yoga etiquette
Yoga is a practice for our physical, mental, emotional, and for some, spiritual well-being. As such, there are some basic guidelines to practicing in a studio setting:

  • Kindly refrain from using perfumes or scented body sprays and lotions before coming to class. Others may be highly sensitive to smells, and we are in tight quarters, focusing deeply on breathing. Please DO use deodorant
  • Parking is available to the side and back of the Cornwall Professional Building as well as in front on the street. Please do not park in the spaces immediately in front of the building or my door
  • Arrive 5-10 minutes early; we begin each class promptly at the start time and do not allow people to enter late (if the door is closed, we have already begun. Out of respect for others, please do not enter)
  • As yoga is a practice of detachment, please minimize the “stuff” you bring with you; all personal items not needed for your practice should be left either in your car or in the front cubbies, including shoes (please minimize walking with shoes on in our practice space)
  • Silence all cell phones or leave them in your car (please do not turn your phone to vibrate as this still produces a sound); if you are on call for EMERGENCY (medical) work, you may silence your phone and keep it with you by your mat
  • Please enter our space in a peaceful manner; this is a time to shift inward. Lower your voices, leave gossip, complaining, negative and inappropriate talk outside. Keep chatter before class to a minimal and just above a whisper
  • Please refrain from “claiming” or reserving a mat space; be willing to move your mat to make room for others
  • Please do not walk on other’s yoga mats; these not only designate our personal space within the room, but for many practitioners, also serve as sacred ground
  • Kindly do not pick your feet or toe nails prior or during class
  • Ujjayi breathing is not practiced; however, if you are familiar with it, you may use it as long as it is an internal vibration rather than an outward audible sound. Your neighbors should NOT hear you
  • As much as you are able, please try to keep bathroom use to before and after class
  • I encourage you to get into your body as much as possible throughout our practice, however, please refrain from doing your own personal practice that is noticeably different from what is being taught (notify teacher of injuries prior to class)
  • Finally, RESPECT – yourself, each other, the teacher and the practice – even if the style is not for you

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation ~ Namaste