Community Standards

“There is nothing on earth more powerful than human beings in unison.”

All students are asked to honor the community standards of Second Circle. Those who cannot maintain these standards will be asked to seek their practice in a studio that meets their needs more fully.

Respect others

Second Circle is a place for all people, regardless of identity structure or background. When you’re here we ask you treat everyone, teachers and students, with dignity and respect.

Respect the space

No cell phones in the yoga room, please. We have absolute faith in your remarkable ability to be without your devices for the whole class. You can do it. We believe in you. (This goes for your fancy internet watch as well. No fair cheating.)

Likewise, please maintain respectful quiet once you enter the yoga room. This space is held for peaceful reflection and meditation after class is completed. If you have to say something, please keep it to a whisper.

Attend the Full Class

Second Circle is founded on a commitment to shared experience. Arriving late and/or leaving early can mess up the mojo. We ask that our students help maintain the shared energy of the space by attending the full class session beginning to end.

Stick around for Savasana.

Class Will Begin on Time

For the safety of our students’ belongings and to maintain the class dynamic, we will lock the doors at the start of class. We would really hate to lock you out so please make sure you give yourself ample time to get into the room. The studio doors open about 25 minutes before each session, please feel free to show up early to ensure your place.

Wear Appropriate Attire

Class is hot. We get it. You are going to sweat and you’d rather not have a bunch of layers on. Please make sure you’re wearing something appropriate for a shared, public activity. Cotton (especially white) is probably a bad idea. Skip the bathing suits, too.

Stay With the Class

For many students this practice - particularly in the Foundation Sequence - is more than simply a workout; it’s a shared activity. Stick with us. If you have specific needs or injury modifications, we are more than happy to accommodate you. We support the use of props and appropriate modifications for all students and welcome a dialogue regarding your individual needs.

do your best

You aren’t expected to be a flawless student or have magical mobility powers when you practice. You don’t have to prove anything, practice is not a test. Likewise, you’re not expected to torment yourself or push yourself past your limits or anything silly like that. Our practice simply asks you do what is available to you as an individual on any given day. Sometimes this means digging in and finding out what your best effort looks like. You might surprise yourself.

SECOND CIRCLE
TEACHING STANDARDS

At Second Circle we take pride in our teachers. Everyone on our schedule has trained together. We share a common philosophy and approach to teaching, we support each others’ development, we have margaritas at Veritas together. To be part of this crew is to be part of a family.

Everyone here teaches in accordance to our Teaching Standards. We want our students to know them, so you know what you’re getting into around here. They are:

OBSERVE THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

  1. Be impeccable with your word

  2. Don’t take anything personally

  3. Don’t make assumptions

  4. Do your best

MEET STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE

At Second Circle we pride ourselves on engaging human beings as they are, where they are. We know that everyone is doing what they can, in their own way. Our mission is to be cooperative and respectful of individuals while maintaining the shape and spirit of the practice for the group. Hands on assists are given only with consent. Students are never derided or shamed for their effort. All who abide by our Community Standards are welcome and celebrated for their participation.

KNOW THE ‘WHY’

Our teaching is meant to support a healthy yoga practice with long-term benefits for our students. Instruction is not a rote repetition of an ancient or traditional script, it is a conversation with and about human bodies. Therefore, human bodies - their design, function, and experience - are our guiding light.

Teachers at Second Circle are expected to fully understand their approach, the language they use, and the aim of the postures. We take on the task and responsibility of knowing why we say what we say. When we find our understanding is incomplete, it is our responsibility and mission to research our approach more fully and grow accordingly.

FOLLOW THE THREE PRINCIPLES OF ALIGNMENT

Second Circle approaches the practice of alignment from a specific perspective. We ground this perspective in three fundamental principles. 

  1. Experience Is Primary: The success or failure of any practice is determined not by a physical shape but by the experience of the student performing them.

  2. Every Body Is Different: We respect the fact that every human being is constructed uniquely. Everyone arrives with different structure, history, and movement patterns. There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. 

  3. Struggle Is Not A Method: Effort without intelligence is aimless and potentially injurious. “Try harder” is not by itself a constructive command. A well-organized practice imposes all necessary work by itself without demanding struggle from the student.

KEEP LEARNING

Though deeply rooted in ancient tradition, yoga is not a dead practice. It is growing and expanding every day. It evolves to meet the needs of the people it serves. 

Modern human beings in the Western world arrive with challenges that are unique to our time and place in history. Luckily for us, the fields of body work, philosophy, and healing are rich with opportunities for growth. There is so much we can learn to support our community, the possibilities are endless. Regardless of expertise or experience, Second Circle teachers are constant students of their craft.

HAVE FUN

Fundamentally, teaching yoga draws us all closer to the beauty and fullness of life. Joy and discipline are not mutually exclusive, in fact they deeply support each other. Teachers at Second Circle explore the balance of lighthearted engagement and hard work. 

By sharing the joyful nature of practice, we give others permission to do the same.