Yes. Yoga is so much more than the poses that we do. It is a process of understanding and respecting yourself and those around us. These rules of good yoga etiquette are based on common sense and courtesy, and are intended to maintain the serenity of your yoga experience:
* Give yourself plenty of time to get to class and acclimatize. It's best to arrive 5-15 minutes early. Don't be late as the beginning of each lesson is very important. I am unlikely to turn you away if you arrive 5 minutes late but it does disturb the other students in the class during the first few minutes of centering and relaxation. Sorry, but for your own safety, no one is admitted later than 10 minutes after class begins.
* Keep quiet upon entering yoga room as people come to class early to de-stress from the day and prepare for their practice. Chatting and loud noises disrupt this calm setting.
* A ringing mobile phone is possibly the worst breach of yoga etiquette that there is! Make a habit of switching off your mobile phone as soon as you get to the yoga room. Being startled during meditation or relaxation by the latest ringtone is extremely annoying. If you have an important reason why your phone should be on, please speak to your teacher before the class.
* Come to class clean and free of perfumes. Other people in the room may be allergic to some scents or made uncomfortable (especially in deep breathing exercises) by strong fragrances.
* Treat mats as personal space and try to avoid treading on any except your own.