Class Etiquette
Timetable
There is a world of difference between yoga at a traditional Yoga centre and a gym environment. Your search for Truth ends there where you are - the day you will finally knew what you had to do, and began, striving deeper and deeper in the world, determined to save the only life you could save.
The peace and healing you feel once you enter the front door of the administration office is further enhanced when you walk up the stairs to the yoga studio. You know you've come home. Normal, like-minded, gentle people who are supportive (not competitive), surround you, each lying on their yoga mat, into their own world of peace and not judging you. The gurus - your teachers - are your own body, breath and mind.
What if I have never done yoga before?
Beginners are able to attend all of the classes because of the way that Shanti Yoga is designed and taught. Every class is a ‘multilevel’ class which is guided and demonstrated throughout with safety features incorporated throughout the class. These levels are suitable and modified for: beginners, people in pain and people with difficulties; general classes which are suitable for people without specific difficulties and experienced students. Please note that Shantiji's classes are generally longer classes with appropriate breaks if you can only attend for a shorter period of time. Just check on the timetable.
Do I need to be flexible to do yoga?
No. You can start as you are. Shanti Yoga offers stretches and a gentle approach that slowly but powerfully encourage your muscles and joints to open and release, freeing tension and tightness. It is a gentle, yet powerful system of yoga that anyone can practice safely. Moving into your postures mindfully and with breath awareness, allows your body to enter into a comfortable stretch without strain or injury. It doesn’t matter how inflexible you are, with regular practice, you will be amazed at how quickly your body responds. Remembering that the body is linked with the mind, means that we need to also quieten and relax the mind in order to achieve a more open and relaxed body that will stretch.
Can I bring my partner to class?
Yes, classes are mixed and both genders are welcome.
Is Shanti yoga safe for pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a normal condition in a woman’s body. Shantiji has written a book for pregnant women entitled: Yoga for Pregnancy and we also have a simple chart of prompts for the pregnant mum. Yes, Shanti yoga will help you during pregnancy and afterwards. There are no special classes delienated for pregnant women because they are encouraged to join the regular classes, where they are instructed by the teacher as to any safety modifications.
Is Yoga beneficial if I have an injury?
Yes, for most injuries or pain, yoga is very therapeutic. Because Shanti Yoga offers a gentle, focused and slow program, sore backs, necks, knees and other injuries can be greatly improved and indeed, often healed. Remember that often, your body just wants to relax in order for it to heal and that is why learning to breath deeply, stretch gently, switch off your mind and practice complete relaxation, is the key to health and wellbeing.
Just start with what you know and can do easily. Through the process of the lessons you will discover how you can move and feel better. By becoming aware of what is easier, more connected, stronger and more efficient, you can go beyond existing levels of performance. The effects of Shanti yoga are both generalised throughout your system and are also specific. People of all levels and ability can improve from where they started. You will learn to make the impossible possible; the possible easy; and the easy, elegant.
What should I wear to class?
We've evolved past the era of lycra, spandex, leotards and other special clothing for yoga. Loose comfortable clothing of any kind that will allow you to move freely is appropriate. Trousers are easier than skirts for privacy and easy movement. You can change in our toilet if you need to. The standing postures of Yoga are best practiced barefooted, so that you maintain good mat contact with your feet and do not slip. We have a ‘no shoes’ policy in the yoga room but please feel free to wear your socks for breathing and relaxation. Whilst we try to keep the temperature of the room just right, it’s nice to have a few layers so that you can adjust your own body for the temperature to make it the most comfortable for you.
Do I need to bring any equipment?
Mats, cushions, blankets and props are provided and available at no extra charge, however you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you wish. Some students keep their own personal mats at the centre. You can be shown the bench they are stored under when you come up stairs. These mats of course, are not for general use by other students. Please bring a fresh towel to place on top of your mat. Other considerations might include bringing an eye pillow.
May I bring water into the studio?
Feel free to bring your own water. However, we do have filtered water and cups in an urn on the mat bench and sell Nirvana Living water, from the natural spring at Nirvana Wellness Retreat, our purpose-built retreat centre. The yoga studio has a beautifully polished timber floor and for safety reasons we discourage glass in the studio.
Is there a place to change my clothes?
You are welcome to change your clothes in the bathroom.
What if I leave something at the centre?
Lost and found is located at the front desk. Unclaimed items, including yoga mats, are kept for three months and then recycled or donated to charity.
How long after a meal is it okay to practice?
A general rule of thumb: come to class with an open mind and an empty stomach. So, avoid eating a heavy meal for at least an hour and a half to two hours before your yoga class. If you do need to eat before class, a piece of light fruit, a minimum half an hour before class should be alright.
Do I need to register for class or can I just drop-in?
Feel free to drop-in to any class. There is a lot of value in regular attendance. You can become familiar with the variety and sequences, get in the flow, and really feel the benefits. The lessons build for those students who attend regularly. Additional there are membership priviledges.
Workshops and courses require pre-registration.
Can I enter class if I am late?
Most people try to be on time for the beginning of class which is the initial, deepening of awareness, body scan, breathwork and beginning movements of the lesson. If you are late, please enter very quietly. If you believe that you are noisy or clumsy, just sit inside the yoga room while the beginning meditation is in progress. When the meditation is completed, come and settle yourself in. The world does not stop for us to meditate and we can all do better by cultivating more compassion and tolerance to late comers.
Can I record?
No. Not even if the presenter says it's ok. Real people are involved. While we absolutely trust you and know that you wouldn't allow such a recording to go any further, unfortunately we can't guarantee that everyone will be as responsible. So it's best that we make a blanket rule. We hope you understand.
Mobile phones, voices and sound
Please make sure mobile phones are turned off during class. At the end of class, please keep your voice low as a courtesy to students who like to remain quiet.
I do shiftwork. Can I leave class early?
If you need to leave early, good etiquette indicates that you would have informed your teacher at the beginning of class if an opportunity presented itself. Be sure to take a few minutes to sit or do a short shavasana (corpse pose) before you leave. In consideration of others, please be quiet when moving around or leaving while the class is in shavasana (relaxation/meditation).
Personal needs
If you have an injury or areas that require TLC, please tell the teacher at the beginning of class. If, at any time, you feel the need to rest during class, please do. If you prefer to not participate in partner exercises or receive gentle assistance from the teacher, let the teacher know.
Hygiene
If you are sick and contagious, please practice at home. Please wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and using the restroom.
Membership
For many Shanti Yoga events there are membership privileges. You qualify as a member if you are a student of Shanti Yoga or our other courses. This means that you are current and still have classes to attend. If you've completed your course and we're just waiting for your assignments, or the designated and original published date for your course completion has come up, then you're no longer eligible as a current student. However, if you have paid a deposit for a course that's not yet started, then you are a current student. Please check your eligibility.
For more information please call the Shanti Yoga Health Institute on (07) 5531 0511 or email us
