Code of Ethics

Inspired by the teachings and example of my root teacher Baba Hari Dass (Babaji), my dedication at Anne Catherine Yoga LLC is deeply rooted in the core principles and practices of yoga. Through sadhana (spiritual practice), karma yoga (selfless service), and satsang (supportive community), I strive to cultivate a peaceful environment. This dedication is manifest in a code of ethics for my yoga teaching, reflecting the ancient wisdom of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, particularly through the yamas and niyamas—principles guiding actions to foster peace. This code underscores my unwavering commitment to ethical conduct and professionalism, echoing Babaji’s disciplined life.

Section 1: Statement of Purpose

At Anne Catherine Yoga LLC, I champion ethical standards that support peace and create a solid foundation for yoga practice. Understanding the profound nature of the student-teacher relationship, I am committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment where students can grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Section 2: Principles

I am dedicated to protecting my students and upholding the highest professional standards, committing to:

  1. Cultivate humility in teaching and dedicate my work to something greater than myself.

  2. Ensure inclusivity and provide professional help to everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or age.

  3. Maintain a healthy personal life and seek help for my own challenges.

  4. Foster collegial relationships to prevent loss of perspective and ensure ethical judgment.

  5. Engage in meaningful discussions about professional and ethical issues with trusted mentors.

  6. Uphold clear professional boundaries.

  7. Teach within the limits of my expertise.

  8. Continuously enrich my understanding of yoga through ongoing education and community involvement.

Section 3: Professional Practices

In my role as a yoga teacher, I adhere to practices that protect the public and enhance the profession:

  1. Use my knowledge and connections to benefit those I serve, avoiding personal gain.

  2. Establish clear and upfront financial arrangements from the beginning of professional relationships.

  3. Offer services to those in need, at times without financial expectation.

  4. Conduct my financial and business dealings with integrity.

  5. Accurately represent my qualifications and swiftly correct any inaccuracies.

  6. Treat colleagues and other professionals with respect and fairness.

  7. Honor the intellectual property of others and seek permission for its use.

  8. Respect the timeless teachings of yoga, clarifying personal adaptations.

Section 4: Student Relationships

I hold myself to the highest standards in maintaining professional relationships with my students:

  1. Provide consistent and reliable instruction, ensuring continuity of teaching.

  2. Communicate the benefits of yoga honestly.

  3. Respect the diverse beliefs of my students.

  4. Recognize the power dynamics in the student-teacher relationship, avoiding exploitation.

  5. Prohibit any form of harassment or exploitation within these relationships.

Section 5: Confidentiality

I protect the confidentiality and integrity of all individuals I interact with in my practice:

  1. Manage records with utmost security and confidentiality.

  2. Keep all student communications confidential, sharing only when absolutely necessary and with consent.

Section 6: Assistant, Student, and Employee Relationships

I ensure ethical and professional interactions with my assistants, students, and staff:

  1. Prevent exploitation or dependency in these relationships.

  2. Maintain professional boundaries to avoid personal and financial exploitation.

Section 7: Inter-professional Relationships

I engage respectfully with colleagues and maintain professional relationships across the teaching community:

  1. Avoid unethical behaviors such as soliciting another teacher's students or presenting another teacher's work as my own.

  2. Speak respectfully of other teachers and professionals, always acknowledging the sources of my learning and contributions from my educators.

Section 8: Advertising

My advertising efforts are conducted with transparency and integrity:

  1. Represent my qualifications and affiliations truthfully.

  2. Describe my services accurately, avoiding exaggerated claims.

  3. Ensure all public statements are honest and not misleading.

  4. Provide clear and factual information about the events and services I offer.


    Conclusion

    In embracing this Code of Ethics at Anne Catherine Yoga LLC, I am not only adhering to established standards but also honoring the sacred tradition of yoga which guides every aspect of my practice. This commitment ensures that my teaching environment is a place of safety, respect, and personal growth for all who join me. By living these principles, I foster a community that supports each individual’s journey towards inner peace and self-discovery.

    This ethical framework is vital for nurturing trust and integrity within our classes and interactions. It reinforces my role not just as a teacher, but as a lifelong student of yoga, continually learning and evolving alongside my students. Together, we cultivate not only physical and mental well-being but a deep, enduring sense of community and mutual respect.

    By upholding these values, I contribute to a broader vision of yoga practice that transcends the physical and touches the essence of our being, inviting a harmonious balance that resonates in all areas of our lives. This is the heart of my teaching and my promise to you as we embark on this transformative path together.