Hridaya Mexico Participation Agreement and Liability Release

Participation Agreement

By enrolling in a course at Hridaya Mexico, I agree to the following:

I understand that yogic practice may involve quite intense physical activity—prolonged sitting meditation and hatha yoga. I am also aware that a meditation retreat, workshop, or intensive course may involve purification on different levels: physical, emotional and mental, and this may sometimes be unpleasant but it is not dangerous.
I voluntarily participate in this program with full knowledge that there are risks associated with all activities and agree to accept any risk that arises as a result of my participation. I further acknowledge that the activities mentioned above may be emotionally and/or mentally more demanding than my usual activities. I acknowledge my responsibility for exercising my own judgment in choosing to participate.
As a condition of being accepted for enrollment, I hereby personally assume all risks in connection with said course, for any illness, harm, injury, or damage that may befall me while I am enrolled as a student of Hridaya Yoga, including all risks connected therewith, whether foreseen or unforeseen.
I further exempt and hold harmless Hridaya Yoga and Released Parties (including all employees, volunteers, instructors and agents of Hridaya Yoga or its host resorts) for any claim or lawsuits by me, my family, estate, heirs or assigns, arising out of my enrollment and participation in this course.

Health and Safety Advisory

Although Mazunte is a beautiful, tranquil place, life in the tropics may be different than what you are used to. To ensure your safety, we would like to make you aware of the following:

Ocean Safety

The waves on the beaches here can be quite forceful. It is always wise to follow common sense guidelines.

Always tell someone when and where you are going swimming.
Look for colored warning flags on the beach. Green=Safe; Yellow=Caution; Red=No swimming!
Observe the ocean and only enter it when you see that there are no big waves or strong currents.
Be aware of rocks and be careful not to step on the tails of manta rays.
Always be aware of the waves. Watch other swimmers and how they react to large waves. Learn to dive under the waves. Leave the water when it is too dangerous!
If you get caught in a strong current, don’t panic and don’t waste your strength trying to swim against it. Tread water and allow the current to move you seaward. Once the current weakens, swim parallel to the shore and exit the current when you get the opportunity. If you can’t reach the shore, draw attention to yourself: wave your arms and yell for help.

Personal Safety

We strive to maintain a safe environment at the Hridaya Center; however, we kindly request that all students exercise caution regarding their personal safety. The local area is generally safe. Violent crime is extremely rare, although petty theft can happen. It is always wise to avoid walking alone at night. We can help you find a friend to walk home with, if needed.

Material Possessions

All personal belongings left at the Center and in our accommodations are left at your own risk. We offer residents of the Center storage of valuables in our safe. You can store credit cards, passports, and a moderate amount of cash. Although we offer safekeeping of valuables, we do not assume any liability if they are lost or stolen. It is generally a good idea to avoid traveling with a lot of cash and valuables.

Minor Injuries

There is a first aid kit in the Dining Room should you need supplies to take care of minor cuts.

Food Safety

Never drink unpurified water. It is also preferable to brush your teeth with purified water. Eat only fruits and vegetables that have been cooked or soaked for at least 20 minutes in an anti-bacterial solution. Be wary of dairy products that might be unpasteurized. Be selective when buying food on the street.

Diarrhea

To maintain digestive health, we recommend drinking neem tea or eating neem leaves (freely available at the Center). Grapefruit seed extract is also a well-known natural anti-bacterial, so you may want to bring some from home.

If you do develop diarrhea while in Mexico, be sure to stay hydrated. If you have more than 4-5 loose stools a day, you should go to the clinic to get tested, as you may need treatment.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can sometimes be a nuisance in Mazunte. It is best to prevent bites by using common sense measures, including the use of insect repellent and bed nets. This is especially true in the rainy season, when there is a higher likelihood of contracting a mosquito-borne illness. Chikungunya, dengue, and zika have all been reported in this area. Please educate yourself and speak to your medical professional as needed to ensure a safe and healthy visit.

Chagas’ Disease

Chagas’ Disease is extremely rare. However, if you live in a place with mud walls or old roofing materials, you may see triatomine insects, which sometimes carry the disease. If you live in such accommodations, be sure to protect yourself with a bed net.

Scorpions

Exercise awareness if you see a scorpion—inspect/shake out clothing, shoes, and sleeping bags before use. If stung, remain calm, apply an ice pack, immobilize the affected body part, and, if necessary, head to the clinic in Pochutla.