The New York Times article about etiquette in yoga studios is making the rounds of the yoga blogs.
YogaDork is quoted about people barging into class:
"'You are Zenned out,' said the blogger YogaDork, who asked to remain incognito, describing the splendor of Savasana, resting pose. 'And people are fumbling for bags and rolling up the mats.'"
Let's see...what are my pet peeves?
Men in yoga classes are few and far between where I live so no chance on seeing any cojones flying in the breeze because of loose yoga shorts. And no, I'm not disappointed.
As for barging in, once I had a woman rip off the plastic of her brand new yoga mat in the beginning of class when everyone was sitting in stillness, making a very loud tearing noise, and then act like she did not know that would happen when I shot her a look. And that was AFTER she unzipped her winter coat. Loudly. Did I say she also came in late?
As for cellphones, I've gotten used to them by now. That's not to say that they don't bother me -- HELLO! YOU'RE NOT THAT IMPORTANT, REALLY!! -- but they don't bother me as much anymore.
Once in a class during savasana a woman's phone rang and she must have jumped a foot off her mat. Now THAT was funny because she literally looked like she levitated, very quickly. I mean, her whole body came up like a plank. BOING! After class she told she did not know how to turn off her phone. Really.
Drumroll, please.....my two biggest pet peeves, one as a teacher and one as a student, are:
1. As a teacher, gum chewing.
Why would someone chew gum in a yoga class?
In the first place, I don't even understand gum chewing. I've never been a gum chewer, what's the purpose of it? It seems like everywhere you look nowadays someone's jaw is flapping away.
Next time I have a gum chewer in class I'm telling them I won't revive them if they choke on it.
2. As a student, anyone walking on my mat.
This is very common in workshops. It makes my skin crawl.
Why are people clueless about this?
I PUT MY FACE ON MY MAT, WHY ARE PUTTING YOUR DIRTY, SMELLY FEET ON MY MAT?!?
And sometimes people even act insulted when you quickly pull up your mat when you see them walking towards you.
How about it if I put my foot on your nose, sister? I've walked barefoot all over India, maybe you want a piece of that in your face?
Aaaaahhhh.....I feel so much better now.....
OK, Divine Ones....your turn.
