Terms of Service

Effective Date: January 1, 2025  |  Last Updated: September 15, 2026

1. Enrollment & Registration

Enrollment in any Mindful Life Community program constitutes an agreement between the participant and Mindful Life Community, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 82-4710293) based in Asheville, North Carolina. Programs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and enrollment is confirmed only upon receipt of the completed enrollment form and any applicable tuition payment or financial assistance agreement. Certain programs (MBSR, Advanced Contemplative Intensive) require a brief pre-enrollment interview to ensure appropriate program fit; enrollment in these programs is conditional upon completion of this interview.

2. Tuition & Payment

Program tuition is due in full at the time of enrollment unless an alternative payment arrangement has been made with our administrative team. We accept payment via credit card, debit card, check, and electronic bank transfer. Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) may be used where eligible. Participants receiving sliding-scale or scholarship tuition must submit the required application materials prior to enrollment confirmation. Tuition rates are published on our Pricing page and are subject to change for future program cohorts; enrolled participants are guaranteed the tuition rate in effect at the time of their enrollment.

3. Cancellation & Refund Policy

We understand that circumstances change and strive to accommodate cancellations fairly:

• Cancellation 14 or more days before program start: Full refund minus a $35 administrative processing fee.
• Cancellation 7 to 13 days before program start: 75% refund of tuition paid.
• Cancellation fewer than 7 days before program start: 50% refund of tuition paid.
• Withdrawal after program start (within first two sessions): Prorated refund minus a $35 administrative fee, calculated based on sessions attended.
• Withdrawal after the second session: No refund is available. However, participants may transfer their enrollment to a future cohort of the same program within 12 months at no additional charge.
• Private sessions: Cancellations with fewer than 24 hours' notice are charged at 50% of the session rate. Unused sessions in pre-purchased packages remain valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

All cancellation and refund requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected] or by calling (828) 555-0147 during business hours. Refunds are processed within 10 business days to the original payment method.

4. Participant Conduct & Community Agreements

Mindful Life Community is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants, instructors, and staff. By enrolling, participants agree to:

• Arrive on time and minimize disruptions during guided practices and group sessions.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding personal disclosures made by other participants during group inquiry and sharing exercises.
• Treat all community members, instructors, and staff with dignity, respect, and courtesy.
• Silence mobile devices during all program sessions.
• Refrain from attending sessions while under the influence of alcohol or recreational substances.
• Communicate any concerns, discomfort, or safety issues promptly to your instructor or our administrative team.

Mindful Life Community reserves the right to dismiss any participant whose behavior disrupts the learning environment or compromises the safety of others, with a prorated tuition refund at the organization's discretion.

5. Health & Safety Disclaimer

Mindful Life Community programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for professional medical treatment, psychotherapy, or psychiatric care. While our evidence-based programs have been demonstrated to support mental and physical well-being, participation does not constitute a clinical treatment relationship. Participants are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers regarding any medical or mental health conditions before beginning a mindfulness or yoga program.

Participants with a history of severe trauma, active psychosis, substance abuse disorders, or acute suicidal ideation should disclose this information during the enrollment process so that appropriate accommodations or referrals can be made. Our instructors are trained in trauma-sensitive facilitation but are not licensed clinical providers within the context of our group programs.

Participation in yoga and movement-based programs involves inherent physical risks. Participants assume responsibility for practicing within their own physical limitations and informing their instructor of any injuries, conditions, or restrictions that may affect their participation.

6. Intellectual Property

All program materials, course workbooks, guided meditation recordings, handouts, and proprietary content provided by Mindful Life Community are protected by copyright and are licensed for personal use only. Participants may not reproduce, distribute, record, or publicly share any program materials, instructor recordings, or session content without prior written consent from Mindful Life Community.

7. Photography & Media

Mindful Life Community may occasionally photograph or video-record program sessions, workshops, or events for educational, promotional, or archival purposes. No participant will be identifiable in any published media without their explicit written consent, obtained via a separate media release form. Participants who prefer not to be photographed should notify their instructor at the beginning of each session.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Mindful Life Community, its directors, officers, employees, instructors, and volunteers shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to participation in any program, use of facilities, or reliance on any information provided through our services. Our total aggregate liability for any claim shall not exceed the total tuition paid by the participant for the specific program giving rise to the claim.

9. Governing Law

These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising from these terms or your participation in our programs shall be resolved through mediation administered by a mutually agreed-upon mediator in Buncombe County, North Carolina, prior to any litigation.

10. Modifications

Mindful Life Community reserves the right to update these terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated to enrolled participants via email and posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued participation after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

If you have questions about these terms, please contact us at [email protected] or call (828) 555-0147.