Yoga Shala Information
"Practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to for a long time, without break and in all earnestness"
Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 1:14
How to begin practicing yoga at It's Yoga Panama:
1. Always begin with a Modified Primary Series class.
This series covers all the basic foundations of our practice, even though you are an advanced practitioner it is recommended that you practice this series or the Full Primary Series at least once a week to keep the body conditioned for this postures; this also make us humble and aware of our practice.
2. Be disciplined and commit to the class.
Avoid leaving early or lying down early in your practice, everyone is allowed to rest when needed (in balasana, "child's pose"). If you need to leave early set up your mat near the exit door so the class is not interrupted. Door closes 10 minutes after class starts, so try to arrive at least 10 minutes early, Sun Salutations is our warm-up sequence, got to have warm muscles to have a safer practice. If no one have shown 10 minutes after class starts, the class WILL be cancelled.
Classes are limited to 14 students, so early arrival to is required to secure your spot.
3. Freedom in practice is allowed.
Modifications and advanced variations of postures can be done only if the student does not disrupts the flow and pace of the class. Practitioners must stay in rhythm and respect the teacher's presence.
4. "Asana is a comfortable and steady posture".
All asana is to be done with smooth and controlled movements, do not disturb the class by attempting variations that are not accessible yet. You are here to practice pranayama (breathing), dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditation); asanas (postures) just happen to be in the mix with the other limbs, so don't let them be a limitation to the true goal of yoga.
Things to bring to class:
1. Clean body and mind.
Try to always bring good intentions, even though sometimes you may not feel that good, you know you will feel great after class.
2. Yoga mat.
You can bring your own or if you do not have one we do provide community mats, but we require you to put a large towel over it so the mats are kept clean. After using the mat, please wipe down and leave it open for it to dry.
3. Large towel or two small ones to put over your mat.
Good to have so hands and feet will not slip during practice. It is required at our studio in order to keep the space clean at all times. If you do not have a towel we have large towel for rental ($2.00).
4. The rest is up to you.
Asana practice does not require too much, we also provide some blocks and straps if needed or you can bring whatever helps you to make your practice more comfortable. Yes, you do have the freedom to be as comfortable as possible.
Things NOT to bring to class:
1. Ambition and judgements.
Always try to come with good intentions, good intentions always bring good effects.
2. Heavy smelling perfumes or products.
This kind of products may irritate fellow practitioners. Do not apply make-up or creams to the skin so the pores can breathe and sweat can be released.
3. Do not take aspirin or other pain medication before class.
These products mask the pain and can cause you more harm than good.
4. Cell phones.
No need to bring it; if you do, please turn it off before class or if you need to keep it turned-on set it to silent or change the ringer to something soft and yogic so it does not disturbs the concentration of fellow practitioners.