Cell Phones in Yoga class....Really?

Recently, Melissa Romero of the Washingtonian reached out to several yoga teachers in the DC area to pick our brains about the use of cell phones in yoga classes. There was an incident in California where a yoga teacher was fired because of her reaction to a student using a cell phone during class.....sparking a bit of controversy.

Picture source: www.yogarantsandraves.com

In my experience, cell phone usage is not a widespread issue in yoga classes. Periodically students will have a phone next to their mat in class. I understand that their is sometimes that itching feeling of needing to know what time it is (just to know I can get out of class on time if I have plans). But...when the itching feeling is the need to know if you are missing a text, email or call...that's when I say it's the perfect time to 'let go' (a staple principle in yoga) and accept the challenge of yoga: try to live without constant contact for just an hour out of the day (after all....we are choosing to be on the mat, no one is forcing you to be there).

Having practiced many times next to individuals who have been consistently checking their phones during down dog, I can attest as a student at how distracting it can be as a mat neighbor of another student texting or checking email.

As a teacher, If a student comes to me before class and mentions they have something important to be aware of and need their phone nearby for emergency purposes, for example a wife going into labor, I am a bit more understanding. I would recommend students who have such emergencies place their mat in a less distracting place (back of the room or towards the door).

Granted, there is a difference between teaching in a yoga studio and teaching yoga in a corporate environment for professionals on their lunch break. If teaching in a corporate setting, I think we as yoga teachers need to understand that the program we likely are teaching on is encouraged by HR introduce a more mindful approach to life - but in the end the job of the students is of utmost important and may require their awareness of their phone due to a special meeting, etc. Working in the corporate world, I'm a bit torn on this. Sometimes you know you need to get a way for a bit from your desk and the noon yoga class seems perfect - but at the same time you know you are expecting an email from your boss that you may need to react to. I personally believe their still a place for yoga in the corporate environment, because even just 10 minutes of breath-work and asana practice can calm the nerves and have a profound impact on their state of awareness.

In the end, as a teacher recently said in class that hit close to my heart, "I am the instructor, you are the teacher". The student needs to be their own teacher. In my opinion it is the teacher's responsibility to help guide the students to find a bit of mindful, moving meditation with connection to the breath and free from the distractions of the day. It's simple ~ let the ego go and be courteous.

Read more about what other teachers thought here.....and next time you are in a yoga class, think twice about bringing your phone to the mat with you. Remember, the mat is a sacred place, a place to disconnect with the outside world and reconnect with yourself even if just for an hour.

So, Yogi....What do you think?