At Grand Canyon Yoga, we believe true inclusivity encourages autonomy. Autonomy can be cultivated through the use of trauma sensitive principles (learn more about these in my blog post). We strive to cultivate an environment where people from all different walks of life feel seen, cared for and valued; no matter their race, gender, religion, political ideology, body size/shape, or abilities. Here are some practical steps we take to implement this core value:

• We focus more on building inner awareness, holding space for the whole person (mental, emotional, physical, and if they so choose, spiritual). For the sake of agency, we do not talk about or implement practices that belong to any one religion in our standard community classes, but stick to principles that are common threads and values throughout, such as innate worthiness of dignity, kindness, love, taking up space and having needs met.

• NO POLITICS: we keep our political views to ourselves, and instead, focus on treating each individual with dignity and kindness.

• CLEAR CLASS DESCRIPTIONS: We create detailed class descriptions so our practitioners know what to expect before they come to class, and can make informed decisions about which classes will best suit their needs.

• CHOICES: We offer a variety of class styles so that our community has CHOICES. They can pick the classes that best align with their needs. Current offerings can be found here: https://www.grandcanyonyoga.com/offerings

• IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAININGS THAT FOSTER INCLUSIVITY: Stephanie Washington is trained in Trauma Sensitive Yoga (more about this below), as well as Size Inclusive Yoga, and Yoga for Limited Mobility (including Chair Yoga, Water Yoga & Wheelchair Yoga). Her own journey with Chronic Lyme Disease has given her firsthand knowledge as well as empathy for instructing those with chronic pain, hyper mobility, chronic fatigue and muscle weakness.

This core value was born of out Stephanie's training in Trauma Sensitive Yoga. TRAUMA, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, is any disquieting or disturbing event. We believe everyone has experienced such an event, and could benefit from this type of practice. Trauma tends to have the following effects on individuals (though they may experience them to varying degrees):

• Loss of agency- trauma tends to make one feel as though they are no longer in control. The nervous system gets stuck in survival mode, causing them to be more reactive and less empowerd.

• Loss of awareness- this can be a loss of bodily sensation, or loss of awareness of how thoughts, emotions & physical sensations are connected and show up in the body. It can be a loss of awareness of emotions in general, resulting in a loss of awareness of individual needs (resulting in poor personal boundaries and loss of agency).

In Trauma Sensitive Yoga, we practice slowing down, grounding, and other guided practices to help build awareness, and encourage freedom of choice above all in every movement and pose. "The only requirement of your practice is your breath."

Lots of variations are given for poses, both in the yoga classes and fitness classes. We always start with the most accessible variation of a pose, then move through various options for more desired sensation. WE ALWAYS EMPHASIZE SENSATION, NOT SHAPE DUPLICATION (which can be very dangerous and cause injury). Reminders are given to notice sensation and and get in touch with thoughts and emotions to determine what choice in a posture (or opting out of a posture) best suits their needs. These variations will include cues for individuals with pain, hyper mobility, and larger bodies to move the flesh and safely find more ease and depth in any given posture.

This trauma-sensitive approach is also deeply aligned with our commitment to honoring the practice's roots. Just as we prioritize your agency and choice on the mat, we also prioritize a non-prescriptive, respectful, and non-appropriative approach to teaching. Our goal is to share this practice in a way that respects its history and empowers you, the student, to cultivate your own felt sense of safety and inner knowing.

Grand Canyon life is unique, and comes with its own set of challenges. There are limited opportunities and amenities available. We work hard to create an environment that fosters the growth of friendships and a sense of belonging, so that everyone who chooses to find a sense of community and experience a fuller life outside of work, has the opportunity here.