Over the past three years I’ve allowed my mind to visualize a website that fosters connection in Boulder. It started as Yoga in Boulder because I wanted to bring yoga studios, yoga teachers and yoga students closer together. There are more than 50 places that offer yoga in this city and thousands of students who could benefit from more connectivity. Thus, Yoga in Boulder is more than just yoga classes, it’s about sharing our connection and bringing the community together.
This short summary of our journey, challenges and victories is a snapshot of where the project is right now and where we are going. This serves to educate the public about the functions of this website, and to attract new contributors looking to Share Their Connection.
The Journey
First time I thought about something like this was during a massage. It was one of my first times receiving a massage, and this time I had three people working on me, at the same time. The vision that came to me was somewhat of a directory, where people could meet and trade. It’s odd how I still remember that massage session so vividly, I recall tears of joy.
A year later I moved to Boulder and got a couple free passes to try the Yoga Loft in South Boulder. I bought their 30 days for $30 and went to class with every-single-teacher. I wrote a review of each class and posted it on this website. Some of the posts gained traction but most of them went unnoticed. At the time the project was in it’s infancy, showing little more than a blog. Today, it is a multi-dimensional hub for connection and well-being. I’ve grinded most of the basic moral and technological challenges and set up multiple systems to generate content, value and harmony.
The current phase of the project involves creating and sharing content, spreading the word about the website and receiving feedback. Within a few months we’ll be adding members to our team, compounding our minds together and expanding our network. We’ll be seeking to partner with other studios and organizations, find teacher ambassadors and sponsors who want to invest in this project.
The Challenges
The biggest challenge was to create a clear vision for this website and to ensure the most ethical and integral process for it’s development and use. I wanted to ensure that this was a win-win situation for all parties involved, and that it would be as inclusive as possible, focusing on the positive and remembering the light inside of all.
When I began writing reviews, I struggled with sharing my truth. I knew it was imperative to give my authentic view, and speak up when I didn’t like something. But in time I realized that created tension with the teachers. Instead, I decided to focus on the positive, and keep my complaints and dislikes separate for me to evaluate. I can always write a different post about my preferences in yoga classes, and I can always talk to the teacher in private if there is something I find important to share with them directly. This is one example of many moral developments I had to go through. Of course I will never be done maturing and gaining insight into better ways of thinking, speaking and taking action.
The other major challenge was building the website. Yoga in Boulder is the second website I ever built, and the first one using WordPress (before that I used Wix to build www.brunotreves.com). The first iteration was mostly a blog that reached close to 100 posts before it was completely deleted 6 months ago. This second version is endlessly smoother, more functional, looks nicer and feels really good. Most systems run smoothly, and are set up for ease of use. It will be awesome to get some expert opinion on it and receive some support.
Right now our focus is on creating content, clearing any bugs on the website and getting ready to receive support from new team members. It is likely that we’ll be inviting some students from CU Boulder to get involved in our Internship Program.
Victories
The first victory is being alive and having the desire to serve and be of purpose. The blessings of being healthy and having the time to work on a project of this magnitude. The second victory is the support from family and friends, and the trust in the inspiration that comes from within. The third victory is getting up, grabbing the computer and working on our passion, without much concern for the future or the past, letting it flow, and remembering the breath.
About Bruno Treves
Bruno Treves has been practicing and sharing yoga since 2013, he is also the person writing this post. He enjoys talking about himself in third person, to create separation between the object and the observer.
May all beings be happy and free.
About the Author
Bruno Treves helps people get out of pain, feel better and improve their lives.
Bruno’s approach focuses on alternative medicine and natural healing methods.
View all of Bruno’s posts here.