Give:

A Platter of Figs by David Tanis
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
The Death of Sigmund Freud by Mark Edmundson
Burdock by Janet Malcolm
The Slow Food Story by Geoff Andrews

Get:

Remix by Lawrence Lessig
The Limits of Power by Andrew Bacevich
The Bagel by Maria Balinska
George, Being George edited by Nelson Aldrich

A few pointers…

• While some yoga and exercise studios may provide yoga mats, many do not for sanitation purposes. For an average price of $20 - 30 most places will sell you a yoga sticky mat. It is more sanitary and preferable to have your own mat.
• Arrive a few minutes early to class. If you arrive late, please enter the room quietly as the first 5 - 10 minutes of class usually involves relaxation or meditation.
• Practice on an empty stomach. Allow 2 - 3 hours after eating a meal before practicing Yoga. Drink plenty of water after practice.
• Notify your instructor prior to the start of class if you have any injuries, medical conditions or other physical limitations. This is important to your safety so that your instructor may give you modified poses if necessary.
• It is recommended that women on their menstrual cycle avoid inverted postures as those poses reverse the natural blood flow. There is no medical research that supports this premise so listen to your body and use your best judgment.
• Don’t strain or force postures. Practice with compassion for yourself and listen to your body’s intelligence. Work hard but do not overwork.
• Stay for the relaxation segment at the end of class. This helps integrate and balance the effects of your Yoga practice.

What to wear.

• Comfortable clothing in which you feel free to move.
• Remove shoes and socks. Yoga is practiced in bare feet to give you the best grounding to the floor.

Guidelines to observe.

• Turn off cell phones and pagers to foster a quiet and meditative atmosphere.
• Refrain from wearing strong fragrances, perfumes or scents to class as Yoga is first and foremost an exercise in breathing.