I understand that each person’s level of fitness is different, and that participating in yoga carries certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. I accept the need to monitor my own participation. It is my obligation to decide whether to sit out an exercise, let the instructor know that I am choosing not to participate, or otherwise ask for help. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I freely and knowingly assume all such risks from my participation.
I also represent and warrant that I do not have any injuries, past or present, which may impede my participation in yoga classes. For good and valuable consideration, including my right to participate in yoga classes, I, for myself, my heirs, personal representatives, or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Institute of Jewish Spirituality, together with its instructors, directors, officers, staff and other representatives, from any and all demands, liabilities, claims and causes of action related to my participation in yoga, including but not limited to claims for personal injury and damage to property. I further agree to indemnify and hold the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and its representatives harmless from any injury (including death) or damage to myself and to others, caused in whole or in part by my participation, or in whole or in part by the Institute.
This Release is executed in accordance with New York state law as an agreement under seal and shall be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read this waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement. I acknowledge that I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily and intend by my signature that this is a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the broadest, fullest and most inclusive extent permitted by law. If any portion of this release is invalid, I agree that the remaining portions continue in full legal force and effect.
I acknowledge that typing my name in the box below constitutes a legally valid signature for this yoga release form.

1) We welcome you in the fullness of who you are and invite you to both presume and extend welcome to others, as well.

2) Respect difference. Notice judgment, and practice experiencing it with compassion rather than conviction. (Remind yourself that other people are not failed attempts at being you!) Cultivate curiosity.

3) Know that there is genuine freedom in this program. Every invitation to speak and participate is just that: an invitation. Passing or staying quiet is perfectly acceptable. You know best what you need.

4) We do not engage in “fixing, advising, saving or correcting” (Parker Palmer). Each of us is here to refine our ability to listen to the still, small voice inside. Trust that we will each find our own way.

5) When in a group, give your full attention to the person speaking. Do not engage in side conversations. You can trust and learn from silence, as well. Use “I” statements when speaking, and be mindful about the space you are taking. We acknowledge that different people have been given different access to space and voice and we encourage you to make space for all voices.

6) Each person commits to deep confidentiality; not speaking to anyone outside the group about what is shared and also not raising a vulnerable issue again with a group member at a later time, without the invitation of the person in question.

7) To assure each participant that they have the opportunity to know directly their own experience, we each commit to respecting each other’s boundaries in all areas, including the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. Further, retreats are inappropriate settings to initiate any new romantic or sexual relationships. Uninvited touching, commenting on another’s appearance, sexually or emotionally suggestive remarks and the like undermine our safety, and will not be tolerated. We commit – staff and participants – to these limits for the sake of our shared wellbeing.