What does alignment mean? It means there is a deeply integrated reason when and why you are doing a pose that generates a great impact on your physical and energetic body. A thoughtful and educated relationship with the body promotes a student to start experiencing the freedom that is felt when applying the optimal amount of boundary and discipline, like a parent to a child.

At the most basic level,  a yoga practice is a physical practice. Just like an athlete in the weight room knows to track a safe depth when squatting, you must apply discipline while practicing yoga. We focus on helping students learn principle, rather than just posture. Students find alignment in their bodies so that they can build the foundation of a life-long practice.

The practice of yoga is about aligning not only your physical body in yoga, but aligning action outside of class with a higher ideal. Just like we have to practice yoga to master our physical form, we must also practice the art of focusing the mind and directing action rightly toward greater self-transformation.

Alignment helps strengthen the already existing relationship between our body and the mind as well as keeping us safe within the practice of yoga. When we place our bodies into any pose, even the smallest shift in thought can greatly enhance our physical experience.

An aligned practice provides a self-reflective space where one can see how each pose is similar to an experience or relationship they have off the mat. In practice, we strive to refine our actions and reactions in poses. In life, we use our gained perspective and skill to approach similar experiences and relationships with a deeper level of understanding and intimacy.

Integrity upholds Alignment. It is imperative for the direction and commitment to the whole, not just the individual, though the individual is always taken care of within the whole (Karma Yoga). Integrity is the opposite of insincerity and we strive to be transparent, but confidential. We respect each other’s limitations and boundaries. Integrity eliminates drama and insecurity.

Community is created as a result of Alignment and Integrity. We strive to create a sense of inclusion and feelings of home. Without alignment of an ideal that serves more than self, there is no integrity, no community and no support.

We feel the call of action to be of service. When done with the right attitude, this service becomes energizing.

We seek out opportunities to diversify the demographics of students who practice, train, and teach at Citizen. We continue to challenge our blindspots and make physical and mental health more accessible and approachable to everyone.