Nov 13, 9:15: A few observations on yoga etiquette

Another class with Lisa today. I like her pacing and had a strong class today.

I had a few observations on yoga etiquette today, both good and bad. I try to be as respectful of others and the space as I can be, though I know I am not perfect. Also, I think in general that this studio is a bit lax re: etiquette as compared to my last one. For example, talking is allowed in the hot room before class (though not during or after), and latecomers are permitted, and will often walk across the room during postures. People will also walk across the room (not stand by the door) if they leave and then come back in during a posture. People also bring purses, extra clothes, etc. in with them to the room sometimes, and prop them up in front of the mirror, which is likely to block another person's view.

However, these were the few things I noticed during today's class. One bad, one good, one a question about me. Two young guys (early 20s, I think) came into class together, and were talking quite loudly (which is permitted, though usually people are quieter). The set their mats down in the middle of the room. Then, they got up and moved closer to the door, in the second row, behind where I was set up. One of them set up his mat *directly* behind mine. I consider this to be poor etiquette - since I was there first, he should set up his mat in a place where he can see himself. Instead, I ended up moving my mat when class started, as I didn't want to block him.

But, just seconds after this happened, I saw a lovely example of good etiquette. Our visiting teacher left to go to the bathrooom just before class started, and came back in as we were finishing our first breath in pranayama. I loved this - she opened the door, took one step in the room, then put her toes and heels together and joined in. When the first set was done, she scurried over to her mat. This is basic good etiquette in the yoga room - making sure not to provide distractions for the people around you. (The worst I have seen of this type is someone getting up and walking out of the room while we were in camel - as if that's not a lot distracting!)

Finally, an example of my own that I wasn't sure about. I lost the feeling in my toes again today during Awkward. I lost it during first set, Awkward 2. Now, when this happens, what I *really* want to do is sit down and wiggle each of my toes with my hands, but obviously that would be distracting for others, especially during the warmup. I don't feel comfortable going into Awkward 3 with no feeling in my toes, plus I am afraid that the feeling will worsen and affect the rest of my standing series, which would lead to more distractions for those around me if I fall out more, need to sit out, etc. So, I stood in place on my mat, arms still outstretched, and wiggled my toes on the floor. When everyone else was so low to the floor, I felt like I must have been a distraction, standing straight up; but, I wasn't sure what a better alternative would have been for me. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Those are my observations on yoga etiquette today. I think that the general sense we all need to follow is to be respectful of other in the room, and try not to provide distractions. However, I think there is also a lot of gray area within that rule.