Yoga shala etiquette
Translated from Sanskrit, yoga shala simply means yoga school, a space where we learn about yoga. Traditionally yoga is a spiritual practice to attain a higher state of consciousness or liberation (moksha). For some, yoga is a good way to increase the strength and flexibility of the body, reduce stress, and perhaps, find more stillness and peace, but regardless of how one sees this ancient discipline, we must be respectful of its roots. Just as you wouldn't walk into a church in a bathing suit or a mosque without a headscarf, below are things you should or shouldn't do in a yoga shala.
Be on time
Those first moments on the mat are very important. They sometimes define the rest of your practice and how much you can let go of your day/week and tune into the present. Being a few minutes late to a class and walking in while everybody's sitting (or standing) still disturbs your peace as well as everybody else's. But being on time doesn't only mean not being late. It also means being too early. Twenty minutes is plenty of time to sign in, change, roll out your mat and prepare for your class.
Respect the sacred space
Leave your shoes in the space provided and turn off your phone. Yoga studios are a clean, quiet, sacred spaces where people come to unwind and find an hour of peace. Try not to talk loudly, on the phone or with someone, and never walk on other people's mats unless there is no space between them, which is usually not the case. One's yoga mat is one's sacred space, not to mention the fact it's a space where you lie down or put your face down at times.
Put the mats/props away
Nowadays, yoga mats are not such a rare find and are not so expensive, considering you will use them for years to come, so getting your own mat just seems like the right thing to do. However, if you do decide to use the studio's mat or props (brick, strap, pillow, blankie etc.), wipe the mat and put everything back the same way you found it.
Respect the silence
The yoga studio is not a church, so you don't need to be completely silent or whisper. Chatting in changing rooms or at the desk is normal and a part of socialising, but keep the subjects light and positive. And once you sit down on your mat, it's time for silence and inner reflection. Try to sit and listen to your breath before the class starts. You can chat with your friends in the changing room later. After Shavasana, try to stay peaceful and quiet. Perhaps you could even take that peaceful feeling home with you, maybe leave your phone off for an hour or two, smile and hum your favourite mantra on the way home.
Savasana
One of the first things we teach our students during teacher training courses is to turn their heads toward the teacher and/or altar. This is, unfortunately, a lost tradition in modern yoga studios, but if you want to show your respect to your teacher as well as the tradition of Yoga, turn your head to the front during Savasana.
Namaste
Nina Vukas
Nina is the founder of Spanda Institute, Program Director and a Lead Teacher for Advanced Study Programs. She has been a Yoga practitioner since 1998, started teaching full time in 2005, and has been educating yogis on their journey towards becoming Yoga Teachers, as well as educating Yoga Teachers to advance their knowledge and teaching skills since 2009. Nina is also a Yoga Therapist, Somatic Psychotherapist, Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, and forever a student. Currently, she is studying Psychology.
