Our Vision

Principles of Unity

CHY’s Principles of Unity (similar to core beliefs) are based on two foundational components: (1) providing the physical space for us to come together and practice and (2) fostering a community (kula) within our studio that will also extend outside into the greater community.

Physical space – It is our intention at CHY to create a safe, compassionate and empowering environment for our practice. Our space at 641 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC will provide a beautiful studio renovated specifically for our purpose of practicing together. We each take responsibility for this space to keep it clean, organized, and welcoming. We strive for a “green” studio so that we minimize negative impacts on the environment. The physical space represents the home of the kula.

Kula – The kula (defined as the community of the heart) is the essence of who we are as a community – we come together to inspire, motivate, nurture and empower each other. The kula not only represents our community in the studio, but also our part of Eastern Market, Capitol Hill, Washington DC, the US and the global community.

Using these foundational principles, CHY seeks to empower students to recognize their own inherent goodness and allow those qualities that are present in all of us to manifest more fully both on and off the mat.

Growth – We will encourage growth in ourselves and each other as we:

• Assume Responsibility for ourselves and our place in the kula
• Open to Grace and exhibit that quality within us
• Find Balance on the mat and in our lives
• Tap into our innate Joy and share it with each other
• Seek to Empower rather than criticize ourselves or others
• Create Wealth that supports our growing kula
• Maintain Quality in the teaching and the practice
• Foster Integrity and Honesty
• Deepen our Commitment to this practice

At CHY we will encourage growth of these qualities through our teachers to our students with as much enthusiasm as possible and expect that students will give back to the kula via their own unique offerings. It is truly a give and take relationship – a constant pulsation in and out that can always offer new growth.

Inspiration

Welcome to the inspiration of our CHY kula.  The image is representative of the goddess Parvati, the Divine Mother who is the embodiment of the universe's energy.  She welcomes us to connect, to breathe with full awareness, to practice with love and light, and most of all to just be.