Prioritise Yourself
Make every reasonable effort to attend your weekly class. Honour yourself, make time for you. Regularity is essential if we want to progress on the spiritual path.
Eat 2-3 hours Before Class
It is said that yoga is intended to be done on an empty stomach. That's why many people practice first thing in the morning. If you practice later in the day, be sure to allow at least two/three hours digestion time before class
Arrive Early
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the class is scheduled to start. And if you’re new to the studio, arrive 20 minutes early as you’ll need to fill out forms, make payments, etc. One of the benefits of coming early is you can secure your favourite spot in the studio room.
Take Your Shoes Off
Many yoga studios require you to take off your shoes when you enter – there’s usually a dedicated area by the front door where you can place your shoes. Since we walk around the studio barefoot most of the time, it is most hygienic if everyone takes off their shoes first thing.
Turn Off Your Mobile Phone
Make a habit out of this even before you enter the studio.
No stress.
First and foremost yoga is non-competitive. This wonderful quality often attracts people from many levels to the same classroom. Nobody is watching or judging you. Progress is personal and more about being mindful than doing the best pose. Satyananda Yoga is traditionally practiced with the eyes closed or down-cast. This is because yoga primarily teaches awareness and awareness comes from within.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Select the most appropriate clothing based on the style of yoga that you’re doing, the temperature of the room and what will be most comfortable for you, as classes are 90 minutes.
Yoga mats
Many studios provide yoga mats (blankets, pillows) for their students. However, people who practice regularly often purchase their own yoga mats for reasons of size/colour preference and hygiene. It is important that you purchase an environment-friendly mat that does not off-gas toxic chemicals. Stay away from the common plastic yoga mats and select one of good-quality that will offer proper thickness, traction and longevity. Yoga mats can be washed as needed using hot, soapy water and hung-drying in a shady location.
Leave Your Belongings in the designated area
Yoga classes can get very full so floor space is crucial.
Quiet Please
Yoga is a time of inviting stillness and presence, so please respect others’ practice by keeping silent as soon as you enter class.
Listen to the Yoga Teacher
Follow the teacher's instructions. If you’re an advanced student taking a beginners/intermediate class, stick to the basic versions of the postures so you don’t throw off the other students. The instructor will give you the opportunity to take a more advanced variation when it’s appropriate. On the flip side, if you’re in an advanced class and you’re finding some of the poses difficult then it’s okay to do a more basic variation – the teacher will provide you this option.
Be Fragrant Free
Some people may have sensitivity to perfumes and strong scents. Please avoid perfume, body lotions, strong deodorants and hair products.
Be present
Be patient. Keep your focus on your own mat and try not to be self-critical. Your body may feel different from day to day. That's okay. You do not have to keep up with the class. Unlike aerobics and other exercise classes, nobody will blink an eye if you sit down on your mat and rest a bit. Again, yoga is non-competitive. Just listen to your body and respect that every step forward takes time.
Respect and honour yourself.
Be aware of your bodies capabilities, limitations, strengths, weaknesses, flexibility and inability.
Go to the Bathroom in Between Asanas
If you have to go to the bathroom wait until there is a period of rest, such as shashankasana, or in between asanas.
Home Practice
Yoga may soon become part of your daily philosophy of health and well-being. Consider doing some asanas (yoga postures) or other practices in your home or office to promote strength, flexibility and peace of mind. Hold good posture while sitting at your desk or driving the car. Focus on deep, conscious breathing to alleviate stress and refresh your brain. Look out for handouts from Yoga by the Sea which are designed to aid with your home practice.
Ask Questions
After class always ask questions. Your seeking mind will lead you closer and guide you with much grace along your chosen path.
Attitude
Classical yoga is clear about the goal – attenuation of the kleshas. But in this culture it has become about the perfect body etc … The paradox is that all the striving and clinging and holding on tends to intensify kleshas; it intensifies attraction, aversion, ignorance and it increases our chances of injuring ourselves. Be clear about your reasons for practicing yoga. Develop a realistic, honest, respectful attitude towards your body and the practice of yoga.
