Guidestars & Code of Ethics
Guidestars
Compassion & Empathy
I believe that all people are valuable, whole, and deserving of love. I'm also aware that many aspects of our culture and society perpetuate oppression and violence while preventing people from healing. My committment is to meet people with an open heart and without judgement.
Justice, Equity, & Fairness
I continue to examine ways in which my conscious and unconcious biases, behaviors, and practices may uphold systems of oppression while seeking new practices to dismantle them.
Environmental Stewardship & Protection
I'm deeply committed to minimizing harm to our only home including reducing my footprint and supporting businesses and causes that care about the same.
Inter-dependence & Mutual Support
We are a network of communities that rely on one another to survive and thrive. I'm committed to lifting up others.
Openness to Change
I recognize that I don't know everything nor have access to all information. I'm committed to staying open to new ideas and perspectives even if they challenge my current understandings and beliefs.
Code of Ethics Inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh's Mindfulness Trainings
Aware of the suffering caused by improper conduct and taking advantage of power dynamics, I dedicate myself to cultivating the insight of interbeing and compassion and learning ways to protect my students and clients from physical and psychological harm. Acknowledging my limited scope of practice, I will not provide advice or instruction outside of my skillset.
Knowing that harmful actions arise from ignorance, attachments, intolerance, fear, greed, and dogmatism, I will cultivate non-attachment to views and am committed to continuing my education so that what I offer is safe and appropriate for my students and clients even if it means letting go of old methods and teachings.
Knowing that injuries, both physical and psychological, arise from unskillful hands-on adjustments, I will ask permission to use my hands and body to assist my yoga students in their expression of postures. I will honor the wishes of those who do not want to receive hands-on adjustments and will not try to change their mind for any reason.
Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning ways to protect the safety and integrity of my students and clients.
Aware of the suffering caused by social injustice and oppression, I am committed to understanding bias and privilege so that I can better provide an inclusive and safe environment in which to practice. I will treat everyone with respect and loving kindness regardless of race, age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, and political views.
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivating loving speech and compassionate listening to promote reconciliation and peace in myself and my community. I will honor my students’ and clients' experiences and put their concerns ahead of my own agenda. I will speak out truthfully and compassionately against injustice in my community. I will not engage in gossip nor intentionally use my words to cause division and discord.
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation and stealing, I am committed to professional and ethical business practices including delivering on my promises to my students, clients, and business partners, responding to concerns promptly, using mindful and compassionate speech, and not presenting others’ ideas and methods as my own.