"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel" ~Maya Angelou This quote rings true for me right now. A dear friend and beautiful human, Erin Larsen, passed from this world on August 28, 2024 in a car accident. So many others all over the world are grieving her loss. Many tributes on FaceBook have been made and there is a common thread through all these posts. She was a bright light in the world. She made you feel special and loved. I cherish the time I had with her and the memories I share of her with friends. I've been reminiscing over photos, listening to her Spotify, soaking up her smile and remembering how she made my heart smile and still does. Life is beautiful and fragile. Let the people you care about know that you do whether a bright smile, a phone call, or a hug.

An amazing thing is transpiring since Erin's passing. Her legacy is living on. What started as a fundraising effort to help pay for a Celebration of Life has evolved into something much more meaningful. Erin's husband Landon Evans is keeping Erin’s dreams alive and cementing her legacy by building a Yoga Shala in her honor. The location of this Shala (Retreat Center) will be on their property in Fayetteville, WV.

Shala is a Sanskrit word meaning “home” or “school”. The Yoga Shala will be a gathering place for students of Yoga, Thai Bodywork, and Wellness. It will be a venue to practice, learn, share, experience, and grow. They will specifically focus on offering women’s retreats for women in need. This will also serve as a mechanism for local Yoga teachers and business owners to carry on the mission Erin started, which is to share the benefits of a healthy, adventure filled lifestyle, and take people to places they never imagined they could go.

Many have donated already and $20,000 has been raised. Out of this tragedy something larger and more impactful than Erin and Landon could have ever done on their own is being created. One hundred percent (100%) of all proceeds donated to this cause will go to the construction of the Yoga Shala. Their hope is to break ground in the spring of 2025, but they need a little help from the greater community. The first set of gentle steps in this process is to raise money, spread awareness, and collaborate on her honor.

I know most of you reading this have never met Erin or felt her direct impact on you. However, my experience with Erin as a friend, mentor, teacher, and human has made me better and allowed me to serve my community in a more open hearted way with love, humor, and respect of all humans. I invite you today to put aside $5-$10 to support keeping Erin's dream alive. Fayetteville, WV and the whole New River Gorge area is a mecca of beauty, outdoor adventure and yes yoga! Hope someday you can spend some time at Erin's Shala and experience her legacy of beauty and love.

If you are able to donate $10 or more, I will send you a free guided relaxation for sleep. Just email me a screenshot of your name and donation amount. The email is coach@aimeeshantilarue.com. Put Erin's dream" in the email title.

I still can't believe she's gone but I am grateful for my time with her and to be able to support her dream. You can make a donation at GOFUNDME for Erin Larsen.

Thank you!