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About Zia Yoga
Who are we?
Zia Yoga & Wellness is an inclusive community that honors and embodies all aspects of the spiritual and transformational wellness practices of Yoga and Ayurveda.
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Who do we serve?
Our community is made up of beginners, experienced students, and every body in between. Our students come to melt away stress, overcome exhaustion and reclaim joy in their bodies.
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What do we do?
We guide our students to reclaim their health and happiness through ancient wisdom and self-care. Through our work, we empower our students to help us in making waves in the wellness industry by challenging norms, disrupting systems, and mobilizing people to be in action to create transformative social change.
Be present.
Be kind.
Practice bring fully present to your body and everyone in our space. Listen with compassion for your self and for others. We invite you to hold brave space for yourself and others. Adhere to ahimsa - the yogic practice of doing no harm. Bullying, talking down to others, harassment, and hate speech will not be tolerated.
Trust your needs.
We have no idea how something feels in your body. Be mindful of physical sensations and navigate your edge with curiosity. Distinguish discomfort from feeling unsafe. Let your teacher know if something feels painful or weird. Advocate for what you need and remember, you are your best teacher.
Honor the ancient wisdom and traditions of yoga.
We study and approach the Hindu traditions and historical roots of the disciplines of Yoga and Ayurveda with great humility, respect, and reverence. Yoga is not just exercise it is a spiritual path. Neglecting the origins of this practice is cultural appropriation.
No competition.
No shame.
Your ability to do a pose doesn't make you more or less of a yoga practitioner. Shame is not part of yoga. Asana is only one of the many tools that yoga shares with us. You don't need to be flexible, strong, skinny, or anything else to practice yoga. Yoga is a spiritual practice of liberation and connection with our innate wholeness.
Community Agreements
These agreements outline how we commit to being in community with each other. They will be expanded and updated as we continue to learn and grow.
"Zia" (pronounced zee-ah) is an ancient word meaning light and splendor.
We acknowledge the light and wisdom within you and all living things.
Antiracism & Anti-Oppression
We are committed to doing our part to dismantle racism and oppression in the wellness world. For too long, wellness has been restricted to thin people with light skin. We are working to change this through: antiracism and anti-oppression education for staff, actively seeking out BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients and vendors, building an inclusive atmosphere, and supporting antiracist and anti-oppression causes financially. We know we won’t do it perfectly, but we are committed to this work. If you have questions or feedback - our door is always open.
Land Acknowledgement
We gather at Zia Yoga & Wellness on the land of the Lenni-Lenape peoples past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it through generations and call us to continue to learn how to steward the land we inhabit as well.
Community Values
Integrity
Wisdom
Empowerment
A person or business of integrity does not claim to be perfect. Instead, they are quick to acknowledge their own mistakes and faults. Our sincerity comes from a pure motivation to do what is right even when it might be inconvenient. We make decisions based on our impact on the world and on each other.
Our approach to wellness is based on the ancient philosophies of Yoga and Ayurveda that believe self-awareness is the essence and foundation of good health.
We believe empowerment is simple. It comes down to having the freedom and right to choose. It is having options in life. You can choose to go down one path or another. You are in charge of you. Here at Zia, we lead in a way that encourages you to advocate for yourself; to reach inside your soul and find your inner strength.