10 Tips from a Yoga Student
by Russell Shields

Russell Shields has been a yoga student for many years. He characterizes himself as one who brings a mat to class and does the asanas along with everyone else.

1 BE A GOOD STUDENT
This means diligence throughout the class period, especially with a teacher new to you. If one has a regular practice, there is a tendency to think we know of a better way for the class to be taught.

2 BE OPEN
We can learn something from every teacher. I have had teachers whose asana practice was less developed than mine. However, I learned much from them.

3 OVERLOOK
Most yoga teachers are not masters. They, like all of us, are in different stages of development. It is not unusual to hear them mispronounce the names of asanas, embarrass students, criticize other teachers, arrive late, start the class late, run the class over the scheduled end time, display anger, direct you into a sequence of poses and then forget to do the "other side" leaving you reeling lopsided. It is up to us to overlook the flaws so that we can enjoy the real yoga teachings, which are pristine and eternal.

4 EXPECT ODD SITUATIONS
There is an implicit trust relationship between the teacher and student. It is the teacher's duty to find a way to get the student to learn, and the student's duty is to be obedient and open.

The yoga literature is full of stones of teachers doing strange things to make a point to the student. Rumi is reported to have said, "If the teacher says soak your prayer mat in wine, soak it in wine."

5 HANG IN THERE
I have found that the solution to the odd situations is to hang in there, even if you don't like it. Sooner or later, the wisdom comes out. When one of my teachers noticed the class straining in a difficult pose, he would encourage us by saying, "don't leave before the miracle, it is just coming."

6 DO IT THEIR WAY
Teachers have different styles. Some are young, very flexible, strong, and vigorous. Their classes are often a faster paced, more intense workout. Older or more experienced teachers often place less emphasis on external form and more emphasis on breath and concentration during the practice. What is important is to do the practice their way so that you can get the benefit from their style of reaching.

For example, I have noticed lyengar teachers talk a lot during class. They explain every tiny detail of the asana until I feel mentally exhausted from the input. Also, I know several lyengar teachers who can be very picky about the way you fold blankets. However, I am deeply indebted to them for teaching yoga etiquette and the great body of physical mechanical information they provided. I would not have received that benefit if I had left the class because the teacher never shut up.

7 YOU DO!
In contrast, I have noticed that Astanga teachers give very little instruction. The class moves from pose to pose and you are left to figure out precisely how each pose should be done. One teacher would sometimes silently show a pose, and then only say, "You do!" To my surprise, the doing often taught me. The understanding and internal experience that eventually comes from the yoga is the best teacher.

8 ETIQUETTE
The newer student may be surprised to know there is an unofficial yoga etiquette:
First, is to come with a fairly clean body and mat- I am not all that finiky about odor, yet being on a yoga mat next to malodorous feet or mats has ruined the whole experience for me many times. Be on time. If you are late, just stand near the door and wait for the teacher to acknowledge you and direct you to a spot.

9 RELAX/DON'T TENSE UP
As a result of being the equivalent of human pretzel dough to many teachers over the years, I have learned that the best way to take an adjustment is to relax. Then try to get the feel of what the pose is like after you arc in the adjusted pose. When you relax you go much deeper into the pose and you may learn that mental surrender is a huge key to spiritual growth. As my practice has become established, I notice that when my daily work gets intense my deep slow yoga/ujjayi breathing gets going and automatically the situation becomes more even.

10 HONOR AND ENCOURAGE
Teachers also benefit from recognition and feedback. When I think of the great line of yoga teachers stretching back into antiquity who brought these teachings to us, it is natural to feel humility and gratitude. I try to bring flowers to class once in a while and remember them at Christmas with small gifts like nuts, incense, or a yoga type calendar. Sometimes just a few words about how much I sincerely enjoyed a class, or how I improved an adjustment in the class brings to their face.

from LA Practice Pages