and more. Click here to find out more.
With deep gratitude and appreciation to you all,
Genell Vashro Huston
Lila East End Yoga, Studio Owner
“When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears.”
– Tony Robbins[rivasliderpro id=”1″][rivasliderpro id=”1″]
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