Here are some tips for being
mannerly on your mat:
On arriving late (or leaving early)
The main thing here is, try not
to do either. But, things happen, and the best-laid plans often go awry.
In some private studios, the door
will be closed and quite possibly locked, thus taking care of what to do about
late-comers. Pounding on the door would not be a viable option here. In gym
settings, or in studios where walking in late is possible, be respectful of the
meditative yearnings of the rest of the class who showed up on time — open and
close the door quietly, tiptoe in, open and lay down your mat as delicately as
if you were handling TNT.
Be as unobtrusive as a
pickpocket. And if you must leave early, best to inform the teacher before
class starts, and leave with the utmost quietness. Getting up during savasana
(final resting pose) is a no-no.
Taking up space
Avoid wedging your mat in where
there is insufficient space Your teacher can help rearrange the layout of mats.
That way you won't have to incur the wrath (wrath is unyoga-like, yet not
uncommon in such situations) of participants who are already deep into their
own inner as well as outer space.
Do not tread on others' mats
This should go without saying,
but I am saying it anyway because I see it happening all the time. This is
tantamount to inviting yourself into someone else's home. Step over anyone's
mat that's not your own.
Come to class clean . . .
Body odor is a big distraction.
If your routine is to work out vigorously and then come to yoga class, wash off
the sweat and use a deodorant. Hand sanitizers should be liberally employed.
Offer to share with your neighbors, especially in flu season. If you are ill,
stay away from class; others do not need to be exposed any more than is
necessary, and you can always practice at home.
. . . but not too clean
Avoid finishing off your aura
with perfumes and colognes. Many people are sensitive to fragrances.
Wear appropriate clothing
Yoga is not about fashion
statements. Comfort and practicality rule. Please, leave your shirt on. I have
on two occasions witnessed practitioners strip during class. I suppose that one
may ask permission before doing so in an unusually warm setting.
On doing your own thing
Don't. Even if you have a better
practice than the teacher, or anyone else in the room. This kind of thing leads
to a free-for-all, which is definitely not conducive to a mind-body-spirit
balanced class. If there is a pose that you just have to do, and the teacher is
not offering it, wait until the end of class and go do it to your heart's
content. Now, if you are pregnant, that is a whole other matter. You do need to
modify poses and avoid certain ones as well.
Breathing too loudly
Uijayi pranayama (ocean-sounding, or victorious breath) is a
wonderful practice, even if you have not been invited by the teacher to use it.
But it can be distracting to others. Properly performed, it should be audible
only as far as the next mat over. And please, no grunting; if the pose is too
strenuous, simply back off and pause in prayer or child pose.
Thank your teacher
Simply repeat "namaste"
after she says it at the end of class, even if you are a bit unsure of exactly
what it means. And perhaps you might take a moment to expand upon the sentiment
by saying a bit more about how great the class was, etc. Teachers love
feedback.
Clean up
That means wiping off your mat,
especially if you are using one that belongs to the facility. Put away your
props too — neatly. Be like a Boy Scout and leave the place a little better
than you found it.
Courtesy: Copyright © 2011, Reuters
