THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF Y2 YOGA
We are pretty chill up in here. You are not going to find rules at Y2 because we truly believe this is your practice, and we are just your guides. We really aren’t control freaks. (Unless you try to take our towels home. Then we get a little bossy.)
The simple fact is that we want to share yoga with everyone. This is a low-pressure, come as you are, get what you need love-fest. We are a big family but all families need some rules to keep the peace. In that spirit, here are the 10 commandments of Y2 Yoga.
1. DO NOT LEAVE DURING SAVASANA
Ever. Period.
You can leave at any other time….just not when the rest of us are soaking in the yoga goodness at the end of a practice. What’s savasana you may ask? It’s the quiet time at the end of practice where we ask you to lie still for a few minutes with a cold lavender towel over your eyes. Sounds pretty nice, right? Well for whatever reason it seems to stimulate the “GET ME OUT OF HERE” response for many of us but it’s actually a very sacred time. It may seem like the most difficult 5 minutes on your mat but it’s the time when the yoga works its magic. It is a practice in being still and quiet…and that can be uncomfortable and scary at first. We certainly cannot make you stay for those last delicious minutes but we insist that if you do choose to leave early, do it before savasana.
2. NO CELL PHONES IN THE STUDIO
Seriously, are you not tired of technology yet? It is life-sucking. All the time. Do yourself a favor and step away for 60 minutes. Our ONLY exception is for those of you who are on call.
3. DON’T TALK IN CLASS
If you feel like you just have to say something to your neighbor during class, think about what you want to say and cut it in half. And then don’t say anything. Namaste. But seriously, we’re okay with a little bit of chatting before class and during breaks but for the love of all things holy, PLEASE don’t talk while the teacher is leading the class.
4. NO SHOES IN THE STUDIO…OR PURSES…OR KEYS…OR ANYTHING
We try to make our studio space a clean, uncluttered environment. We kindly ask that you leave your things in the locker room. Take your shoes off BEFORE you come in the studio. They bring in dirt and grime into our sacred space. And the other stuff just gets in the way. Bring yourself, a mat and a towel.
5. STAY HOME IF YOU’RE SICK
Rest up, take care of yourself and come see us when you’re feeling better.
6. ARRIVE ON TIME
We have a lot of classes that fill up quickly and sometimes it is hard to find a spot if you come in late. Navigating the legs and arms in motion is tenuous even without a mat, 2 towels and a water bottle in your hands. Try to give yourself a few minutes before class to unwind, settle, relax. All that said, please do not ever feel unwelcome if you have to enter class a few minutes (or 20 minutes!) late. Just do so quietly and the teacher will help you find a space. Know the difference between arriving late because you were just being a little lazy getting to class and arriving late because of work/family/life obligations.
7. CHECK IN AT THE FRONT DESK
Our wonderful front desk staff is pretty darn good at getting to know everyone’s name, but with upwards of 400 people walking through the door each day it’s impossible for them to get it right every single time. Please stop and let them know you’re here, even if you’ve already signed in online.
8. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Don’t ever want you to forget that this is your practice. Not your teacher’s and not your neighbor’s. If you are feeling overheated, walk out. Losing your breath? Find child’s pose. Back off when you need to back off. Drink water. This is NOT a competition with anyone else. Honor yourself.
9. DO NOT TAKE OUR TOWELS HOME
We provide hand towels and shower towels for your convenience. Unfortunately, those exit the studio at an alarming rate and are a big monthly expense for us. Please place your towels in the designated bins at the end of class. They’re located in the hallways. THANK YOU. BIG HUGS.
10. HAVE FUN AND DON’T TAKE THINGS SO SERIOUSLY
This is absolutely a rule. Have fun while you are here. Play around. Try something new. Laugh at yourself. Fall down. Lighten your load. That’s the whole point.