State of Harmony
General Liability Waiver and Agreement for Participating in activity.
At State of Harmony, the golden rule is simple: “If it does not feel right, then do not do it.”
We encourage you to listen to your body and stop whenever you need to. If you are unsure about whether a movement, or breathing/meditation instruction is right for you, please feel free to ask for assistance. If it’s not possible to address your concerns during the class, speak with your instructor/teacher afterward.
Our goal is to help you get the most from your practice, and we are more than happy to offer adjustments or alternatives to support your needs. This is a shared journey where we support and encourage each other.
We also want to emphasize the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) in your practice. This means being kind and compassionate to yourself, respecting your limits, and approaching your practice with self-care.
Please take this disclaimer to heart: Your practice is about developing awareness and honoring your body and mind. Be good to yourself.
Pilates at State of Harmony
Is Pilates right for me?
Pilates is a low-impact exercise method that can be adapted to many individual circumstances. Can be suitable for people of all fitness levels. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s important to work with a qualified instructor who understands your goals and physical condition.
For your safety, we encourage you to consult your doctor or healthcare provider, where Pilates may be inappropriate or require significant modification, some of which maybe the following, but not limited to - if you have:
Acute Injury or acute pain
Fractures or severe sprains
Acute back or neck pain, including disc herniation
Recent surgery or unhealed surgical wounds
Severe Osteoporosis
Uncontrolled Cardiovascular Conditions
Severe Neurological Conditions
High-Risk Pregnancy
Pilates can be adapted for pregnancy, but women with conditions like preeclampsia, placenta previa, or a history of preterm labor may need to avoid exercise.
Personalised Support, Always
We’re here to help you feel your best. If you have any questions about whether Pilates is suitable for you, we’re happy to discuss your needs and design a plan just for you.
Your Responsibility
Before beginning any exercise program, including Pilates, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider, especially if you have any of the conditions listed above.
If you’re unsure about what to share, don’t hesitate to reach out. All information will be handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.
Meditation at State of Harmony
Personalizing Your Practice for the Best Experience
At State of Harmony, our goal is to make meditation and mindfulness accessible, enjoyable, and deeply beneficial for everyone. We recognize that each person’s journey is unique, and it’s perfectly natural to feel more comfortable with some techniques than others.
We encourage you to listen to your body and mind throughout each session and adapt the practice in ways that feel right for you. Meditation is about cultivating peace, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about finding what works best for you.
Making Meditation Your Own
Here are some supportive reminders to help you create a practice that feels nurturing and empowering:
Gentle Breathing Practices
Breathing techniques are a cornerstone of relaxation. If you have respiratory or cardiovascular concerns, focus on soft, natural breaths instead of holding or deepening your breath. Comfort is key—let your breathing bring you a sense of calm and grounding at your own pace.
Body Awareness and Grounding
Body scans and grounding exercises are great tools for relaxation and mindfulness. If any sensations feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to shift your focus or skip certain parts. You might enjoy anchoring your attention on something simple, like the feeling of your feet on the ground or your hands resting in your lap. Your practice is yours to shape.
Mindfulness of Thoughts and Emotions
Exploring thoughts and emotions can sometimes bring up unexpected feelings, and that’s perfectly natural. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you can return to gentle breathing or grounding exercises. Mindfulness is flexible—you’re in control of how deeply you want to engage with your thoughts.
Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness
For those with a history of trauma, we approach mindfulness with sensitivity and care. If any body sensations or practices don’t feel safe, know that you can shift your focus to grounding through your senses (e.g., noticing sounds or smells) or visualize calming and comforting scenes. You are always in charge of your experience.
Energy and Rest Needs
Meditation is an opportunity to tune into your body’s energy levels. If you’re feeling tired, shorter practices or restful techniques like breathing and grounding may be just what you need. Let your practice be a source of both relaxation and gentle renewal.
Your Journey, Your Practice
Your safety and comfort are at the heart of everything we do. To help us design the best meditation experience for you, we kindly ask that you let us know if you’re navigating any of the following:
Mental Health Considerations: Challenges such as severe anxiety, depression, or dissociative experiences
Healing from Trauma: If introspective practices feel overwhelming, we can guide you gently
Neurological Conditions: Such as epilepsy, which may require mindful adaptations
Emotional Stress: If you’re feeling particularly vulnerable or new to meditation
Physical Adjustments: Difficulty sitting or mobility considerations – we can explore alternative postures
Pregnancy: Beautiful changes in your body deserve tailored breathing techniques
Meditation is a gift you give yourself, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re starting small, adapting techniques, or exploring deeper practices, trust that you’re doing it right—because it’s your journey.
If you have any concerns or special considerations, let us know. We’re always happy to help you create a practice that feels safe, supportive, and uniquely yours.
Click here to find out more about the meditation and mindfulness waiver.