Last May I wrote, Yoga Etiquette.  I knew at the time I would want to do a part two because there are so many things that we can do to help make a community practice more enjoyable for everyone.

I never want anyone to feel uncomfortable or unwelcome when entering into their yoga practice. These are suggestions towards being a little bit more mindful towards yourself and towards your community, not rules. We can all, students and teachers, help our community to feel more comfortable with each other, to feel more connected. There is enough Dukkha, misery, in the world, let’s not let it seep into our practice, especially when we all are fortunate enough to be together. I asked my colleagues in the yoga community for some insight. As always they came through for me and gave me some really helpful guidance.

Dippin’ out during Corpse/Savasana:
This one is first for a reason. It’s the one I thought of first. In my article, Yoga 101: Corpse pose, I discuss that savasana is so important for us to master as students. It’s our time for the absorption of the practice. It’s also the release of the practice, don’t cheat yourself or others of this pose. Along with my concerns, instructor Erin Motzenbecker said a big concern was “walking out in the middle of the final relaxation."

If  you know that you aren’t going to be able to stay, you could let the instructor know ahead of time. Also, do a combo move and take your own short savasana, then leave early. Roll up your mat and exit the room before the rest of the class begins savasana. It’s one of the hardest postures to settle into after all that breath and movement and the last thing needed during it is the stirring up of that energy with all that movement to leave.

Give the 411 of old and new injuries:
This is a big one with the recent NY Times article concerning yoga causing injuries.  “Informing the instructor of injuries, concerns or needed modifications prior to the start of class”, said teacher Abby Hoffmann. I think the student who has practiced more than a few times, should let the instructor know about injuries or any physical limitations prior to class. However, I fully believe that it is the responsibility of the teacher to communicate with students prior to class to help better direct them during class. Teachers really should try to get to class at least 15 minuntes early so that they can meet and greet students, especially new ones. That way the students feel more comfortable and safe with the instructor and their instruction.

Don’t become a yoga M.I.A:
My friend and yoga instructor Karen Kessel pointed out, “that if you are a class regular, let your teacher know if you will be absent, cause we worry.”

I am a teacher and I have students who have come every week for years now and if they go missing from class, I totally agree, we do worry.

Your stuff, outta sight, outta mind!:
Summer Crawford, of Evolation yoga studios, said, “No bags, keys, wallets, shoes, and certainly no cell phones. Even on silent, even if you never touch it, it’s visual clutter that reminds you and everyone else, of obligations and attachments outside the yoga room."

So true. Like myself, Crawford is a mom and understands that one might need to be contacted in case of an emergency. Cover all basis and let your caregiver, your work, whoever that needs you in those cases the number of the studio or gym where you will be at for 60 to 90 minuntes.

A sharing space is a caring space:
One of my first times practicing in a studio environment I arrived to class late.  The room was pretty full, but not to capacity. I came in after meditation, as to not disturb, but when I did come in not one person flinched to make room for me. The teacher asked for space to be made, and yet there was this overwhelming struggle for every person in that room to move to make room, to give up space. Eventually, people did, but not without an unwelcoming response first. Let me tell you this, your yoga mat is pretty much all the room you need.  So next time someone arrives late, be brave, give them a welcoming smile, stand up and share some space. I promise like that ripple effect, it will spread and people will make room for you making room.

Saying goodbye is such sweet sorrow:
My husband, Eric Wheeler, said it best, “smiling and saying thank you and good bye to your teacher." Here’s the thing most instructors, including myself, have prepared that class just for you. Sometimes hours of preparation if not days, goes into their art. Teachers of yoga need to hear a little gratitude sometimes.

Remember folks, these are not big things, and certainly if you forget, you're not going to be banished from the world of yoga. These are just tools to help us have a more enjoyable journey on the path of yoga.

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WeComply, Inc., a leader in web-based ethics and compliance training for corporate employees, has released a new course entitled Business Etiquette. This course explains the fundamental principles of business etiquette and discusses how attention to these principles can facilitate working relationships, enhance business dealings, reduce stress and encourage productivity.

