Studio Etiquette
- Be timely: Please arrive 10 minutes prior to all Live- Stream class times, Try to allow yourself 5 min to sit prior to pre recorded virtual classes, centering is an important thing when practicing yoga.
- Plan: Pre register if possible, so we know you’re joining.
- Layer: Dress comfortably.
- Personal Props: You might need a yoga mat or large towel for class
- Sacred feet: Practicing barefoot is most ideal for a yoga practice if you need to wear socks try using something that provides some grip.
- Mindful space: For some yoga is their sanctuary, please be mindful of conversations and volume, this applies to virtual and live classes. For virtual classes please mute as soon as you enter the online room, and remain muted until after class unless called upon. Additionally, please refrain from chat conversations prior and during classes.
- Rest: Plan to stay for the entire class, it its disruptive to leave during savasana. There are many benefits and a great importance surrounding final rest.
- Worldly objects: If practicing virtually please set aside your devices, teachers are taking time to help guide you through a self care practice, please respect their guidance and remember the importance of a self care practice. Your technology can wait until after class.
- Nourishment: Although drinking water and eat food are important refrain from eating or drinking 45-60min prior to classes. Try to leave your water for after practice.If ts an emergency and you need to step outside for a moment, please do. Most classes are class 60-75 min, occasionally 90 min The Yoga sutras 4:3 describes the importance of maintaining a healthy flow of prana. The process requires us to focus on our takes bodily functions and daily rituals.
When we approach our practice we must always consider the many dimensions of Ahimsa, non-violence. The meaning of Ahimsa is not pushing oneself relentlessly on and off the mat to the point of self-harm.
While nourishing the body is important its counterintuitive to think that the body can nourish and detox at the same time. There are many roles the body plays and to maintain a optimal and healthy lifestyle. There are times to eat and drink, digest, cleanse, detox, practice and meditate. When the body is being cleansed focus on cleansing or detoxing. When the body is being nourished with food or water allow the body to engage in the process and take time for full digestion. When the body is engaging in physical asana or meditation accompanied with moola bandha the body should be solely engaged in the activity, accompanied with a lightness of mind, body and spirit, which includes the entirety of inside and out. A calm focused mind and body will support a healthy yoga and meditation practice. Abstaining from overeating and sticking to a light diet is essential for a yogi who wants to access prana tapping into higher consciousness.
Pattabi Jois, the founder of the "Ashtanga Yoga" tradition, would often say that the Moola bandha or the root lock should always be "ON" except during three occasions - eating, using the restroom and while sleeping.