Here are some basics to make your yoga journey a little less.... crunchy. But the biggest unspoken rule to live by on your yoga journey--- don't take any of the other rules too seriously!
1. Try to show up at least 15 minutes before class.
Use this time to stretch, practice your favorite poses, meditate, get still. If you do show up late, don't enter the class if you are more than 10-15 minutes late, and try to be as stealthy as possible (if you want to be extra considerate-- wait until after the om-start poses to enter late).
This is also a good time to catch up or introduce yourself to your teacher. Let them know your practice level and if you have any injuries or concerns.
2. Leave your shoes at the door and park your belongings in the back.
Yoga is usually practiced barefoot or with yogi socks. It is considered disrespectful as well as unhygienic to wear shoes in the practice space. Please leave your shoes in the designated areas in the front lobby or store them with your personal belongings in the back dressing/shower rooms. This keeps the front area from looking like some teenage mutant's bedroom rather than a relaxing sacred space.
3. There is no place for cell phones in class.
Always be sure to leave your phone out of practice space. Keep your phone stored with your belongings (see above) or in your car. As an added consideration, turn your phone on silent so it doesn't make accent noises to those outside the class space. This is a sign of respect for the practice, for the studio, and for your fellow yogis.
4. Keep your voice low.
While you are waiting for class to start, whether in the lobby or class space, its perfectly fine to say hi or catch up with your neighbor, but not at the expense of your fellow yogi's who require quiet.
After class you are expected to feel completely blissed out. Getting chirpy is something I can't help. (I'm always sharing the love). But its important to keep it toned down, as some yogi's may be in a quiet blissful splendor. And who want's to be a bliss-kill?
5. Sign In!
Always remember to sign or check in before joining class. Its important for a number of reasons (mostly for studio purposes).
6. Keep Variations Appropriate.
We are all at different levels of our practice and our bodies all have different capabilities given our yoga background, injuries, personal space in time, etc. Be aware of the class level you are taking and try to take cues from the teacher. It can be considered disrespectful if you ignore the pose prompts and go into your own sequence. After all-- you are in class to be a part of collective flow.
This of course doesn't mean you should fend off your need to extend your practice. Just keep it aligned with the flow of the class.
7. Be Aware of the Mat
I don't know about you, but my mat is my island. Recently I went to Cyprus for a month, and I didn't care what it took--- I made sure to stuff my mat in my already over-packed suitcase.
As best you can, try to avoid stepping on anyone else's mat, unless you get permission from the person first. Sometimes in really packed classes it can be unavoidable, so its nice to acknowledge and make a friendly gesture their way to avoid misinterpretation.
And just to be nice and hygienic to yourself and others-- keep you mat clean. Not even the worst of us want to be smelling some stinky mat when your face down in Uttanasana!
8. Be Love, Be Non-Attached
Be in love with the process. Some poses take YEARS. Some poses take just that first time. Some poses make your mind freak out. Create an intention and work your practice with aloof patience and mindful compassion and acceptance of yourself and others. Lighten Up. Laugh.
Yoga is non-competitive with others and most importantly-- with yourself. Never push yourself beyond your limitations where you could injure yourself.
9. Rubberneckers beware!
Many times I find myself gawking secretly at my yogis next to me. There is nothing like seeing a graceful pose with that perfect alignment or that seamless transition into a pose you haven't managed to get to yet. It can be inspiring and I am often times full of admiration. Don't tell anyone, but there are even moments when I have no choice when I am confused about what pose has been called out by the instructor.
What I am saying is that it is natural. It happens. We all do it.
Sometimes though, it can lead to judgment. Be mindful of this. Your practice, although when in a class is a collective effort, is yours and yours alone. By being present and focused on yourself, there is little room for any need to watch what your neighbor is doing.
10. Don't Skip Savasana!
This is, by far, the most important pose of your practice. Not to mention the most rewarding. If you have to leave class early, make sure you do a quick Savasana before taking off. Try to let your teacher know your time restraints ahead of time (see #1). Also be considerate of those entering into the deep around you by rolling up your mat like a ninja and making a gracefully quiet exit.
Add your own yoga practice rules (or considerate opinions) below.
Great article! I wish everyone respected #10. There is nothing like being in Savasana and then people who have no etiquacy start talking and trampling all over the room. It is very disturbing.
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