Beginner Yoga Is a Welcoming Place
Information sheet for Yoga Class Welcome!
Yoga is the physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India approximately 5000-6000 years ago, with a view to attain a state of permanent peace. The term Yoga can be derived from either of two roots, yujir yoga (to yoke) or yuj samadhau (to concentrate). The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali defines Yoga as the stilling of the changing states of mind. Yoga has also been popularly defined as “union with the divine”in other contexts and traditions. Hatha Yoga, which we practice here, is a slow and meditative style of Yoga with many health benefits. Body, Mind, and Spirit. “Ha”, means Sun or hot/fire (the sympathetic side of the nervous system), and “Tha” means Moon or cool/water (the parasympathetic side of the nervous system). Together, we bring balance to our mind and body via the physical postures or “asanas” purification practices, controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance, and strength and are practiced to improve the body’s physical health and clear the mind for meditation.
Yoga Etiquette and Ideas for Class
The following are suggestions for treating your fellow yogi’s with kind actions (which can speak louder than words) and fostering a conducive and happy space where we can practice yoga and enjoy ourselves as well as each other:
- Try to arrive to class on time and early enough to give yourself time to set yourself up properly. The beginning postures warm and prepare the body for deeper stretches and poses that follow, so if you do arrive late make sure you warm up your body adequately and try not to disturb the class in progress as you arrive.
- Please make every effort to stay for the entire class. If you must leave early please be sure to let your teacher know and do your own 5-10 minute relaxation (or savasana) before you leave. Savasana (also known as corpse pose) is very important for your body to assimilate the effects of the asana practice, and should NOT be skipped. Pick up your things and leave as quietly as you can as to not disturb the class upon your exit.
- Our yoga practice is as much about community as the practice itself, so talking and communing with each other is encouraged. However, we need to be respectful of other classes going on and people in the building, Please, let’s keep our voices down while taking our shoes off before class and then again while putting them back on to leave.
- Socks are optional but not recommended in class, (unless they are grippy socks.)Yoga is traditionally practiced in bare feet. This actually helps strengthen your feet and glutes.
- Try to dress appropriately for your yoga class. You should be comfortable and your clothing not too tight that it hinders movement or breathing. It should also not be too loose as to fall out of your clothing. Be respectful to your classmates and teacher, please dress appropriately.
- Turn off cell phones! If you have an emergency and must bring it to class, please put it on vibrate and inform your teacher you may have to leave early. Otherwise, leave them in the car or at home. In yoga we try to be in the moment, and when a cell phone goes off it is very distracting and not very considerate to your classmates or teacher.
- It is best not to eat a meal within 60 - 90 minutes prior to a yoga class. Working with the body and breathe may be difficult on a full belly. Also, bodily functions like belching, farting or stomachs growling are common place in yoga. It is natural when working with the body, and should be expected. Crying and laughter are also experienced as we work with our bodies and minds. Emotions are sometimes brought up and released.
- Please put your props away neatly, like you found them. Blankets should have the fringe end towards the back so the next student can grab the fold without the blanket opening.
- Listen to your body! We are here to heal our aches and pains not create new ones. Tell your teacher if you have a recent injury or issue, and modify when necessary. I hope this helps to guide you all to the wonderful experience of yoga. Yoga is fun and for everyone, and with a little respect and consideration for each other, our yoga practice can help transform us.
For more information on social behavior, study Patanjali’s Yama’s and Niyama’s. Namaste (a traditional greeting at the beginning and end of class meaning “the divine light in me, bows or honors the divine light in you.”)