Yoga Etiquette 101:
Age Old Practice Comes With Its Own Courtesy Suggestions
More by Blair PelleyNEIRAD enilno edition
Summer vacation is now just a dim memory. Many kids are already starting to feel that relaxed mode give way to the ensuing stress that comes with the start of a new school year.
One way to combat that intensity is the centuries-old practice of yoga. Although yoga is a low-key affair, some students at Darien are getting really excited about it.
"It is an extremely refreshing and relaxing experience and our instructor, Bruce, is really chill. Elements (in Darien) is a very respectful place where we can all go!" Class of ’10 grad Lynnie Strother said. (Strother is now enjoying her yoga Zen at George Washington University in Washington D.C.)
But does anyone really know the correct etiquette for a yoga class? With more and younger people taking up this practice some adults get worried kids won’t take the class seriously.
Believe it or not, there is a certain code of conduct in which participants should adhere when taking a yoga class. “There are no rules to yoga, but an etiquette that should be followed,” Westport yoga teacher Paula Schooler said.
Mrs. Schooler stressed the importance of omitting certain types of behavior to have the most beneficial practice. “Basically to be mindful of others, to respect the quiet, to honor one’s space, to not bring or talk on a cell phone in class turning it off is necessary, Non-judging is a basic tenet also, when we learn not to judge we learn not to judge ourselves as well,” she said.
The younger people are not the only ones not always recognizing the proper conduct of conduct in yoga class. Mrs Schooler also said that people, young and old, are offenders of some of the etiquette. “I do yoga in a grown-up class, so everyone behaves. I think it is more the younger kids who misbehave, however there’s this little boy in my class who is better behaved then me!” junior Katie Maccarone said.
Yoga is about finding that inner calm – a state that can only truly be achieved with focus and mindfulness. “The whole spirit of yoga is to find peace.” Mrs. Schooler said.
Some people laugh and do not take the classes seriously, which disturbs other people and makes it hard to achieve the main goal of finding peace. “I do yoga with friends, and it depends. Some days when I’m really stressed out about homework and I go to yoga for a break and to relax. I usually am really serious during it; however, my friends and I tend to laugh a lot during the awkward and hard poses. The teacher doesn’t get mad, however when we laugh during poses when other people are serious...it can be distracting to others, Maccarone said.
Yoga just like any school class values punctuality. In fact, it is preferred that students arrive about 10 minutes early to set up their mats and reserve a spot. This is especially relevant in jam-packed sessions.
“One of the places I take yoga has extremely crowded classes. It is especially irksome when the same people show up late and expect others to get up and move in the middle of class, so these latecomers, can wedge themselves into the already crowded space,” English teacher Stacey Wilkins said. “Yoga is mindful of the courtesy and peace of others – late arrivals disrupts the spirit of centering exercise.” Teachers advise that if you are going to be late, wait until the opening meditation has been completed before you enter. If you are more than 10 minutes late wait for the next class or come another day.
The same rule applies to the closing Savasana, in which some people loudly barge out. This part of the practice is considered vital to allow your body to soak in the practice. Leaving in the middle is not only rude to classmates, but also prevents the person from attaining all the benefits of the practice.
A couple other reminders from the experts – leave any electronic devices in the car and make sure you wash your feet. Oh, and teachers advise guys to leave the topless shtick on the beach. The male minimalist approach can be a bit disconcerting in a close environment. People take yoga to de-stress after a long day of work or homework. More and more high school students are beginning to take it after school to take a break from a stressful day.
Taking the class seriously is essential to get the full benefits and also so other people can take advantage of the class. Although young people are getting blamed for the bad behavior it is not just them. Adults can be just as disruptive.
