Etiquette at Ashtanga Yoga Leiden

We’re delighted to welcome you to our shala. The following guidelines or etiquette are designed to create a safe environment and positive experience for yourself and others. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Practical information

You can start your Mysore practice anytime between 06:30 and 08:00. We teach between 07:00 and 09:00. In case you’d like to start earlier, please get in touch with us. If it’s your first time, please arrive after 07:00, so that we can welcome you personally and guide you through your first class.
You can leave your clothes, shoes and bags in the hallway. Your valuables can be stored in the back of the room. Please switch off your phone.
Bring your yoga mat (we recommend a grippy one) and a small hand towel. The studio provides mats as well. If using one of these, we kindly ask you to clean it afterwards.
Communicate any injuries or medical conditions relevant to your yoga practice.

Shala norms

Please enter the shala mindfully so as not to disturb the peace. We practice noble silence, which means we refrain from loud or unnecessary talking. This helps you and others maintain a deep inner focus.
You may start your practice somewhere in the front of the room. The back is reserved for the finishing poses and final rest.
Traditionally, it is recommended to refrain from eating two hours before and half an hour after your practice. Of course, it’s important to listen to your body and find out what works for you. We’re here to advise.
Hydration is very important, but it’s discouraged to drink just before and during your practice. Drinking not only interrupts the flow, but it also cools the internal heat created by the practice. Make sure to replenish afterwards.
Consider personal hygiene. Kindly refrain from using strong fragrances as they can disturb other practitioners.
There is no practice on moon days. Please refer to our schedule for further information.

Good to know

Working with hands-on assists is an integral part of the Mysore-style teaching and helps you progress in your practice. If you prefer not to receive hands-on assists, we respect your choice. Just let us know.
We now and then may take pictures or video’s of you while practising. We will share them with you for learning purposes; you can learn a lot from observing yourself, and it’s a nice way to keep track of your progress over time.
Ashtanga is a powerful tool for self-therapy and personal development. Therefore, it’s important to practice mindfully and respect your boundaries. Recognize that your physical and mental state fluctuates daily, and adjust your practice accordingly. Follow your own pace and breath, and try to balance your practice by integrating both activation and softening.
Experiencing emotional release during or after your practice is not uncommon and is a natural part of the process. If desired, we’re here to support you through any physical, mental, emotional, or other challenges you may face and help you gain clarity and understanding.
The final resting pose is considered the most important pose of the practice. We recommend taking at least ten minutes to integrate the work you’ve been doing throughout your practice and to calm your nervous system before you head on to the rest of your day.