Most of my private students are beginners at yoga and are intimidated by the classroom setting. As much as I love the gift of coming into their homes and introducing them to the practice, I know that one day I must leave their nest and let them experience the community and synergy that happens in a room full of people working on their practice. It is inspiring and mystical.
If you are intimidated by going to a class because the idea of touching your toes seems as likely as a trip to the moon, or you picture yourself as the odd man out of a Cirque de Soleil open call, your drishti, (focus) could use a "shift".
The real evidence of being an advanced yogi is your classroom etiquette.
1. Don't be late.
But if you are, remove your shoes before entering the studio, quietly put your things away, and find an empty space. If you come in during the opening meditation, do NOT whip your mat out. To your fellow practitioners that sound is like their hearing being whipped with a wet towel. Instead, take a seat in the space you will place your mat. Once the warm up or first sun salutation begins, unroll your mat and join the class in progress.
2. Make space.
If you arrived early, have fixed your mat and and that's that, this will be your real test of flexibility. If you see a yogi looking for a place to practice and with just a little shifting to the left or right that space can be created, do it! Be the first to offer. This will make you feel as good as doing hanumanasana.
This is a lesson I've had to learn over and over. And it has something to do with the way the universe works. The earlier you arrive and get fixed, the later you will be moving your mat and testing your flexibility.
3. Don't bring all your stuff.
So many yogis show up with their bags, their book, their phone...everything but jiffy pop...and set up camp around their mat. This is your chance to get away from stuff. If there's not a safe place to leave it outside of the studio, then most likely there is an area in the studio. This is a kind gesture to your fellow yogis.
4. Turn off the phone. Completely.
You and your fellow yogis settle into a well-earned savasana after a challenging class. If you left your phone on, this is most likely the time it will ring. Another whipping of the senses with a wet towel.
5. Hold space.
This is what your teacher will direct you to do, but during the practice, this is the best gift to yourself and your fellow yogis. Breathe and be in the moment. Be your best self and you will encourage those around you to be their best.
Often, stopping, fidgeting, sighing, and grunting are ways your mind plays tricks on you so that you can stay safe in your old self and in your old habits. If you need a break, come into child's pose. If your mind is telling you you need a break or your hair needs to be fixed right away, see what happens if you let that go and breathe instead. It's possible you may transcend.
6. Avoid prop chaos.
Class has ended. You are already off to the next errand in your mind. You are stepping over yogis to rid yourself of the block and blanket you used. Here's the first place you can practice yoga off the mat: Stack them neatly.
7. The best way to leave early is the kindest way.
Set up close to the door. If you get a chance, tell the teacher that you will have to leave early. When it is getting close to time, take a savasana. Leave before the rest of the class takes savasana.
8. Remember: How you do yoga is how you do everything.
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