If it’s your first time going to yogasana class, you might not know what to expect. It would help to understand the general protocol ahead of time. Additionally, an ashram might be a totally different world, so here is some advice. This might also help you to ground and stay connected to the purpose of your visit to the ashram.
Arrive Early and Be Prepared
Usually, arriving ten minutes before class starts is best. Give yourself enough time to arrive so that you can settle easily and be relaxed before the start of the class.
You might also want to give yourself a few minutes extra for finding a spot, laying out the mat, gathering props (if they are used) and staying with an even and steady pace of breath to start the class.
It would certainly be pretty challenging to get centered if you just run to be on time for the class. And worse also, it would be a distraction for all those who have already settled and are relaxing.
What should you do if you arrive late and class has begun? Teachers, in general, don’t mind if you slip in silently and take a place in the back, but it should not be too distracting for the others. Be sensitive and don’t make a habit of it.
Finally, be sure to take care with all the registration requirements before the start of class.
Turn off Your Devices
Turn off your communication devices. Remember, this is your time.Leave anything that makes noise outside of the yogashala. This will support you to be present in class without losing focus and thus gain the maximum benefit.
Perfumes
Often, the smell of commercial lotions and perfumes is too strong. Try to go for a natural one or, if you really would like to smell better without being offensive, drop a dab of essential oil onto your wrists.
Observing Silence
There can be great benefit in having a community of people practicing yoga together and giving each other encouragement and inspiration. Many students relish class as a time to observe silence. It can be a nice time to keep this inward focus and concentration in the yogashala before, during, and after class. Plus, chatting during class is distracting and can even be dangerous when challenging poses are being taught, as people need to stay centered.
Head Faces the Front at the End
During the last pose of the class, shavasana, some people spin around so that their feet are facing away from the teacher and their head is pointing toward the front of the room and altar. Though many people don’t take this position on the mat, it is widely done to show a traditional sign of respect.
Clean Up After Class
Put away all props neatly and where you found them. Taking a few extra seconds to stack the props, roll the mats so they are even, and fold the blankets helps everyone.
Practice Ahimsa
Practicing non-violence(ahimsa) at the yogashala means coming into the space in a peaceful way. Instead of gossiping, angry complaining, and negative attitudes, being gentle in voice, movements, actions, thoughts, and attitudes respects those who come to yoga for a safe, uplifting, truthful environment. Hopefully, this gentle way of being will dissipate negativity not only during yoga class but in other areas of life as well.
Take What You Learned with You
Hopefully, your focus in class has little to do with etiquette and rules and much more to do with gaining a better understanding of both the practice and yourself. Most likely, you’ll feel a great sense of invigoration, peace, relaxation, and inspiration after class. If this is the case, the best way to honor the practice is to spread this sense of peace to others throughout your day.
Author: Brahmacharini Shobhana
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