Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Hurter.
Erin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began teaching yoga classes because I wanted to share something of value with the community. After a couple of years of working a couple of hours a week at a private yoga studio, I wanted to reach a larger audience. When COVID hit and classes began to dwindle, I had the idea to take yoga out to a waterfront park and see if I could help people get through the challenges of the pandemic. I wanted people to know that–while they couldn’t control what was happening–they could certainly control their reaction to it. The response was good at first–but due to social media and word of mouth, the classes began to snowball. We now average of 75 people per class on Tuesday nights at Bayfront Park in Downtown Sarasota. It’s so gratifying seeing all the people arriving from different directions and from all walks of life. I’ve had people tell me they’ve never done yoga before and know it’s the highlight of their week! The City of Sarasota reached out, asking me if I’d lead a second class each week. The same thing happened there. We get a huge turn-out each Saturday morning on the lawn behind the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I can recall the first couple of weeks. We had some people sleeping in the field where I intended to hold class. When they woke up, I asked them if they wanted to try yoga. I think they appreciated somebody offering to include them in something. I’ve come to recognize several homeless people–and I joke with them each week about joining us. They never do, but I think they appreciate being asked. We also had some cold weather over Christmas with temperatures in the 40s at class time. Everyone thought I should postpone, but I was concerned about the people who may be alone during the holidays. I didn’t want to think there was somebody out there who was looking forward to getting out of their homes, at least for a couple of hours and being around other people. On our coldest morning, we still had 24 people show up!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I sell affordable homes for a new company in Florida called “Century Complete.’ They are a division of a national company, “Century Communities.” I enjoy giving people the opportunity to get into their first homes after years of renting. I find value in being of service to others.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Everyone wanted to get past 2020. However, each day is still a gift, and it needs to be celebrated. And again, even though we can’t control what’s happening in our lives, we can control our reaction to it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: yogabythebaywitherin
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/yogabythebaywitherin
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