Creating a Peaceful Practice Space
Yoga relaxes the body, calms the mind, soothes the emotions, and settles the energy, allowing us to experience our natural state of wellbeing and contentment.
The surface of a calm lake reflects the moon.
The classes are a group activity, and the atmosphere in the room is influenced by every practitioner. Thank you for helping to create and maintain a peaceful, welcoming, and positive environment for everybody.
Enjoy This Calm Space
The studio doors open 30 minutes before class begins, offering an opportunity for personal practice, reflection, and preparation.
I encourage you to make the most of this time to relax your body, calm your mind, soothe your emotions, and settle your energy.
Upon entering the practice room, I invite you to practise Mouna.
Mouna is the practice of limiting speech and cultivating inner quietness. It can also take the form of Vak Mouna, measured speech; words spoken with intention, sincerity, and compassion.
Together, we can create a space that feels calm, restorative, and supportive for all.
Enjoy This Calm Space
Studio doors open 30 minutes before the start of class for personal time/practise.
I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity to relax your body, calm the mind, soothe the emotions, and settle your energy.
On entering the room practise Mouna.
Mouna is limiting of one’s speech; being intentionally calm/quiet. It can also be the practise of measured speech which is referred to as Vak Mouna; words spoken with intention, sincerity, and/or compassion.
A Few Helpful Notes
- You are welcome to attend any class; there is no need to book in advance.
- Please be aware that these are Yoga classes rather than workshops, courses, introductory sessions, or private tuition. My primary focus is facilitating a group practice, though I will always do my best to support everybody, especially beginners.
- Arriving late occasionally is not a problem. However, whenever possible, please arrive at least 5 minutes before class begins. For those with the luxury of time, the doors are open 30 minutes before class for personal preparation.
- If you need to leave class early, please do so quietly and with minimal disturbance to others.
- Please leave shoes outside the practice room.
- During class, keep only the items you need close to your mat, such as water or a towel. Other belongings can be placed at the front or back of the room so that the practice space remains clear and comfortable for everybody.
- If you are unwell, please take the time you need to recover before returning to class.
- For greater comfort during practice, I recommend avoiding large meals for approximately three hours before class and arriving well hydrated.
- Beginners often find it helpful to practise in the middle or back rows where they can easily observe more experienced practitioners when needed.
- Please leave any adjustments to windows, doors, heating, or ventilation to me so that I can balance the needs of the whole group.
- Please turn mobile phones and other electronic devices off before class begins.
- Please avoid wearing perfume, aftershave, or strongly scented products. Many people are sensitive to fragrances, and a neutral environment is more comfortable for everybody.
- Please avoid bringing glass bottles or bottles that make excessive noise when opening and closing.
- If you need to leave the room during class, please do your best to minimise disturbance to other practitioners.
- It can take time to build the stamina required for a full Yang practice. Please rest whenever you need to.
- Rest is not a sign of weakness; it is an important and valuable aspect of practice. Even experienced practitioners rest when appropriate. Rest helps regulate the nervous system and allows us to absorb the benefits of practice.
- If you arrive well hydrated, you are unlikely to need much water during class. Remember to rehydrate afterwards.
Leaving Class
As you leave your mat, keep your peace for as long as possible.
There is no need to rush back into the stresses of everyday life.
Allow yourself a few moments to absorb the effects of your practice.
Keep your heart open.
Carry the calmness you have cultivated into the rest of your day.
Rather than allowing the world to influence you with its stress, see if you can influence the world with your peace.
Whenever possible, base your important life decisions on who you are, rather than on the pressures and expectations of the world around you.