COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS

This principle encourages compassion and kindness in our physical, verbal, and mental actions. 

We acknowledge that our words and actions have an impact and will be mindful of both. 

• We have a zero-tolerance policy for racism, hate speech, and/or bullying. 
• We recognize our LGBTQIA+ community and will be mindful of using folks’ correct pronouns. 
• We practice body neutrality and will be mindful of commenting on our own and others’ bodies, keeping in mind that we can’t “see” health.
• Before engaging in any physical touch, we will ask for consent 

Satya emphasizes honesty in both speech and actions.

Silence isn’t neutral. We will make it our collective responsibility to speak up when we witness or experience harm in our community. We use “ouch” and “oops” – if something lands wrong, say “ouch”. If you’re the one who said it, say oops – own it, and do better next time. 

None of us gets it right every time. Santosha isn’t about being happy with everything – it’s about not letting the pursuit of perfection get in the way of doing good. If you mess up, you don’t need to perform your remorse. Acknowledge it, make it right, and learn. We’re more interested in what you do next than how bad you feel about it.

Asteya promotes the idea of non-stealing, not only in terms of material possessions but also in terms of sharing space with others and being mindful of stealing others’ time and energy.

We will acknowledge that this is a shared space. We will be respectful of others’ time by being on time for class, entering the room quietly and respectfully when we are not, and making room for people as they come in.

Saucha is about how we care for a shared space. 

• Phones on silent in the cubbies/lockers
• Be mindful of strong scents, including body odor – we’re all in close quarters
• Clean up after yourself – props wiped down, trash thrown out
• Keep clothing appropriate – ensure private areas are covered
• Kids and pets stay home unless it’s a registered service animal.

This principle encourages self-study and continuous learning. We will acknowledge that we all come into this space with different privileges and continue to learn to recognize our own. We will strive to respond as opposed to react and continue to check in with ourselves on and off the mat. 

Finally, Ishvara Pranidhana asks us to acknowledge that there is a force greater than ourselves. Being part of a community means trusting something bigger than your own preferences. That means adapting when things change, and remembering that what’s best for the whole won’t always be what’s best for you individually. That’s not a flaw in the system – that’s how community works.