Thursday, May 10, 2012
Etiquette Violators... What To Do?
A note to our regulars:
With all the new students coming into the studio, we hear a
steady stream of complaints from our regulars about etiquette
violations. Let's all take a deep breath for a moment and
consider the following scenario.
You are lying peacefully and quietly on your mat 15 minutes
before class like the fine role model that you are. And then...
a group of new students walk into the yoga room, with their
shoes on, while blowing bubbles with chewing gum, while talking to
each other, while some of them are texting, and the others talking
on their cell phones through bluetooth earpieces.
What is a good yogi to do?
To help navigate these difficult waters, we have come up with a
brief quiz.
Here are possible responses for this (or a similar)
situation...
A)
Get really mad and internalize your anger, and bring that anger
into your yoga practice for a very frustrating 90 minute class.
B)
Get irritated and SHUUSH them really loudly from across the room,
until you embarass them into an uncomfortable silence.
C)
Choose PEACE over anger, say something quietly and kindly to them,
while maintaining your own attitude of flexibility and
understanding.
Hopefully the
answer to this multiple choice quiz will be obvious! If its not
obvious, we recommend answer 'C' as the appropriate response.
Sadly, we know that A and B are common occurrences, even amidst our
group of lovely experienced regulars.
There is enough
stress in this world, we don't need to add to it by getting upset
about our fellow students, or upsetting other people by adding
rudeness to a situation.
It's possible to
view this kind of situation as an opportunity to practice mental
and emotional flexibility. After all, flexibility is a natural
result of yoga, and yoga is not only about physical
flexibility!
Why do new students
behave this way? It's because most of the time, new students simply
don't know any better. And on top of that, they are overwhelmed at
the thought of taking their first Bikram Yoga class and not
thinking clearly.
But we know from
experience that if new students stay with us, they will learn and
adapt to our ways, and all will be well again!
People learn best from example, and respond best to
kindness.
Please be a good and kind example for all.
Posted by: Administrator