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Etiquette for the yoga studio

by Viki Distin

Please arrive early. 
One of the things we're cultivating in yoga is space - space in the body, mind, and breath. A very simple way to reinforce this space is by not scheduling yourself so tightly. Arriving early to yoga practice helps ensure a proper mindset for your practice. 

That being said, life happens. Sometimes it's not always possible to arrive early. PLEASE STILL COME. If you're late for class, please wait until after meditation to come into the studio and lay your mat down quietly so as not to disturb the students around you. Our protocol at CYS is anymore than 10 minutes late for class is too late. You may not be properly warmed up and this could result in injury.

Say you are an “early” student. Your mat is all set and props all organized and ready to go.  Please make space for those students who may come to class later. Notice your internal awareness of how this makes you feel (e.g., annoyed, resistant). Ultimately this practice is about feeling the connection of all beings, and helping to make space for others help you just as much, if not more, than your fellow yoga students.

Please practice silence once in the studio space. 
There are very few places in this world to find this necessary commodity, and this is time to commune with yourself. Once you're out of the studio space is a great time to cultivate community and please do.

Help keep the studio fragrance free.
Many students are sensitive to scented lotions or perfumes. Because we breathe deeply in class, it's helpful to have the air free of scents. 

Take savasana!
This is the most important pose we do. Savasana ensures you don't leave the class feeling on edge or disorganized in mind or body. The work we do on our mats has the potential for powerful transformation, so we need to take this time to assimilate and integrate all the work we have just done. 

If you must leave early, please quietly leave before savasana. You can even take a shorter savasana in the private room, if it is available. Also please make sure both doors are shut when you leave the studio. If the second door remains open, it doesn't dampen any sound coming from the lobby. 

Be mindful of how you feel in crowded classes.
A handful of classes are crowded. Notice how you feel about this. Maybe you can find the flow of the symphony of breath and movement; the energy of the other students may buoy you.

Or, you could be annoyed that you have a smaller boundary with which to work.  Notice your internal sensations, which will again help to create shifts for you on a cellular level. Ultimately, yoga is about teaching us to step into the flow of life, and how we respond to the people sharing this planet with us will enable us to find this flow.

We are SO grateful for all our students and their willingness to do this unique, difficult, and transformational practice!  Thank you for “journeying within”…..with us.