• Please take your shoes off at the door.
• Come on time as an exception. Come early as a rule to sign in at desk.
• If you are late, please make your entrance as unobtrusive as possible.
• Deodorant is great; strong perfumes or lotions are not.
• Be mindful of your neighbor's space and visibility in the mirror.
• Tailor your practice by modifying the depth, not by avoiding postures or changing them. As Bikram says, "Try the right way." Form and placement with deep breathing always trumps depth.
• Leave your space as you found it.
• Observe silence while class is in session, whether practicing or not.
• Be good to yourself.
• Change your negative language to more positive i.e. (I can't to I'll try!). Try this technique and you'll be shocked at the results.
• Wear a happy smiling face while you're practicing the yoga postures; if you're grimacing back off a bit.

It is respectful to show up to class early; that way, there is time to make adjustments with our mats so that each student can find the most advantageous spot for him/herself possible - even in a full class.

By taking off shoes before entering the yoga room and taking belongings back to the locker room, students are consciously aiding in keeping the studio clean and uncluttered for everyone's comfort and wellbeing.

Carefully opening and quietly closing doors that lead in and out of the yoga room shows respect for those meditating inside - as do quiet, hushed voices before and after class. (Turning off cell phones before entering the studio is the best way to avoid disturbing the peaceful atmosphere at Being Yoga.)

It is respectful to stay on your mat during the entire class, but if you must leave and/or come back, please do so between postures as silently and unobtrusively as possible.

Following the dialogue as closely as possible to the best of your ability (not branching off into different postures, for example), helps to keep a unified environment for all. Remember, this is as much a meditation class as it is a physical activity. Each of us helps the other stay focused by moving together in sequence.

Finally, take responsibility of your own thoughts and emotions. You can't always control outside circumstances, but you always have the option of controlling your reactions to those circumstances. By concentrating on your own practice, giving it your best and staying calm inside, you are contributing a focused, peaceful energy to the entire class. Similarly, changing your internal language from negative ("I can't") to positive "I'll try"), contributes a positive energy as well.

Our Being Yoga goal of creating a sacred environment - a warm and welcoming space - for a conscious community becomes a reality each time we "recognize and honor" the Divine in each other and consciously practice our "Yoga Etiquette."

Namaste'