✦ WHO WE ARE ✦
About The Urban Ashram
TUA is a nonprofit organization serving the Orlando community. We are a space for connection: connection to self, to each other, and to life itself.
Through classes, events, workshops, and gatherings, we cultivate growth, healing, and exploration. Rooted in spirituality, personal development, and creativity, our primary offerings include meditation, sound baths, yoga, personal growth workshops, and connection-based activities.
We honor service as a vital expression of connection and embrace all paths, traditions, and perspectives. TUA does not follow any specific doctrine or religion; instead, we create a welcoming space where each person can explore their own spirituality, faith, and sense of the sacred.
✦ What Is an Ashram? ✦
ash·ram (ˈäsh-rəm, ˈa-shrəm) noun
"A center dedicated to spiritual practice, self-discovery, and personal growth, where individuals gather to learn, reflect, and cultivate a deeper connection to themselves and the world."
Origin: Sanskrit āśrama (आश्रम), meaning "a place of spiritual discipline" or "a stage of life devoted to spiritual practice."
✦ In Loving Memory ✦
Our Founder
The Urban Ashram was founded in 2020 by "Bhaja" Bhajarangi Jaya (aka Christopher J. Boyden). Bhaja served the community of Orlando through a steadfast commitment to caring and loving for all people.
He operated under a guiding principle: that there are no throwaway people. He absolutely adored the most ignored and offered love to the most unlovable. As a result, he was moved to found The Urban Ashram, which focused its proceeds on serving meals to the homeless residents in the community.
We are deeply honored to continue the work he started and commit to providing a space where all can deepen their practice of radical, unconditional love. Thank you for this precious gift, Bhaja. ✨🙏❤️
✦ Carrying the Work Forward ✦
Meet Tisse
Tisse Mallon
Chief Inspiration Officer
Tisse Mallon is an educator, coach, speaker, facilitator, and performer who now helps guide the vision and daily life of The Urban Ashram.
Their work weaves together emotional intelligence, applied neuroscience, mindfulness, creativity, communication, and personal empowerment, always with the belief that growth works best when people feel safe, respected, curious, and free to choose what serves them.
As a queer, non-binary facilitator, Tisse brings a deep commitment to creating spaces where people do not have to fit into one path, one tradition, or one "right" way of being. Their hope is that everyone who walks through the door feels invited to explore, connect, soften, play, question, and come home to themselves.
Tisse is honored to continue the work Bhaja began while helping The Urban Ashram grow into its next chapter: a sanctuary in the city for connection, creativity, healing, movement, and community.
✦ What We Stand For ✦
Our Pillars
Curiosity
We meet ourselves, one another, and new ideas with openness rather than judgment.
Connection
We create spaces where people can feel seen, supported, and meaningfully connected.
Empowerment
We honor each person's inner wisdom and freedom to choose what serves them.
Everything Is an Invitation
Come with curiosity. Follow what calls to you. Leave with what serves you.
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