When Wendy and I found this space and signed our lease (a compelling act of faith), this spot had not been previously leased and was nothing more than concrete floors and plain sheetrock walls.

There was something special about this spot. We had been looking at various locations throughout the area since the fall of 2005. We kept coming back to this spot -- early evening, just before sunset, early morning... there was just something right about the feel of this spot.

Wendy and I agreed that it was important for us to do the entire project. It was important to us that this space feel special... safe, clean... if not sacred. We wanted students to feel a sense of warmth, security, peace and calm. We hoped that our energy and shared love would create this feeling. When you spend two and a half weekends just installing floating-flooring, you become quite aware that this energy is real. We hoped that the intent of our purpose in opening the studio would be conveyed through this energy into every aspect of Simple Abundance Yoga.

The entire project tooks us just over 8 weeks. This meant weekends from early in the morning to often past midnight. This included virtually every evening during the week after work -- we found it impossible to get to bed before midnight through these two months. We occassionally talked about taking a day or evening off -- but when we looked at each other and asked what the other wanted to do... we both smiled and said "the studio". This coming from two people who generally like to spend their summers in the garden, hiking, camping, or just enjoying our porch in the evening.

Every step of the way we thought about how this studio was going to benefit everyone in the community. We wanted to reach those people who might not typically even consider yoga or who might be a bit uncomfortable with walking into a yoga studio. We knew that this would be a place of healing, comfort, and joy to so many and we were anxious for that day that we could put the "Opening August 21st" sign in the window.

This has been one of the most amazing experiences for both of us. It was an incredible bonding experience for both of us -- the sense of working together to accomplish something for the good of the community.

We feel so very blessed to be able to have the opportunity to share this space with anyone looking for health and happiness in their lives!
Lamont & Wendy Gilliland

9 Months Into Bliss...  by wendy