| I remember how intimidated I felt the first time a friend | | | | commotion. This is rude and disturbing to those who |
| of mine invited me to take a yoga class with her. It | | | | were on time and are already centering. |
| was all so mysterious to me. I was sure I would look | | | | - Remove your shoes as soon as you enter the studio |
| foolish trying to twist myself into a variety of shapes | | | | to keep the floor clean. The floor is where you will be |
| and configurations. My ego and I imagined all sorts of | | | | spending most of your time. |
| ridiculous scenarios. Being a rather shy personality type, | | | | - Please be quiet during class instruction. It's great to |
| I was worried I would commit a horrible faux pas and | | | | share with friends, but it can be distracting to others to |
| stick out like a sore thumb or offend someone. I had | | | | have an extended or loud conversation. |
| no idea of what to expect, what was expected of | | | | - Remove noisy jewelry like bangles and bells before |
| me, or what the proper etiquette was for taking a | | | | class starts. |
| yoga class. As I look back on all the insecurities I had, | | | | - Keep questions brief but do ask questions if you |
| it's a wonder I ever made it through the door to my | | | | have them. Everyone will learn with you! |
| first class. Thankfully, I did. That was many years and | | | | - Turn off your cell phones and beepers before |
| many yoga classes ago. Over time and several | | | | entering the studio. |
| different yoga teachers, I truly fell in love with yoga | | | | - Resist watching other students during their practice. |
| and wanted to share it with everyone I could. I became | | | | First of all it's rude and it only encourages comparisons. |
| a certified yoga instructor and opened my own studio, | | | | Comparing yourself to others is not what yoga is |
| Lights of Yoga, in 2000. | | | | about. There will always be different levels of physical |
| Yoga is a beautiful practice unlike any other form of | | | | flexibility and strength when a group assembles for a |
| fitness program I have ever tried. I encourage anyone | | | | yoga class. Yoga is about being aware of your own |
| thinking about including it in their life to find a yoga class | | | | personal flexibility, strength, and focus. You cannot be |
| ASAP. First, find a yoga teacher you can connect | | | | focusing inwardly when you are focusing outwardly on |
| with. Every teacher has their own style of teaching | | | | others. |
| and, although I believe we learn from all of our | | | | - Don't leave class during, Sivasana, the very important |
| teachers, even ones we don't connect with well, in the | | | | deep relaxation ending of the class. If you must leave |
| beginning it is very important to have a teacher who | | | | during Sivasana, please do so as quietly as possible so |
| does not make you feel uncomfortable or | | | | classmates are not distracted. If you must leave class |
| embarrassed while you are under their tutelage. Once | | | | prior to Sivasana, remember to take at least 5 minutes |
| you have found a teacher to start your yoga journey | | | | of deep relaxation at some point during the same day |
| with, here are a few points to help make transitioning | | | | of your yoga practice. It is imperative to make time for |
| through the first few classes a little less intimidating. | | | | deep relaxation after a yoga practice to integrate the |
| We use these guidelines in my yoga studio and hand | | | | benefits of the breath work, body work and focus. |
| them out to every new student. | | | | - Please do not wear any heavy, chemically produced |
| - Arrive on time or 5-10 minutes before the class | | | | fragrance oil perfumes or lotions to class. Respect that |
| starts. This gives you time to get comfortable and | | | | some students are sensitive to these chemical |
| become focused. Find a spot and unroll your yoga | | | | products, especially when breathing deeply! Natural |
| mat. Sit quietly or lie back and relax. You may want to | | | | essential oils and essential oil products help some |
| concentrate on following the inhalations and exhalation | | | | students relax and may even help in facilitating breath |
| of your breath to help you release the cares of the | | | | work. This is perfectly fine as long as they are used in |
| day. | | | | a minimal amount, enough for only you to smell. |
| - Most teachers understand that sometimes being late | | | | Although essential oils are more subtle than chemically |
| is unavoidable. If you arrive late please enter the studio | | | | produced fragrance oils, sometimes those around you |
| as quietly as possible. Unroll your mat before entering | | | | will still be sensitive to the aroma. Please be |
| the studio and lay it out quietly when you find your | | | | considerate of this. |
| spot. Please do not snap your mat open and make a | | | | |