After reflecting on the events of recent days, weeks, and months, our yoga studios would like to share the following statement with our community.

Although our classes often center on physical postures (asana), yoga is a comprehensive philosophy for how to live in the world. It calls us to recognize the inherent dignity of every being and to take action when that dignity is violated. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that practice without compassionate action is incomplete.

We look to the Yamas and Niyamas - the universal moral principles of yoga - for guidance. In the current climate, we see these principles being openly violated and our practice makes our responsibilities clear:

Ahimsa (Non-Violence): ICE is enacting physical and psychological violence against our communities.

We have a responsibility to confront systems that perpetuate harm.

Satya (Truthfulness): Individuals in power have lied openly, defying clear evidence.

We have a responsibility to align our actions with reality and integrity.

Asteya (Non-Stealing): Our taxpayer dollars, meant to benefit our communities, have been misused to fund these actions.

We have a responsibility to protect from theft the freedom, agency, and safety of all beings.

Brahmacharya (Self-Control): A profound lack of discipline and restraint within ICE escalates danger in every encounter.

We have a responsibility to demand that systems of authority be exercised with care, transparency, and accountability.

Aparigraha (Non-Hoarding): The actions of ICE are fueled by a belief that resources must be hoarded and that power comes from domination.

We have a responsibility to ensure all beings are cared for and their innate worth is honored.

Therefore, we stand in solidarity with the National Strike against ICE. We join in unity to mourn the lives of Keith Porter Jr., Renee Good, and Alex Pretti. We stand with all those disappeared by ICE and with those left behind without answers. We stand with the people of Minnesota, Maine, and every community where escalating immigration enforcement inflicts deep and lasting trauma.

We commit to supporting affected communities, sharing awareness and resources, and participating in collective action. Each undersigned studio has chosen a mutual aid organization to support, and we encourage our members to do the same.

This is our practice in action.

Signed in unity,

Bristol Maryott, Jala Studio: Yoga & Art @jala.studio.yoga

Petra Lehman, Create Power Yoga @createpoweryoga

Paige Lawrence, Barre and Soul Providence @barresoul

Isabella Maclea, Kaya Moves Yoga @kaya.moves

Joellen Hockenbrough, Providence Power Yoga @providencepoweryoga

Juliana Olmstead, Rhode Island Hot Yoga @rhodeislandhotyoga

Amy Smith, Roots Physical Therapy and Yoga @rootsspecialty

Alyssa Sullivan, Synergy Yoga @synergy.yogari