Sattva Etiquette
Things to know about practicing at Sattva
If you’re coming for a “pay what you can” class, it’s really not about how much you pay. It’s about an exchange of energy. Your teacher is offering you his/her time, effort, and attention. What are you giving in exchange for this? If you cannot pay for a class, consider paying it forward by volunteering and offering your time, energy, and effort to someone else who needs it.
Come to class on time. For gentle classes, meditation sessions, and Led Primary classes, doors lock exactly at the start of class time. Aim to be at Sattva 5-15 minutes before the class starts to give yourself and the others around you time to settle into the space before you practice together.
Come to class with a clean body. Shower as close as you can to the start of class. Cleanliness (saucha) is a part of yoga, and it’s also about being considerate of those around you, including your teachers.
Likewise, try to avoid wearing heavy scents. Laundry detergents, body washes, deodorants, etc. can give off heavy scents, and the longer you practice Ashtanga, the more sensitive your body becomes to smell (and other senses are heightened, too).
When practicing in a Mysore class, be mindful of others’ practices and be careful not to interrupt them if you need help. Just wait quietly at the top of your mat until someone helps you. Also, don’t rush ahead to avoid getting help: rushing through the practice is never the answer.
If you are contagious (with covid-19 or any other spreadable illness), please DO NOT come into Sattva to practice. Follow CDC protocols, which generally require you to isolate if you have symptoms like a sore throat, fever, shortness of breath, etc. Use common sense: If you wouldn’t see your 90-year-old grandmother, you probably shouldn’t breathe heavily around other people (who also have 90-year-old grandmothers).
Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself: with kindness, openness, love and respect. Avoid criticizing or gossiping about others. Don’t say anything about someone in their absence that you would not say in their presence.
Be open to honest feedback and guidance in your practice. Trust that your teachers are here to guide you to a higher place, in your practice and in yourself.