First Timers
- Please arrive early, about 15 minutes prior to class time.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Expect to be barefoot.
- Hydrate before class. Do not eat a heavy meal for 2 hours before.
- Advise your teacher of any injuries, recent surgeries or illnesses.
- We use a token system. Take a token at check-in, place it on your mat to let your teacher know you checked in for class. The no-hands icon should be displayed face up if you prefer the teacher does not touch you.
Yoga Etiquette
- Always arrive 10 minutes or more before class to settle in.
- Remove your shoes upon entering the studio.
- If you arrive after a class has begun, enter the studio quietly. If the centering or meditation is in progress, simply sit down on your rolled up mat and join the centering. When movement begins, unroll your mat and gather your props.
- Water bottles are welcome. Please bring your water in a closed container. Spills happen and are a disruption to the class.
- Turn your cell phone off and leave it a cubby outside the practice room.
- When crossing the studio, be mindful not to step on others’ mats.
- Save conversation and catch up with class mates for after class. Do not chat during class.
- Some teachers welcome questions and discussion at the start of or during class. Personal or lengthy questions can be asked after class.
- If you have an injury, recent or past surgery, illness, disease, pregnancy or unique challenge – physical, emotional or mental – it is your responsibility to advise your teacher. Any discussions of this nature will be treated with great sensitivity and confidentiality. Yoga is a physical, mental and emotional practice. You can ensure your safety as well as the safety of others by keeping your teachers informed.
Yamas & Niyamas
The foundation of Yoga practice is called Yama and Niyama. We strive to practice these ideals every day and invite you to explore them as well.
Yamas
Ahimsa – Non-violence: Not harming other people or other sentient beings. Not harming oneself. Not harming the environment. Tolerance even for that which we dislike. Not speaking that which, even though truthful, would injure others.
Satya – Truthfulness: Satya means not intending to deceive others in our thoughts, as well as our words and actions.
Asteya – Non-stealing: Not taking that which is not given.
Brahmacharya – Moderation and Sexual responsibility: Regarding others as human beings rather than as male and female bodies. Conservation of energy for the purpose of spiritual practice. This includes not only sexual restraint, but protecting our energy for instance by avoiding endless chattering with no clear purpose.
Aparigraha – Non-attachment and Abstention from greed: Not coveting that which is not ours. Avoidance of unnecessary acquisition. Letting go of that which is out of our control. Letting go of ideals of perfection or fantasy that prevent us from growth.
Niyama
Saucha – Purity, Cleanliness: Not only external cleanliness of the body, but attending to internal cleanliness such as avoiding the impurities of anger and egoism. Moderation in diet.
Santosha – Contentment: Not spiritual complacency, but acceptance of the external situation we are allotted in this life.
Tapas – Austerity: Deep commitment to our yoga practice. Determination. Stick-to-it-iveness
Swadhyaya – Self-study: Spiritual self-education. The study of self truth. Contemplation and application of the scriptures or sacred texts of our chosen path.
Ishwar pranidhana — Surrender: Acknowledgement that there is a higher principle in the universe than one’s own small self. Modesty. Humility.
