Yoga Etiquette

As I’ve stated before, I have been practicing yoga since 1999. In those years, I have kept a running list of what I consider proper yoga etiquette:

1. If the class is in session (i.e., the door is closed and it’s even a minute after the class is scheduled to start, don’t enter the room)
2. If the class is at capacity, don’t force your way into the class. Observe the maximum number and GRACEFULLY (without swearing) exit the class and catch the next one
3. Don’t walk on someone else’s mat with or without your shoes. In fact, leave the shoes outside the room
4. Be friendly—what will it hurt?
5. Honor your body and your intuitive mind
6. Follow the instructor’s lead—even if you know a better route to a more appropriate pose
7. Don’t compete
8. Don’t judge (yourself or others)
9. Don’t ridicule (yourself or others)
10. Don’t leave in the middle of savassna. If you must leave early, leave before the class settles into the final resting pose

Now wait, before you walk across my mat with your bare feet; allow me to share my rationale.

1. Entering the class late disrupts the mood of those who arrived on time and would like to experience the class uninterrupted. Furthermore, if the class is full, the entire room must shift to accommodate you
2. When a class is over the maximum for that particular room, there’s less room to maneuver in the poses.
3. That’s just rude! Leaving your shoes outside of practice is just a nice thing to do as it disallows outside germs inside the room.
4. Why not? Being friendly adds to the experience of peace
5. Listening to your body and mind, you will hopefully learn something new about yourself, your limits and your progression. Also, you’re less inclined to get hurt when you’re in tune with you.
6. Perhaps your instructor has a plan and can introduce you to something new. And it’s rude and show-offy.
7. This is a quick way to get hurt…I know, I’ve been there

8. What’s the point? You gain nothing

9. What’s the point? You gain nothing

10. Again, it’s very disruptive to others in the class who are using this time to meditate and decompose post class. Your interruption disallows a peaceful end to the class

Okay, so there you have it…go out there with the knowledge that more than one person will appreciate your diligence to the unwritten rules.