If possible, bring your own yoga mat. Mats are readily available at major department and fitness stores, such as Walmart and HomeSense or Fitness Depot.

Arrive a few minutes early for class. If you arrive a few minutes late, you may still join the class. Quietly enter and wait until an appropriate time to roll out your mat, if doing so will interrupt the flow of chanting or eye movements.

Turn off cell phones and pagers. This allows you to consciously be present to the class and is considerate of other students’ needs.

Avoid wearing perfume, cologne or hairspray as the senses become more sensitive with the practice of yoga and pranayama and perfumes may cause headache to other students.

Dress comfortably in unrestrictive clothing, e.g. leggings and t-shirt, sweatpants and shirt etc. Socks and jewellery are removed before beginning poses.

A mat or large bath towel is required for floor poses and a blanket is useful for keeping the body warm during deep relaxation.

A light stomach is necessary for the asanas (poses) and for meditation. Do not eat for at least two hours before class. Drink a glass of water or herbal tea instead. For those who need to eat frequently a piece of fruit may be consumed before class.

Do not drink water during the class. The heat produced by the asanas (tapas) is designed to purify the body of toxins. Drinking water puts out the fire.

All poses are done consciously with an awareness of one’s comfort level, going to the edge of the stretch without ever straining. Do not compete with other students or even with your own previous performance in a pose. Each person is unique. Each moment is new and different. Be responsible to your inner guidance and honour that. With regular practice the body will open up like a bud blossoming into full flower.

Be considerate of the environment after deep relaxation and meditation. Maintain awareness of the inner stillness. Some students may be in a very subtle state and jumping into conversation immediately following class can be jarring and counter productive.