What to Expect
It can be intimidating walking into a yoga studio for the first time if you don't know what it's all about. When you come to a class at Blue Point, you can expect to be greeted warmly and welcomed into class. We recommend that you bring your own mat to practice on, but if you don't have one, you can rent one at the studio for $1 or purchase a standard mat for $20. You should wear clothes that are comfortable and snug, but not restrictive to movement. We ask that you leave your shoes in the lobby - there are small cubbies for your belongings. After removing your shoes, you can enter into the studio and set up your mat. It is helpful at this point to get some props that you might need for your practice - blocks, a blanket, bolster, or an eye pillow. Usually your teacher will tell you what you need. All props are provided by the studio for your convenience. Most classes begin with a short seated portion in which the teacher encourages you to bring your body and mind onto your mat. He or she might also offer a short intention for your practice, which is something for you to focus on. After this, the teacher will lead the class in chanting 'om'. You can listen here or join in. 'Om' does not have any religious connotations. It is described as the background hum of the universe, the sound and vibration that is underlying our lives. As we chant 'om', we join our voices to the larger universe, and we also join in the community of other people in the room practicing with us.
Next, you will begin the physical practice of yoga. You will move through a series of poses, or asana, that are linked together in a vinyasa style of flow. This style of yoga will help you to build strength, flexibility and balance. Our classes are fun. Sanskrit, the language of yoga, is kept to a minimum, and always translated if used. At the end of your yoga class, the teacher will lead you into a pose of deep relaxation, called 'savasana', or 'corpse pose'. You will rest there for several minutes, allowing your body to absorb the effects of your practice. At the end of savasana, your instructor will gently lead you out and back to a seated position. You will probably chant 'om' again at this point. The class ends when the instructor says, 'namaste' and the class responds with 'namaste'. Namaste is a beautiful Sanksrit word that means, 'the light in me honors the light in you'.
At Blue Point, we encourage active participation in your practice, and we are happy to answer any questions you have about your experience here at Blue Point or elsewhere. Yoga can bring great benefits to the mind and body when practiced regularly, and we hope to encourage regular practice in our students. Thank you for allowing us to be with you on this journey!
