Core Values
Support a Life of Joy
When we support joy within and all around, we awaken to our ever-present nature.
See the Opportunity
We believe the present moment is an opportunity for growth through practicing non-resistance to what is, and choosing to embrace love…one breath at a time.
Embrace Inter-Connectivity
We believe the whole of life is never separate from our personal experience, and we are accountable for how we contribute through our thoughts, intentions, actions and words.
Be of Service
In our service to others, we serve our Self and the greater good.
Practice Compassion & Foregiveness
We seek the goodness found in everyone, including ourselves.
Foster Health & Vitality
We practice to support vibrant living and connection to life.
Live in Union With Mother Earth
We strive to be kind and grateful co-creative stewards of mama earth whose nature, beauty and intelligence shapes so much of who we are, and who we will become.
Land Acknowledgement & Indigenous Relations
Toronto is in the ‘Dish With One Spoon Territory’. The Dish With One Spoon is a treaty between the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas and Haudenosaunee that bound them to share the territory and protect the land. Subsequent Indigenous Nations and peoples, Europeans and all newcomers have been invited into this treaty in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect.”
The “Dish”, or “Bowl”, represents what we now call southern Ontario, from the Great Lakes to Quebec and from Lake Simcoe into the United States. When it is said that “we all eat out of the Dish, all of us that share this territory, with only one spoon”, it means we share in the responsibility of ensuring the dish is never empty. We must all take care of the land and the creatures we share it with. Knives are not welcome at the table, representing that we must keep the peace.
The land acknowledgement started in British Columbia, between the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee after the French and Indian War, when there were no treaties in place in B.C. It now has expanded to include The Royal Proclamation/The Treaty of Niagara (1764). Its popularity has spread as Canadians realize the necessity to acknowledge the presence and assertion of sovereignty of the Indigenous peoples. It is used in a variety of ways, such as at opening events and meetings, but over time it seems to be losing its meaning, as people say the words without really focusing on the importance of each word.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and taking the time to process the emotion and meaning behind these words. We have this posted at our studio as well, and would be happy to engage in a discussion about this at any time. We understand there is room to grow and learn; we welcome it.
Kula cites Ryerson University as a source of information and wording, and would like to add some of our own wording in addition:
Kula understands we reside on the land specific to the Anishinaabe, since we are in the Annex of Toronto. We will do our best to take care of the land, air, water, and spirit that we share.
Kula supports two Indigenous organizations through Karma classes throughout the year. More information can be found on our Donations Page.
Kula’s main artwork is handmade by an Indigenous artist from the Great Lakes Region, as we feel it is important to support the communities
with whom we share land.
Creating Community
Kula Annex offers 40+ yoga classes per week, workshops, family programming & teacher trainings. Our classes include gentle, hot, restorative, flow, yin, and power classes with an emphasis on alignment and intention. Our teachers are unique, creative, and compassionate beings devoted to sharing the knowledge they have gathered on their journeys through life.
As part of our hope to make yoga more accessible to more beings, we offer classes every day that cost only $10, taught with the same love and attention as regular priced classes. We keep our doors open on New Year’s Eve and many Saturday nights to give our students healthy social alternatives to the bar scene. Live music classes are one of our favourite ways to get lost in the depths of possibility in the present moment. Inspired conversations about life, love & alignment happen in the reception area and we invite you to join in!