Frequently asked questions
If you are new to Om Yoga Shala, you may have a few questions before attending.
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.
You are always welcome to reach out or arrange a visit
if that feels helpful.
Getting Started
How many people are in each class?
Classes are kept intentionally small, with a maximum of 6 particpants, allowing for a calm and attentive environment for each person.
Do I need to book a class in advance?
Yes, please. Classes are kept small and can fill quickly. To book, you’ll need to create a profile on the Om Yoga Shala website. Once set up, you can book a class via the BOOK page or purchase a pass for future use.
How do I book a private session?
Private sessions can be arranged by getting in touch directly to organise a suitable time:
Can I eat before class?
It is best not to eat for at least two hours before your class or session to allow time for digestion. If needed, a light snack—such as fruit or yoghurt—around 30 minutes beforehand is fine.
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable clothing and a water bottle are all you need. High-quality mats and props are provided, though you are very welcome to bring your own mat if you prefer.
The room is kept at a comfortable temperature, but you may like to bring an extra layer or socks for the end of practice and meditation.
How early should I arrive?
Arriving around 10 minutes before class allows time to settle in and arrive comfortably.
What if a class is full?
You are welcome to join the waitlist during the booking process. If a place becomes available, you will be notified automatically.
You will have one hour to accept the space before it is offered to the next person.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes. Bookings can be changed or cancelled up to six hours before the start of your class or session through your Om Yoga Shala account.
Cancellations made less than 6 hours prior to the class or session or missed classes/sessions are deducted from your pass. If something unexpected arises, such as illness, please feel welcome to get in touch.
Yoga for Grief
What is Yoga for Grief?
Yoga for Grief is a compassionate, trauma-sensitive practice. It is designed to support those experiencing grief and loss, offering a way to gently move sensations, thoughts, and emotions through the body and mind.
The focus is on calming the nervous system through gentle movement, breath practices, and meditation, including Yoga Nidra and sound bathing.
These sessions offer a calm space to sit with, process, and integrate grief at your own pace, with understanding and compassion, and in the company of others who are also navigating loss.
For more detailed information, please visit the Yoga for Grief page.
Can I attend Yoga for Grief if I am not grieving the death of a person but another type of loss?
Yes. Yoga for Grief is open to anyone experiencing loss, sadness, or emotional overwhelm—whether through the death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, a relationship, or a significant life change.
Grief can take many forms and is a deeply personal experience, often felt emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra, often described as yogic “sleep,” is a guided practice that invites deep physical, mental, and emotional relaxation, allowing you to rest in a state between wakefulness and sleep.
The practice moves gently through layers of awareness, guiding attention from the external world toward the inner self.
Research suggests that Yoga Nidra may help to reduce stress and support the nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and balance.
About the Practice
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice that guides the body, mind, and spirit through physical postures, breathwork, meditation, and ethical principles for living. It has continued to evolve while remaining deeply relevant in the modern world. Approaching yoga as a holistic practice can support overall wellbeing.
For more information on yoga, its origins and principles, please visit the What is Yoga page.
What is a Yoga Shala?
“Shala” is a Sanskrit word meaning a place of learning or practice. Traditionally, a yoga shala is a space where yoga is shared with care and respect for its deeper teachings. It is a place where people come together to practice, to breathe, and to reconnect with themselves.​
At Om Yoga Shala, this takes place in a small, quiet studio on a rural property in Langwarrin South, offering a calm environment away from the busyness of everyday life.
What type of yoga is practiced?
At Om Yoga Shala, yoga is practiced in a traditional way, primarily rooted in Hatha Yoga, with elements of Ashtanga Yoga. Classes may include asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork), and meditation.
Meditation may also incorporate gentle use of sound, such as singing bowls, chimes, or mantra.
For more information on each of the classes, please visit Explore Yoga Offerings.
What is Hatha Yoga?
Hatha Yoga is a traditional form of yoga that brings balance to the body and mind through postures (asana), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation.
It is typically practiced at a slower pace, allowing time to explore alignment, move mindfully, and develop a steady connection with the breath.
As a holistic practice, Hatha Yoga may support both physical and mental wellbeing, including improved strength and flexibility, a calmer mind, and a deeper awareness of thoughts and emotions.
How does Gentle Yoga differ from Hatha Yoga classes?
Gentle yoga is a slower-paced practice that emphasises breath awareness, mindfulness, and subtle movement to help release tension, improve flexibility, and calm the mind.
Classes often begin with a grounding practice, inviting awareness of the breath and the present moment.
Postures are typically held for longer periods than in a Hatha Yoga class, with the support of props such as blankets, blocks, and straps.
I'm not flexible or experienced.
Is yoga for me?
Absolutely. Classes are open to all levels, abilities, ages, and bodies. Within a small group setting, you will be guided through each posture with clear and simple instruction.
You are encouraged to move in a way that feels right for your body. The focus is on mindful movement with breath, and on connecting with your self rather than achieving a particular shape.
What benefits can I expect from yoga?
Research suggests that yoga can support both physical and mental wellbeing. ​
Physical health benefits can include:
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Improved strength and flexibility
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Improved balance
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Improved lung and cardiovascular function
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Better sleep
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Improved posture and body awareness
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Support for digestion and immunity
Mental health benefits may include:
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Stress relief
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Support in managing depression and anxiety
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Increased self-awareness
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Improved focus and concentration
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Greater mindfulness and presence
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A sense of inner peace and calm
​At Om Yoga Shala, the focus is not on achieving these outcomes, but on offering a steady and supportive practice from which they may gently arise.
What are Mantras and why are they used in yoga?
Mantras are repeated sounds or phrases used to help focus the mind. Om (or Aum) is one of the most well-known mantras and is often described as the primordial sound of the universe.
The Sanskrit word mantra is derived from the root word "man", meaning to think, and "tra" meaning to protect or to free from the mind.
Many traditional mantras used in yoga today originate from ancient Vedic texts in India and have been passed down through generations. The earliest mantras are at least 3,000 years old.
The Space and Setting
Where is the studio located?
The studio is located in Langwarrin South, set on a quiet rural residential property.
Do you have onsite parking?
Yes, there is plenty of parking available.
What is the studio like?
The space is fully equipped with high-quality mats and yoga props, with soft lighting and a warm, quiet atmosphere looking out onto nature.
Comfort and Support
Can I attend if I am going through a difficult time emotionally?
Yes. Om Yoga Shala is a calm and supportive space, particularly for those moving through grief or emotional transitions.
You are welcome to arrive exactly as you are, with whatever you may be carrying that day. Nothing is expected of you during these sessions — simply an invitation to move and breathe in a way that feels right for you.
I feel anxious about attending a class - can I visit beforehand?
Absolutely. If you’re feeling unsure about joining a class, you are warmly welcome to arrange a visit outside of session times. This offers a chance to see the space, ask any questions, and become familiar with the environment before attending.
To arrange a visit, simply send an email: emma@omyogashala.com.au.
Can I rest during a class?
Yes, always. There is no expectation to push or overextend the body.
Classes are designed to include a balance of movement and rest, and you are encouraged to pause at any time and rejoin when you feel ready.
I have a health condition. Should I practice yoga?
Many practices can be adapted to suit different needs. If you feel comfortable, you are welcome to let your instructor know so that options can be offered to support your practice.
If you have any health concerns, it is recommended to seek guidance from a medical practitioner before attending.
Do you offer private sessions?
Yes. Private sessions offer a quieter, more personalised space for practice.
They can be especially supportive for those experiencing grief, those new to yoga who prefer one-to-one guidance, or those wishing to deepen their practice with individual support in movement and breath.