The course covers such topics as considerate workplace conduct, dealing with diversity, business socializing and professional appearance. Other topics included in the course are phones and conferencing, e-mail, texting and instant messaging, online networking, and special considerations for international business.

“Employees who are unaware of the basic rules of business etiquette are at risk of unintentionally offending co-workers and clients,” said Mike Pallatta, WeComply CEO. “Training employees to practice good business etiquette can make the difference between a comfortable working environment and a tense one, or even between a successful deal and no deal at all.”

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As the final seconds of last night’s college basketball game between Notre Dame and Syracuse ticked away, two things became painfully obvious to everyone watching: 20-0 Syracuse was about to suffer its first loss of the season, and the men and women of the Notre Dame student section were about to swarm onto the court like angry bees.

How original.
Fueled by excitement, and maybe a little bit too much to drink, college sports fans have been “storming” courts, fields and all types of playing surfaces for ages in order to celebrate their schools’ most thrilling victories. Over the years, however, as rowdy coeds have flooded court after court, this once cherished tradition has become predictable, clichéd and hugely overdone. Simply put, America needs a lesson in court-storming etiquette.

Allow me to be your professor.
Much like dieting or enjoying an adult beverage, the single most important rule to keep in mind when celebrating athletic victory is to always practice moderation. A responsible fan must understand that not every game is extraordinary and, therefore, sports moments worthy of a full-fledged on-court ruckus are few and far between.

While the students of Notre Dame may have been merited in their decision to flood the floor last night, smaller, less justified court "stormings" occur far too regularly, taking away from the allure of the tradition.

For example, just a few hundred miles from Notre Dame, another basketball game took place yesterday in Athens, Ohio. Having trailed for much of the contest, the Ohio Bobcats of the Mid-American Conference crafted a fourth-quarter comeback to beat their archrivals, the Redhawks of Miami University.

Predictably, madness ensued in Ohio’s Convocation Center as hordes of students scaled metal barriers, trudged down steps and dodged overwhelmed policemen en route to the court. Within seconds the entire gymnasium floor was transformed into a living, breathing mob of green and white.

What’s so wrong about a little act of team spirit? Well, nothing, if it’s warranted. Ohio is a 15-4 basketball team. Miami is 5-12. Maybe Redhawks fans could have rushed the court to celebrate not losing by 50, but Ohio had little reason to be so excited. This was a game that the Bobcats should have won in a much more convincing fashion, yet Ohio fans still used the mediocre victory as an excuse to get rowdy.

Had the Bobcats student section better understood the law of moderation, students would have stayed under control and enjoyed their victory in a mild manner so as to preserve the integrity of the court-storming tradition.

I understand that few things in this world can match the thrill of victory or the excitement of celebration, but if fans continue to misuse the storming tradition, it may just lose its magic altogether. From one sports fan to another, please don’t let that happen. Keep on storming, but only when absolutely necessary.

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There's still time to break the bad habits of 2011 and kick off the year with a fresh take on the tech etiquette that may be driving your co-workers crazy and even have consequences to your health. Be a considerate digital user in 2012 by breaking these six technology habits.

Walking or driving while texting — we've seen the ad campaigns warning against distracted driving, but it seems every time we're on the highway, we pass a driver glancing at their phones instead of the road.

The same goes for the busy city street pavements you pound during lunch for exercise. If you're texting or otherwise fiddling with your phone while walking, not only are you likely to be walking slow and annoying other pedestrians, your distracted movements may keep you from seeing an upcoming intersection, a clear recipe for disaster. Put the phone away for a few minutes and take in the scenery of the street.

Loud cell phone chats on the bus — the commute to and from work is rarely the highlight of an average day, but we're all in this together. Be kind to the other passengers and leave the loud stories of last night's date or the boss's attitude for when you get home.

TMI overload — your friends love keeping up with your life adventures via Facebook and Twitter, really they do! It's junior's potty adventures or how takeout leftovers made you feel today that gets people hovering their cursor over the Unsubscribe button. Play it safe and avoid talk of bodily functions on social networks.
See the rest of the tech etiquette tips to keep in mind for 2012 after the jump.

Loud music decibels — co-workers and nearby commuters will thank you for keeping your music at a manageable volume. Yes, you have headphones on, but we can still hear your "Productivity 2012 Jams" playlist coming through.

