Please understand yoga by its very nature is challenging. Yoga literally means "balance". In order to have balance one needs to expose the imbalance and move toward balance. Sometimes it's not easy to see and deal with our imbalances so things get challenging. As humans we tend to have the greatest opportunities for growth in the challenges we encounter. So please experience these challenges positively. It's time to open, flow and awaken!

A yoga class is not a contest between you or anyone you may be practicing with. It isn't even a contest between you and yourself. Forget about how loose and strong you used to be way back when. Give up any aspirations of how loose and strong you hope to be one day. Just be where you are! Make that o.k. Doing yoga correctly means not trying to get anywhere, but being where you are as fully as possible. You'll benefit from class by your effort regardless of how far or deep you get. As long as you are feeling it and you are breathing calmly, you're practicing correctly.

Please don't push too hard. These poses should hurt good, not bad. There has to be a sweetness to every pose. Nothing should ever be excruciating.

Occasionally or maybe more so you may notice yourself getting frustrated, judgmental, critical and reactive. Use this safe environment to start working on these old habit patterns.

We are all quite attached to our bodies so it is very natural for a lot of things to arise. Please know that calmness and self acceptance are at the very root of balance and health. Without this a fitness regime is very superficial. Without this we are building our whole house on a shaky foundation.

Whenever you catch yourself pushing too hard, realize you may not be accepting where you're at, and let it go! Whenever you catch yourself being self judgmental or critical realize you are really lacking nothing and it's actually the judgments and criticism that's keeping you down. Let it go! Whenever you catch yourself being reactive, let it go! Get calm, even if it means backing off.

Welcome to practicing living on the mat.

Importantly, don't forget to breathe!

Yoga classes are not only physically demanding but also mentally challenging. Do bring a sense of humor. If you don't laugh, you'll cry!

Taking your first class? See Practical Info and Class Info to prepare yourself.