Community agreements are the foundation of trust and safety in all our courses and programs at the Life of Wellness Institute. Creating a safe and positive group environment is not the responsibility of the facilitator alone. Each community member plays a critical role in this process. Every person’s intentions and actions impact the group. Together, our thoughts and actions create the shared space.

We invite all students and participants to commit to the following community agreements. These community agreements help us co-create a space for healing, connection, and growth for you and your peers. This is our starting point. If you wish to give feedback or request additional agreements, please contact our Founder.

CONFIDENTIALITY

We affirm each person’s right to privacy. We agree to keep all information shared in the group confidential. This includes names and personal information (e.g., email, phone number, location), as well as anything another group member shares about themselves or others. When in doubt, we agree to ask and obtain permission from the person who shared the information. If we are concerned that another person is in danger, we agree to speak privately with the lead teacher, who will determine the appropriate course of action.

AGENCY

We affirm each person’s right to direct their own life and class experience. Everything offered in our training is optional, and we respect others’ right to make their own choices. We understand that we have the right to opt out of any activity or discussion, and we do not pressure or ask other group members to share or participate in activities they don’t wish to. We honor each person’s innate capacity to choose and act in their best interest.

DIGNITY

We affirm each person’s worth and value. We agree to treat everyone in the group with kindness and respect. This means we speak and act with kindness, integrity, curiosity, and understanding. We do not engage in violence, deception, or manipulation. We consider how our speech and actions may be received by others and work to communicate clearly and without harm. If harm occurs, we acknowledge it directly and seek resolution. In the case of conflict, we speak with the person directly rather than discussing it with others. In the case of abuse, please speak directly to your program lead teacher to report the issue and seek a solution.

DIVERSITY

We affirm, respect, and honor each person’s diverse experience and expression. We do not engage in discriminatory speech or behavior based on race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, (dis)ability, or any other aspect of a person’s experience or identity. We actively work to understand our own biases and assumptions, recognizing that even with the best intentions, harm can still occur. When harm is brought to our attention, we strive to understand it, make amends when appropriate, and deepen our understanding of our fellow group members’ experiences, identities, and expressions.

SOBER STATE

We affirm our responsibility to engage in the group in a sober state of mind and acknowledge the impact our presence has on others, as well as the sensitivity of the topics at hand. Awareness, care, and conscious participation are essential. We agree not to participate in the course while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, illicit drugs, or any substances that may impair our judgment or interfere with our ability to be fully present with others. This includes legally prescribed pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., opiates or sedatives) that may affect our capacity to make sound judgment and access all our mental faculties.

SAFETY AND STABILITY

We affirm our responsibility to care for our mental health and recognize the limitations of this organization’s work. Specifically, it is not equipped to support or treat severe mental health challenges (e.g., psychosis, suicidality, self-harm). Yoga, group discussions, and psychoeducation activities may sometimes be more destabilizing than supportive when experiencing these challenges. If such experiences arise, we commit to honoring and caring for ourselves.

There is no shame in feeling suicidal, disconnected from reality, or self-destructive. These experiences are valid and more common than most people believe. However, we acknowledge that these experiences require great care and attention. Accessing the right resources at the right time can make all the difference.

In practice, this means being honest if these experiences arise, considering the impact they may have on our participation in the group, and seeking appropriate professional treatment. We will make every effort to be honest with our facilitator, who may refer us to quality mental health care. We understand that taking a temporary break from the group may be the best course of action, and we honor ourselves and our fellow group members enough to make that choice. We trust the community will hold us, and we can return when it is more supportive to our experience.

ATTENDANCE

We affirm our commitment to regular attendance, recognizing that our absence in sessions impacts both ourselves and others. A positive group dynamic emerges from relationships, which depend on trust, and trust is built through consistency and presence. We make every effort to attend all sessions in their entirety unless extenuating circumstances prevent us from being present. If we are unable to attend a session, we will notify the lead teacher in advance.

PRESENCE AND ATTENTION

We affirm our responsibility to be fully present in sessions, recognizing that our attention is a gift we offer to fellow group members. Phone calls, text messages, and outside distractions can erode the group dynamic, so we commit to engaging in sessions without interruptions. Electronic devices will only be used if absolutely necessary. In such cases, we agree to inform the facilitator ahead of time and will refrain from texting, speaking on the phone, or engaging in outside conversations during the sessions.

If you have any questions about our community agreements, please speak with Melanie or contact us.