I’m sure you’re quite nervous and filled with questions if you’re just starting as a yoga practitioner or yoga teacher. Calm your nerves because I have the answer to a query that is most certainly on your mind: “How does a yoga session start and end?”
You can begin your yoga classes by introducing yourself, reiterating the fundamentals like props needed, making room for questions, and with a prayer. You can typically finish the session with silence, reciting mantras or prayers, and setting aside time for introspection.
Prayer is one of the parts that will always be included at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. The reason for this is simple: praying enables yogis to connect with their inner divinity and to release any impurity that can obstruct or pose a challenge during and after practicing yoga.
How to Open Your Yoga Session
The opening segmentation of a yoga class may differ based on the instructor’s preference and the yoga studio’s area of specialty. The specific order I’ll explain here for a yoga class’s opening is as follows: introduction of the instructor, going through the basics such as props required, leaving time for questions, and chanting a prayer or other invocation.
Introduction of the Teacher
Usually, yoga instructors introduce themselves at the beginning of each class, similar to how every lesson begins. To create credibility and fully engage the students, the instructor may give a brief self-introduction or, if time permits, share the story of his/her yoga journey.
This is an important prerequisite before the yoga session even begins since it fosters a positive relationship between the students and the instructor. A brief introduction also benefits newcomers. One study found that self-introduction or personal disclosure promotes group integration and increases commitment and participation among newcomers.
Discussion of the Basics
A short rundown of the basics, notably the yoga props required for the class, comes next in a session’s opening. The teachers might mention the necessary accessories first, then ask the class if somebody is missing a particular yoga prop so that the studio can supply it. This time in class might also be used to talk about important matters like safety precautions and other considerations for the students.
A Free Space For Questions
After that, the instructor could set a quick time for a question-and-answer portion. This is the perfect follow-up to the talk on the basics since one or two students may have some concerns, making this portion crucial so that students may practice with peaceful minds.
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Proceed With a Prayer or Any Other Invocation
The class will then proceed with reciting a prayer or using another invocation to formally begin the session. Written in Sanskrit, yoga opening prayers are expressions of thanks to the masters who have fostered the practice for hundreds of years. They must constantly be remembered since every yoga practice opens by reciting prayers.
How to End Your Yoga Class
Now that you are aware of how yoga classes usually begin, let me explain how they normally end. Remember that the conclusion of a yoga class may be structured differently depending on the instructor, much like how it is started. The usual sequence for concluding a yoga class is as follows: formally concluding with a brief moment of silence, followed by the Om Mantra, and then establishing a period for reflection on the practice.
Closing with Silence and Om Mantra
Prayers are a regular part of yoga practice, at the start and finish segments of the class. Instructors may designate a time for all participants to sit in total quiet before repeating the Om mantra. After the silent period, the class may begin reciting the Om Mantra.
This praxis aids in a yogi’s ability to focus and maintain stillness after extreme stretching and it contributes to the session’s tranquil conclusion. Additionally, it raises each yogi’s awareness to a more significant vibration, bringing them nearer to their higher selves and the divine. According to one study, repetition of speech results in a considerable decrease in thought-related cognitive processes.
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Setting a Time for Reflection on the Practice
Usually, the repeated chanting of the Om Mantra signals the end of a yoga class. Instructors could set a period for contemplation as a follow-up to make the yoga session more fruitful. This fosters deeper reflection on the experience for both the teacher and the student, as well as a stronger sense of camaraderie among all the other yogis in the class. To avoid confusion, students may ask more questions at this part of the conclusion.
Conclusion
Yoga sessions start with instructors introducing themselves, going over the basics—especially the necessary props—allowing time for questions, and ending with a prayer. Moreover, classes usually end with a period of quiet, the recitation of mantras or prayers, and time set aside for contemplation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yoga lessons often begin with grounding, which may take up to 10 minutes. The class then performs warm-up activities. Moon and sun salutations will follow, which may last up to 15 minutes. Then there are balanced and supine poses, as well as Savasana.
The five components of yoga are as follows: 1) The Earth Element (Prithvi), 2) The Water Element (Apah, Jala), 3) The Fire Element (Agni), 4) The Air Element (Vayu), and 5) The Ether Element (Akasha).
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Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.
Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Yoga Fan
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online yoga business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a yoga business owner in public at a studio or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Yoga Business Boss: I want to help future yoga business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.