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Practice Notes
- In the beginning, work towards memorization. This is an important first step.
- Flexible clothing that fits close to the body is best. Practice in bare feet.
- Practice on an empty stomach. If this is not possible, allow 3-4 hours after a full meal and 1-2 hours after a light snack. Empty the bladder and bowels.
- Refrain from drinking water while practicing, and for at least 1/2 hour before and after.
- If possible, practice 6 days a week except Saturdays and Moon days. Beginners may start with 1 or 2 times per week, working up to six. It is preferable to practice 20-30 minutes a day, six days per week than practicing irregularly.
- Practice as close to the traditional vinyasa method as possible. Yoga Mala, p. 42.
- Do not jump around or skip asanas. Each posture is preparation for the next, and grows out of the ones that come before. The ordering of postures important and should be followed. Yoga Mala, p. 42.
- You should not feel tired after practice. The breathing system used in Ashtanga yoga infuses the cells with oxygen, which bestows energy on our bodies and minds. In addition, the bandhas or physical energy locks draw energy up and into the body, sealing it in. If you feel consistently tired after class, you may be overexerting yourself.
- A warm shower is recommended before beginning pratice to help loosen joints and muscles, and for cleanliness. Sweat produced during practice should be massaged back in to the skin as it contains beneficial minerals and nutrients. "Rub the body with the water born of fatigue to make it firm and light." Hatha Yoga Pradipika, II.13.
- If you are talking you are not breathing! If you are mindful of and attentive to the breath, you will not be injured in yoga.
- Prior to beginning your lesson, please inform your instructor of any physical conditions (such as high blood pressure, glaucoma, etc.), injuries or concerns before class.
- Practice with a sense of adventure, and a sense of humour! While Ashtanga yoga may not be for everyone, it is for anyone who wishes to learn. Your teacher will guide you appropriately.
Yoga Etiquette
- Please be on time for your lesson.
- Please keep the area around your mat free of obstacles, including personal belongings.
- Please do not wear perfume or cologne (including essential oils).
- Please turn off cell phones/pagers.
- Please allow 48 hours notice if you must cancel a lesson. Failure to provide 48 hours notice will result in full payment for the missed lesson.