About a week ago Suban Nur Cooley from Capital Gains DM’d me on Twitter about writing an article Capital Gains about Just B. I was stoked. Lansing Area Capital Gains is an online magazine and web site showcasing the growth and investments transforming the Lansing region. 
The article came out yesterday: Just B Yoga offering community classes in 650 sq ft REO Town space
I’m happy to be part of the buzz of REO Town lately. It’s nice to be in the latest spot that’s getting attention in Lansing. But I want to clarify a few things.
I didn’t plan this. This space came to me quite by accident or fate or however you want to see it.
I also would have been just as happy to have come into space that was in south Lansing or far north Lansing or the west side. If Just B had the means I’d have satellites all over this city rather than in any one specific location. I think all our neighborhoods have good stories to tell, and they all have needs. I don’t think any one area of the city is more or less deserving of attention, investment…hope.
Just B Yoga is committed to bringing healing arts to the under-served in Lansing with a focus on balance, responsibility and sustainability.
I also don’t know how much Just B is an investment or business boost to REO. Just B is a donation-based, community-centered studio. We cover our expenses and teachers take a nominal pay for their travel mostly. Just B – Belinda – personally takes no pay.
What didn’t make it in the article is I have a full-time job at the Lansing State Journal as the digital news director. My pay from the LSJ and other yoga studios around town subsidize Just B. The owner of the building where the studio is based is also being generous in his leasing terms. I’ve been motivated for years to step out of the shadows of journalism to actually be a part of action in the community beyond single fundraising events on a weekend. To really be among the wheels that turn things around.
So that’s the whole story. I’m grateful for the article in Capital Gains and hope it encourages the community to practice yoga and tai chi. I love REO Town. I love Old Town, where I’ve lived for six years. Mostly, I love all of Lansing.
A business boost to the region? I don’t know.
A boost to community? I hope so.
Namaste.