“Action expresses priorities.” ~ Gandhi
I spent a good part of the weekend looking into spaces to rent for my regular yoga classes starting in March. It’s my biggest priority in getting these classes set up – without the right space, there’s no class. I found some that were perfect and too expensive, and others that were priced right but didn’t feel like the right space. A few times this weekend, I got scared. I could feel that tiny painful twinge in my stomach. I hesitated. “Am I really going to do this?” I asked myself.
And then I got an amazing email from a yoga studio in a good location that’s interested in helping me grow the business rather than just renting me space. They found a lot of common ground with me by reviewing my website. I’m hoping to see the space this week. The reviews on-line are glowing. The space is reportedly beautiful and tranquil, and the community is happy and welcoming. By all accounts, it sounds like a hand and glove fit for me. The only thing to do now is to see it with my own eyes and see if I personally feel good in the space.
The act of searching high and low for just the right location feels like a spiritual journey as well as a practical one. It’s a quest to find just the right combination of elements that will foster creativity, awareness, and above all, peace. This is a special part of my life. My students are special and dear to me. I want what’s best for them, and that means finding a space where they practice that helps them feel healthy and whole. If I just focus on that intent, my fear melts and I can take action with great confidence. I’ll keep looking and the right space will come along.
The image above is not my own. It can be found here.
Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
“Action expresses priorities.” ~ Gandhi 
Christa Avampato 
As a bit of encouragement — all new beginnings are scary, no matter what our age or previous experience. Your inner self will know what’s right and safe for you and your students — wish I was close enough to be one of them – they are so lucky!!!
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Christa,
I think the discovery of meditation has been one of the highlights of my life and I am glad to know I have met several kindred spirits along the way.
Your yoga sessions, I know, are a special part of your life and those who can learn from your wisdom have so much to gain.
Yoga can teach about uniting as one: the peace and harmony we all badly need in a world torn by conflict and worse. Cheers.
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I always find that my yoga brings me peace and helps me bring that same peace to others.
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