history

Following the events of September 11, 2001, Annie Mahon knew she had a role to play in bringing a sense of inner peace to children and families in Washington, DC. After sharing the practices of mindfulness, conflict resolution, and yoga with children through the DC public schools for two years, Annie wanted to locate her programs in a safe, welcoming space, and so founded Budding Yogis on Northampton Street in 2003. Soon after, Linda Feldman joined and together they created a place where kids could relax, practice yoga, and just be – and where everyone would be welcome, regardless of age, physical condition, or previous knowledge about yoga.

It wasn’t long before parents who came to yoga with their kids were asking for yoga classes, too. The studio expanded to include a yoga program for adults, which is what is known today as Circle Yoga.

In 2005, Budding Yogis and Circle Yoga embarked on a complete renovation to create three brand-new, sunny, light-filled yoga studios (including a stroller and wheelchair accessible studio on the ground floor), along with a welcoming reception area, retail space to browse in, and a contemplative Zen garden outside. Today, the studio is the center of a warm, welcoming community of students, teachers and families who come together to take classes, connect with others, or simply hang out and just be.

mission

Budding Yogi’s philosophy is to impart mindfulness to children and teenagers through the playful use of asana, pranayama, meditation, and the other limbs of yoga. Kids can take what they learn in Budding Yogis classes out into the world to reduce their stress, fully accept who they are, respect who others are, and enjoy a lifelong love of yoga. Through these practices, children and teens gain body awareness, flexibility, strength, and an open heart.

We do this by:

• Living mindfully and teaching the practice of mindfulness
• Practicing yoga ourselves, and teaching yoga practices including asana, pranayama, meditation, and concentration
• Teaching and speaking in such a way that we inspire self-confidence, joy, and hope in our peers and our students
• Offering a peaceful space and playful practices to children of all ages to inspire more joy and ease in their lives
• Not discriminating based on a student’s age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or any other perceived difference
• Creating a business environment where employees and students interact in mindful ways, creating a joyful and peaceful place to work and practice
• Providing financial scholarships to people who are not able to afford to attend classes because of financial hardship