Checking out during dinner — if you're expecting a call during dinner, it's fine to have your phone out and to occasionally check for updates, granted you've explained the situation. However, if everything's normal, enjoy the time with your friend uninterrupted by leaving the phone in a pocket. Your phone distraction makes them feel like you'd rather be somewhere else or that their company isn't appreciated. The same rule generally applies to any other quality-time scenarios with a friend or family member.

Pressing Reply All or BCC — the BCC and Reply All email functions can be beautiful things. Your contacts don't know who's included on a blanket email update, and every team member can chime in within the same thread regarding a project. It's when these tools are mistakenly used that a collective groan is heard across an office. Before hitting send, double-, then triple-check that the email addresses are really in the BCC field or that everyone in the company truly needs to know your opinion on the new expense reports format.

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Are you worried about being "politically correct" when talking to someone with a disability? Are you afraid you might inadvertently offend a disabled person? If so, you are not alone. Disability is a broad term. It can mean a physical condition, a mental condition or a learning disability such as dyslexia (which is my own disability; thank goodness for my editor!).

In any of these cases, it's important to know how to relate to anyone with a disability. When writing or speaking about people with disabilities, emphasize their abilities rather than their disabilities. Never define people by their disabilities.

When you meet or see someone with a physical disability, the first rule is don't stare. Treat all disabled people as you would want to be treated if you have the same condition. A friend of mine who has Stargardt disease, the inherited childhood-onset version of macular degeneration, says her main complaints are "people who think that if I cannot see, I cannot hear; people who infantilize their dialogue thinking that if I cannot see, I must be stupid; and people who argue with me when I do ask for help ('Why don't you wear glasses?')." Try to put yourself in the disabled person's shoes and think about how you would want others to relate to you.

Avoid asking personal questions about someone's disability. It is appropriate to extend your hand when being introduced to a person with a disability, even if he or she has an artificial limb. If the person cannot shake hands, a touch on the shoulder or arm is okay. Look and speak directly to the person with a disability, not to their companion or interpreter.

Even if you see that a person is wearing a hearing device, don't raise your voice unless requested.
Be willing to repeat or rephrase a question if the disabled person you're speaking to doesn't understand you. Use patience. If someone is using a cane or crutches or is in a wheelchair, take care not to get in their way or walk too close to them.

It's okay to ask, "Can I help you with the door?" or "Can I give you a hand?" if you think it might be needed.
If you know a person has a visual impairment, and you think he or she might need help, don't just grab the person's arm. First, identify yourself, then ask if he or she would like to take your arm. Then, describe the location in specific terms, so the person will know exactly what the terrain is like, or what the barriers or parameters are. Never pet or distract a guide dog.

Remember that it's not always easy to tell if a person is disabled or what a disability might be. If a person behaves oddly, you should always consider the fact that they may have a disability that is not immediately obvious and then treat them accordingly.

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We've all experienced this quandary: we swipe our credit card after stepping out of that salon chair and debate whether to leave a tip... or not. And then, once we walk away, we wonder if we've tipped too much or too little for the new 'do we're sporting.

Yes, tipping has become an anxiety-riddled activity. Thanks to credit and debit card machines programmed to specific denominations, the feeling of guilt may overwhelm some who choose not to leave a little somethin'-somethin' for their favourite barista or fabulous masseuse. And it seems many Canadians don't really understand proper tipping etiquette.

Part of the problem is there's a lot of confusion out there -- especially, it appears, in big cities like Toronto. Common practice has been to tip 15 per cent for service at restaurants, but now, some places across town, are implementing a minimum 20 per cent tip at the end of their bills. And if restaurateurs -- not personal choice -- begin to dictate how much we tip, where does that leave us in the grand scheme of things?

Some people believe if you're at a salon and get your hair cut by the owner, you should forgo the tip. But etiquette experts say tips should be anywhere between 15 and 20 per cent, and never below $5 -- no matter what the person's position is at the salon.

When it comes to hotel services, 15 per cent is usually welcomed, with $1 or $2 given for each bag handled by the bellhop. For takeout, don't feel obligated to tip, and tip jars at coffee shops are usually there for regulars to drop in some change.

