I opened Laughing Buddha Yoga 8 years ago with the intention to create a community and share this amazing practice of yoga. I have put countless hours and effort into creating the space to which many of us refer to as a place to come home. The walls smell of incense. They have footprints all over them and have been brushed by a thousand hands. Laughs and tears have filled the room. I had a vision--to create a space where all bodies are welcome, where all humans could come together and pause. I never wanted to teach or operate a studio for numbers, for fitness, or as entrepreneurship. I had an idea about personal transformation, integrity, and authenticity.
The reality of getting enough bodies into the space proved to be a hardship since day one. Taking part-time jobs to support myself has caused underlying stress. The studio has been struggling to keep its doors open for some time. I’ve tried my best to keep it afloat for as long as I could. However, in recent months, it’s become increasingly apparent that I cannot go on in the way that I have been. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I am writing this letter. After speaking with a finical advisor due to the Coronavirus, I have decided to close Laughing Buddha permanently.
I have not been alone in this endeavor, and it would not have been possible without an incredible group of teachers, my mother, father, Suzanne, Stephanie, Steve and friends who have believed in the vision and gave their time and energy to make that vision a reality. The practice of yoga teaches us so much. It teaches us how to let go, how to recognize that everything is temporary and it encourages us not to struggle. It is, and has always been, my hope that you will take the practice with you everywhere you go and perhaps a bit of what you found at LBY too. I am sad to close the doors to a room where people gathered, where they related to their breath, their bodies, to themselves and to each other. However at this time there is no other option.
I have discussed this with the wonderful teaching team and I have listed links to continue practicing with a few of them below. They will update you when we get back to some normalcy as to where they will continue teaching.
If you are interested in purchasing studio equipment like straps, bolsters, blankets, salt lamps, anything that isn’t nailed down, or you have any questions you can email me at [email protected]. The proceeds will go to rent, outstanding debts and refunds if possible. People who have class packages, I will be working with another yoga studio in hopes they will accept some of or all of the leftover packages. If you had purchased a yearly membership, I will contact you personally to work out a payment option.
It has been a privilege to be with you the last 8 years and I want to thank each of you that have stepped on their mats at LBYoga.
“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
With all my love,
Dusty
Robin - https://www.robinafinowich.com
Jenna - http://www.jennapaigehealing.com
Stephanie - [email protected]