The Art Of Arrival - How To Show Up With Presence.

Class Guidelines, Traditions & What to Expect in My Space

If you’re new to yoga (or returning after a break), you might be surprised to learn that how you show up, not just physically, but energetically, is a big part of the practice. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about entering with awareness and care.

Yoga invites us to move through the world more consciously. That begins the moment you arrive at the door.

Every teacher and studio will have their own rhythm, but there are a few shared foundations across many yoga traditions. Below are both general guidelines and some personal ones I hold in my classes to help everyone feel respected, relaxed, and welcome.

🌿 General Guidelines You’ll Find in Most Yoga Classes

Take off your shoes before entering the yoga space
It’s hygienic and symbolic — you're stepping into sacred space, leaving behind the dust and distractions of the outside world.

Arrive on time (or a little early)
Most classes begin with quiet, breath, or a mantra. Arriving late can feel disruptive — for you and others.

Turn off phones, smart watches, and digital devices
Even a buzzing wrist or a screen lighting up can break the sense of presence. Switch off or silence anything that could pull your attention away.

Avoid heavy meals 1–2 hours before class
Practicing on a full stomach can feel uncomfortable and make some poses difficult. A light snack is fine if needed.

Dress comfortably and with awareness
Clothing should allow ease of movement and support a respectful shared space. Modesty is often encouraged in traditional settings.

Keep noise low before class begins
Many people use this time to settle or reflect. A quiet atmosphere helps create an intentional start.

Stay for the full class (including rest)
Unless absolutely necessary, it’s best to stay until the final relaxation. If you do need to leave early, let your teacher know beforehand.

Clean mats and props after use
A small act that helps care for the community and the space we share.

What to Expect in My Classes

While I honour these traditions, I also hold space with flexibility, humour, and understanding. Life is full and sometimes messy — yoga should support you, not stress you out. Here's how I personally hold space in my classes:

➤ We sit in a circle — because yoga is about connection

In my classes, we begin seated in a circle. This isn’t random — it’s deeply intentional.

The circle represents inclusion, wholeness, and the cyclical patterns of life, the moon, the breath, the seasons, the cycles of our bodies and the turning of the year. There’s no front or back, no one above or below. Everyone is equally held.

I always try to form one full, unbroken circle. Please make space for others as they arrive, even if it means shifting from your usual spot. It’s a gentle invitation to practice non-attachment, a core yogic teaching, and to remember that we are all part of a shared experience.

➤ Arriving early?

You're more than welcome to arrive early to settle in. I open the door at least 10 minutes before class begins.

If you arrive earlier and the door is still locked, it simply means I’m preparing the space or grounding myself before we begin. Once it opens, come on in and make yourself at home.

If you have a question or something specific you’d like support with, I’m often available after class — or we can arrange to meet before another session.

➤ Running late or leaving early? Just let me know.

Life happens. If you’re running late or need to leave early, it’s no problem — just give me a heads-up. The door will be locked once class begins to protect the energy of the space, so I’ll need to plan for your arrival or exit.

➤ Toilet breaks and… natural releases? Totally fine.

Please don’t feel you have to hold in a wee — or a fart! Holding physical tension for the sake of appearances is the opposite of yoga. If you need to step out during class, quietly do so. No judgment here.

Better out than in.

➤ Eating before class: Find your balance

It’s ideal to avoid a heavy meal for 1–2 hours before practicing. Twists, breathwork, and movement can feel uncomfortable — or even make you feel unwell — on a full belly.

But don’t come hungry and shaky either. If you need to eat, do — just choose something light and nourishing like fruit or a smoothie. If you’ve eaten recently, move more gently, or take extra rest as needed.

Yoga is about listening to your body — not pushing through discomfort.

➤ Phones, smart watches & distractions — off, please

Yoga is one of the few spaces where we’re invited to fully unplug. Please turn off anything that might beep, buzz, or glow, including smart watches.

If you’re on call for work or keeping an eye out for something urgent, a child or loved one, that’s totally okay. Just let me know before class and keep your phone on silent, somewhere discreet.

➤ What to wear: Comfort + awareness = respect

There’s no dress code. I want you to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.

That said, because we’re often close together in class, I ask that you stay mindful of how your clothing might affect others. For some, seeing a lot of exposed skin (regardless of gender) can be distracting or even triggering.

This is not about covering up, it’s about compassion and creating a space that feels safe and focused for everyone.

I also recommend wearing loose fitting, natural fabric cloths, perhaps ill do another blog on the reasons for this!!

➤ Silence and connection — both are welcome

Some people come early to sit in stillness, others come to connect. Both are beautiful.

If you’re chatting before class, please keep your voice low — others may be using that time to ground, breathe, or reflect. If you want to catch up more freely, there’s plenty of space outside the hall.

➤ Take a moment before stepping onto your mat

You’re invited to pause before you begin. Some people bow, bring their hands to heart, or even kiss the floor, all simple ways to honour the space and your own intention. Or you might just take a breath and smile inwardly.

Whatever your ritual looks like (or doesn’t), a moment of stillness before stepping onto your mat can change the way you enter your practice.

➤ We close by bowing together

At the end of class, we bring our hands to Anjali Mudra and bow.

“Namaste” is not just a word , it’s an acknowledgment of the light within each other. A way of saying: I see you. I honour you. We are connected.

It’s my favourite part of class. A reminder that yoga isn’t just about individual transformation, it’s about shared humanity.

In Summary

There’s no such thing as a perfect yogi. But the way we arrive, in body, in mind, and in presence — is yoga.

These aren’t rules to follow perfectly. They’re small, meaningful gestures that help us honour ourselves, the practice, and the community we share space with.

Understanding the foundations of yoga — like intention, awareness, non-attachment, and compassion — allows us to go beyond the poses and into the deeper layers of yoga as a way of life.

Want to go deeper?

Join me for the Foundations of Yoga Weekend Retreat

📍 September 12–14 | A weekend of rest, ritual, learning & joyful practice

This retreat is for anyone who wants to reconnect with what yoga truly is — beyond flexibility or fitness — through movement, stillness, breath, philosophy, and presence.

Whether you're brand new or returning to your mat, this retreat will give you the tools and time to re-root yourself in the heart of the practice.

Do you have any reflections after reading this?
Is there anything you'd add to the list?
What’s your favourite ritual, intention, or practice to begin a yoga class?
I'd love to hear in the comments below……