Getting Ready
Some things to know about the yoga class and general yoga etiquette
Entering the Yoga Space
Please feel free to arrive up to 10 mins prior to class. This will ensure that you are settled and ready to commence and familiarise yourself with the surroundings. Please be mindful of other students’ space and turn off your mobile phone. While you are waiting you can practice a pose, do a few stretches, or just sit or lie quietly, breathe and get centered by bringing yourself into the space and leaving things behind for our hour together.
Towel, Mat, Blanket & Water
If you have your own Yoga mat please feel bring it or alternatively one is provided for you, a bottle of water is a good idea and a towel if you perspire; a blanket is also good to use lying down in Savasana at the end of the session when your body cools down.
Clothes
I suggest you wear light and comfortable clothing. Layers are good as when you get warm you can peel off a layer.
New To Yoga or Pregnant
If you are pregnant or new to Yoga please let me know as then I can accommodate your special needs – if you have any concerns it is a great idea to consult your doctor before starting.
Concerns or Injuries
Be sure to inform me before class about any particular niggles or injuries and please take full responsibility to manage your own capabilities. At any time feel free to resume a resting position during the class. The class is your special time - take full accountability for your own body and current situation.
What we do
Generally speaking we will commence with a warm up, move through a range of poses, and conclude with a relaxation time at the end. Throughout the class we focus on the breath to calm the nervous system and we aim to move gently from one pose to another. Often we will have a particular theme that we will be working on during our time together.
Class Etiquette
Towards the end of class there will be a time for pure relaxation – often lying down on your back in a pose called Savasana or Corpse Pose. This is a very special time when we integrate what we have learnt in the session and allow the body & mind to completely relax. Please do not exit at this time as it disturbs others and does not allow for you to maximise the session to your full capacity. It will provide you with the opportunity to combine everything that you have done in the past session.
Meals prior & hydration
It is suggested that you do not have a big meal for up to 2 - 3 hours prior to class and it is also good to hydrate well before class.
It is ok to take a break during the class
It is really important that you work to your own capacity and listen to your body during the class. Please feel free to rest at any time during the class. If you need to visit the toilet during class time feel free by quietly exiting and reentering the yoga space.
Be gentle with yourself
Yoga is not a competition and everybody’s body is different. So it is very important not push your body beyond its limits, so please stop right away if you experience any sort of discomfort. You can avoid injuries by understating your body’s capabilities. Instead of trying to go as deeply or completely into a pose as others might be able to do, do what you can without straining or injuring yourself. You'll go farther faster if you take a loving attitude towards yourself and work from where you are, not from where you think you should be. With time and commitment you can build a stronger, more flexible and healthier body - in mind & spirit.
We focus on the Breath
In the ancient science of Yoga, we learn to gradually focus on the breath in the session. It is an amazing tool and can have a powerful effect on our health as it allows us to bring fresh oxygen into our lungs, cells and organs and provide energy to our body. You will be encouraged to breathe into and out of a pose which will have a calming effect on the body and mind.
Having an open and playful attitude
In my classes we have a creative, structured but informal environment. We may smile and laugh internally and externally at times. Often we are playing with a pose to see what we can achieve personally. It is not an Olympic event and there are no judges watching us…..only ourselves. Poses can be adapted for accessibility and I like to work dynamically in the moment.
Create an intention
To help you focus, you might find it helpful to dedicate your practice to a certain intention. This might be to become more aware and understanding, more loving and compassionate, or healthier, stronger and more skillful. Or it might be for the benefit of a friend, relative or current issue in your life e.g. “letting go”
Terminology
Like any discipline Yoga has its own language called Sanskrit. It is an ancient language that describes all of the yoga postures and philosophies. We use Sanskrit occasionally as an authentic sign of respect to the heritage and lineage of Yoga.
At the end of class
Please neatly put away any props you use and feel free to approach me to ask me any questions.
Take time afterwards to think about what you did in class
So you can retain what you have learnt, it is a good idea to review the poses you have practiced and note any instructions that particularly made sense. Even if you remember just one thing from each class, you'll soon have a lot of information that can deepen your own personal practice. If time permits practicing what you have done at home is a great way to extend on your practice and consolidate your learning.