Your first visit,
honestly answered

No — there is no hierarchy of mat placement. Your teacher will guide you to an open spot. New students are often placed where they can be easily seen and gently assisted, which may be toward the middle or front. Follow the teacher's direction and release any worry about finding the "correct" position.

In the room, everyone is absorbed in their own practice — no one is watching you. The teacher moves quietly through the space and will come to you. If you feel overwhelmed at any moment, simply rest in Child's Pose (Balasana). This is a universally understood signal, and your teacher will check in gently. You need not wave, speak, or perform composure. The room holds you.

✦ It usually takes two or three visits before the room begins to feel familiar. Be patient with the beginning.

Props — blocks and straps — are available in the Shala. Please bring a blanket and your mat. If you don't have a mat, we rent them for $5. Your teacher will let you know what you need that day. If you need to retrieve a prop, move slowly along the edges of the room and step around — never over — another person's mat. The community is well-practiced in this kind of mindful navigation and you'll find it surprisingly graceful.

Hands-on assists are a meaningful part of our teaching methodology. Your teacher may offer them to inform your alignment or support your breath for those who wish to receive the guidance. Teachers hand out consent coins, if you prefer to not receive hands-on assist, simply turn the coin to N. This is completely respected and there is no awkwardness in asking. Your comfort is part of the practice.

Many regulars practice 3–6 days a week. Once established in a rhythm, it becomes self-sustaining. Most will tell you they don't drag themselves here; at some point, the practice becomes the reason to rise. Sleep adjusts, mornings open up, and what once felt impossible becomes quietly natural.

You don't need to commit to daily practice to begin. Come as you can, find your frequency, and trust that the rhythm will meet you.

Newburgh has excellent coffee, and the post-practice walk is a ritual many students look forward to as much as Savasana. Here are the spots closest to the Shala:

Students often walk over together after practice — don't hesitate to ask a fellow practitioner where they're headed.

A small changing room and bathroom are available for students to change in. Plan for a few extra minutes after practice — Savasana deserves its full stillness, and your nervous system will thank you for not rushing it. Bring a complete change of clothes and any toiletries you need. Your teacher can point you to the space when you arrive.