Day 5: Core Values
Mental Health Pillar: Mindfulness
by Shannon Murphy, Citizen Yoga Captain of Studio Operations
As I reflect on my nine years with Citizen Yoga, it’s amazing to see how our core values — Alignment, Integrity, Community, Support, and Inclusion — have shaped not only our studio’s journey but my own as an individual. I’ve watched how these principles create a space for both staff and students to grow, connect, and thrive, making every day here feel meaningful.
When I took my first class here, I was not aware of Citizen’s mission to improve mental health and prevent suicide through personal growth and transformation. However, through the genuine interactions I had in the lobby and the effort I noticed everyone took to learn and use my name, I was impacted by the mission without realizing it.
As years went on and I began working for Citizen, the commitment to the mission has stayed strong, guiding everything we do — from the classes we offer to the way we interact with each other. This alignment grounds my work, especially on tougher days, and reminds me that I’m part of something bigger than myself.
As Kacee often says, "Integrity is what upholds our Alignment to our mission.” Here, it means we show up honestly and fully. There’s a shared understanding that our words and actions have an impact, and we hold ourselves accountable. It’s empowering to work in an environment where I know I can trust my team and where I feel trusted in return. That trust and transparency make every class and every interaction a little bit richer.
When I think of Community, I think of all the wonderful shared experiences and the conversations after class. We’re more than just a place for yoga; we’re a network of people who care about each other’s well-being and growth. Whether it’s through workshops, events, or just being present, our goal is to foster an environment where everyone feels they belong. Over the years, I’ve met so many incredible people who’ve become true friends. There’s a sense of closeness that keeps us connected, which makes this job feel like so much more than just a job.
Support isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we live. It is an ecosystem that thrives through integrity and real community. I went through some personal challenges a few years ago, and the whole Citizen team was there for me without hesitation. They checked in and made sure I had the space to take care of myself. This kind of support makes it easy to give back with the same energy. Knowing I can count on our team allows me to show up fully for them and our students. Support is woven into every part of what we do.
Lastly, our constant focus on creating inclusive spaces is part of what makes our studio feel so welcoming to everyone who walks through our doors. We strive to make our space accessible to all and are consistently learning to do better. It feels inspiring to be part of a place that focuses on Inclusion and really works hard to cultivate an environment where everyone can feel they belong.
Working at Citizen has shown me the power of shared values. Alignment to our mission, integrity, community, support, and inclusion aren’t just words; they’re principles that guide how we work together and interact with each other and our students. These values create a connected, and purpose-driven space where we can all thrive. It’s rare to find a job that resonates so deeply with your personal values, and I feel grateful every day to be part of it.
Today, reflect on your core values.
If you haven’t yet identified your personal values, watch this video of John Evans from BLND Health and complete the accompanying guide to help you narrow down the values that direct your own life.
If you are clear on your personal values, take 10 minutes to journal on how even just one of your values has manifested in your life in the past year.
