A yoga studio can be a place where you come, take a class and leave. Or it can be a community. Cicely Blain, writing for Yoga International, suggests how to build safe and accessible yoga communities.
Pricing
- By-donation classes, so people pay what they can.
- Reasonable prices and work-exchange options.
- Free mats for anyone who needs one.
Respect and safety
A clear framework of respect lets teachers address inappropriate behaviour. Listen to diverse voices, with humility and openness to change.
Representation
Room for every identity, every body and every background.
Accessibility
Modifications for every pose, small groups, your own pace and flexible times. A trauma-informed approach supports people living with anxiety, depression or PTSD.
Community
Prioritise connection over “drop in and leave”. A cup of tea after class, a conversation, a small group that meets again. And talk about yoga’s history and social context too.
That is what we want Omshanti to be: a place to practise and a place to meet.
Source: Yoga International – How do we build safe and accessible yoga communities?.
