Frequently Asked Questions
Scroll through this document for answers to the following questions:
WHAT IS YOGA?
Yoga is, by definition, a practice designed to develop a healthy body, a sharper mind, and a sturdy emotional or nervous system. Yoga is not a religion and it is not a cult. The philosophy of Yoga Lola is to embrace people as they are without judgment related to their beliefs or lifestyles, and to provide top-notch, expert professional yoga instruction. Because we know that life is at once a very deep and personal experience, we use yoga as a technology that enhances the integration of all of the parts of the self.
FERTILITY, PREGNANCY AND YOGA
Call us for a full discussion of how we can help you benefit through the practice of yoga both during the time you are trying to conceive and through your entire pregnancy.
WHAT WILL IT DO FOR ME?
For starters, you'll begin growing and glowing with a radiance you forgot you had. Yoga is a technology that literally allows you to change who you are (from the inside out) in this world. With consistent practice you can:
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Gain flexibility
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Gain a new sense of calm
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Lose weight
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Lose stress
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Regain your sense of joy
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Regain or maintain your good health
IS YOGA SAFE TO PRACTICE?
Everyone I know who does yoga regularly is thriving as a result of the practice. Yes, Yoga is safe, effective, and amazing. There is a lot of information out on the web about Yoga. Unfortunately, some of that information is misleading and uses scare tactics to sensationalize the purported "dangers" of Yoga. Therefore, I get a lot of questions from people asking me if Yoga is safe. The answer is unequivocally yes. When you approach the technology under the guidance of a properly trained teacher, it is one of the safest and effective technologies known to humankind. After all, it's been around for about 5,000 years.
BEGINNING THE PRACTICE
When you first begin yoga, find a certified teacher to work with as you embrace the technology. Like everything else worth learning, a teacher is invaluable in the instruction of how to correctly perform mudras, postures, mantra, and pranayama (breathing). Just as you go to a dentist to have dental work done, so should you go to a teacher to learn yoga. You wouldn't build a house without laying a good foundation, would you? The same holds true for your yoga practice. A good practice properly learned is worth every penny that you invest in it and it's learning that lasts a lifetime.
YOUR FIRST CLASS
Read the information below to learn how to dress and what to bring to your yoga classes, along with studio guidelines and policies.
When you join the studio as a new member, you will receive a packet of materials that will explain all kinds of things about yoga to you. It will facilitate your integration into the studio.
Class Structure - Learning two phrases from Gurmuhki
Most yoga traditions have sayings that they use that have been borrowed from other languages. Namaste is an example of one such word that has been widely popularized and commonly used by many of the different branches of yoga schools.
Kundalini Yoga also has a couple of sayings that form a natural part of the tradition. These sayings come from another Indian language, called Gurmuhki. The translations of the words used to open and close the class are explained below:
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The words used to open each class are Ong Namo, Guru Dev Namo, which simply means "I call on the teacher within myself to bring me from darkness to light." That's it. It is a traditional opening for a Kundalini yoga class.
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The words used to close each class are "Sat Nam", which mean "truth is my identity".
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Just as other traditions say "Namaste", Kundalini Yoga says "Ong Namo, Guru Dev Namo" and "Sat Nam".
You never have to say the words if it makes you uncomfortable. You can just sit quietly as the teacher and other students open /close the class if that is what feels right to you.
Guidelines
Yoga is a sacred space. We all bring something to give, just by being there in the group, and thus, we create the experience for one another. Following a few simple guidelines helps us enhance our own personal experience, as well as the experience of everyone in the group.
- Arrive a few minutes before class begins. If you arrive just as class is beginning, enter quietly and find a place in the back of the class.
- Come with an empty stomach. Yoga is best practiced three hours after a meal.
- Tell your teacher about any injuries or special health conditions before class.
- Know thyself! Never push yourself to the point of extreme discomfort or pain when doing the poses! If something becomes uncomfortable, stop and rest, and if you deem it safe to do so, resume the pose. Your teacher will never encourage you to go further than your own comfort level. Listen to, and respect, your body’s wisdom at all times.
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING
- Clothing. Wear something light and comfortable such as sport tops, t-shirts, loose fitting pants.
- Footwear. Yoga is done barefoot (feels so good!). Please remove your shoes upon entering the studio and place them on the shelves provided.
- Mats are not provided for your studio use, but can be sold to you at the studio. You must bring your own personal mat for personal hygiene reasons. Illness can be transmitted via use of public mats. We do have loaner mats, but these are only for occasional use.
- Blankets. We do have blankets (which can be washed and thus remain hygienic) but if you plan to do yoga regularly, you should considering purchasing your own. We sell those also.
YOGA ETIQUETTE
- Turn mobile phones off while inside the yoga studio. If you are on call or in an emergency situation, please inform the teacher upon arrival and turn your cell phone on vibrate. Otherwise, turn the phone off and leave it hidden.
- Remove your shoes after entering to keep the floors clean for others. Place your shoes in the area provided for them.
- Refrain from wearing fragrances as some people are allergic to strong odors.
- Questions for the teacher are encouraged, but are best reserved until after the class, unless your question is related to correctly assuming a pose, or to alert the teacher to any kind of discomfort, pain, or danger.
YOGA CLASSES: POLICES
- One (1) month unlimited memberships begin on the first day of the month and end on the last day of month.
- No refunds or credit for classes purchased but not used within the 30 day period.
- Class passes must be used within 60 days of purchase. There are no refunds given for unused classes.
- In an effort to remain fair to all students practicing at our studio, we cannot grant exceptions.
