Please,
Arrive early. (Especially if it is your first class.) This allows time to find a space, unroll your mat and collect your props (any blankets, bolsters, blocks or straps you need to modify poses) without disturbing anyone. It also gives you an opportunity to get into the right mind-set. If you are late, please be maximum quiet as when you open the door you enter straight into the practice room.
Plan to stay for the whole class. If you must leave early, let the teacher know, and do it if possible before the beginning of the class, if not before savasana, the period of final relaxation at the end of class. Again, this is to not disturb your classmates during a key part of class — experts often say savasana is the most important and challenging pose in yoga. Whether coming or going, try not to step on anyone’s mat.
Take your shoes off before stepping into the door. We have then a shoe rack for that purpose; use it please to put your shoes where no one will trip over them. There are cultural, practical and spiritual reasons for this rule. As many Asian countries where yoga is practiced we share the tradition of removing shoes when entering a home, school or temple as a sign of respect. Furthermore, yoga is practiced on the floor, and tracking in dirt makes the studio unclean. And, finally, the concept of grounding — literally and figuratively is very important in yoga — it’s simply easier to ground yourself if your feet are making direct contact with the floor.
Leave your cellphone outside the room, AND your I-watches. This is so you can fully disconnect and others won’t be disturbed. If, for some reason, being fully disconnected is going to make you anxious (say, you have children who need to be able to reach you), please tell us and we will leave you have it next to you on silent.
Bring water, a towel, and, if possible, your own mat. The idea to be very well hydrated before class as traditionally in yoga you’re not supposed to drink water during the practice. In Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine, yoga helps the body build the digestive fire necessary to break down food; to drink in the middle of practice quenches that fire. If you need to drink water it’s fine.
We have Mats at disposition.
Wear clothing appropriate for the class. You want something comfortable that you can move in that isn’t prone to a wardrobe malfunction or to bunching up and getting in your way. If ruled by modesty, your dress code can vary to shirtless for a men, and sport bra for a woman, to whatever is stretchy and in breathable fabrics.
Let the instructor know about any physical issues and preferences. If you have a problem such as a bad back or a frozen shoulder, or if you prefer not to receive any hands-on assists (this is when a teacher touches a student to improve their alignment or make them more comfortable), let the instructor know before class.
Clean up after class. Wipe down any borrowed mats after practice and put props away where they belong, fold your blanket.
Be compassionate and don’t judge. Drive your focus inward and to your practice. Let anyone else release toxins and emotions in any way they might need to. Try not to react.
Our space wants to be safe inclusive and comfortable to whatever needs to come up or out.
Be positive. Our studio is a place of positivity for people, a place where people are dealing with a lot of different emotions. Be aware of your presence and how you interact with other people. Be aware on your energy and its effects on the overall energy of the space and people.
Most important
Be respectful. To the instructor, to the class and to yourself.