And experts suggest even when not completely satisfied with the service you've received, it's polite to leave at least 10 per cent.

So we want to know: when do you think you should tip and when shouldn't you? And if you don't mind being deemed a notoriously bad tipper, can you just forgo the tip? We've come up with some ideas below. And let us know your thoughts on Twitter.

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When you're in the mood for internet, a good link can be a great thing. It's a dog in a fanny-pack! A terrifying photobomb! The best music video ever made! However, in order to keep links fun, there have got to be some rules of engagement. Read on for the 5 Link Commandments:

1. Believe In Thy Links
If you spend any time on the internet at all, you probably come across 10 things a day that you think are kind of neat. KEEP THESE THINGS TO YOURSELF. Sendable links are like porn: You know it when you see it; it's not just any chick with her shirt off. Likewise, sendable links aren't just any cute, funny or interesting thing you see online. There's so much stuff on the internet, that for a link to truly be sendable, its content should be a superlative of what it's depicting. If it's a cute animal, it better be the cutest animal in the known universe. A sendable link is not just one normal kitten. It's a stack of fat, sleepy kittens waking up and falling asleep all over each other.

2. Thou Shalt Not Watch People Watching Thy Link
You are not the person who watches the watchmen! You can only lead a horse to water. You cannot make a horse open a link or, for that matter, react to it in the way you want. Yes, sharing something you feel all crazy about is a wonderful, personal experience. Yes, you are excited and want to see the recipient's reaction in the hopes that it will be like your reaction. Refrain. It makes people nervous when you watch them expectantly, and it could actually ruin their experience of what might have otherwise been a successful link share. It can also be hard to tell how someone feels about something from their exterior reaction. This is especially true for songs or articles, which have a higher barrier to entry (headphones, time) and may not even be looked at and appreciated until much later.

3. Thou Shalt Not Bombard People With Links
There is a two link per-person per-day maximum. Maximum. Even if one of the links was a failure, you don't get to send an extra link to make up for it. You're done. Better luck tomorrow. Death is what makes life meaningful and a limit is what makes a link a welcome break and not another problem you have to deal with at work. So don't waste your links by sending them at 4 a.m. when no one's going to respond. Send with intention at peak hours (10-3) when you think the receiver is most likely to need/watch/read/love them. Do not send links on weekends. Go outside or pretend you are outside. There is no time on the weekend when people should not think you are outside enjoying this beautiful day, Jeremy.

4. Thou Shalt Not Conflate Link Exchanging With Romance
There are not enough links in this world to constitute a romantic relationship. Sending links is just something people do now, like day dreaming about cool Facebook albums or looking at their phone all the time. Usually, the fact that you have received this link is only tangentially related to you. There are three reasons people like to show other people things they like:

A) To get validation that the things they like are cool.
B) So that the receiver will know they are cool.
C) Because they think the link will bring the receiver pleasure.

Ideally, this list would be inverted, but in reality it is not. The sending of the link should be it's own reward. If it isn't, see #1.

5. Know Thy Audience
This is probably the single most important rule of link sending. Sure, links are about what you like but they're also about what the other person likes. Sometimes, it takes a few links to figure that out. If you keep sending Lolcats to someone and they keep responding with "haha," "lol" or nothing at all, that person would probably like you to stop sending Lolcats links. Link sending should be analogous to being a sniper on a roof not a maniac with a machine gun. You're not just spraying links towards what you think are people in the hope of hitting something.

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If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, is the way to a woman’s heart through her feet? In my case, the answer is a resounding yes.

I love getting a foot massage, and if I were a princess living in a castle with servants at my beck and call, I’d have one every day for hours on end while relaxing with a wonderful book.

Unfortunately I’m not a princess and I don’t live in a castle. I’m a middle-aged gal living in a messy ‘70s house with a husband, a son, a daughter and two dogs – none of whom will endlessly rub my feet.

It’s not as though massages never happen in my house; they do. My daughter or I will often ask my husband for a massage while we’re watching TV. Because she has more free time, my daughter is usually the recipient.

My life is so busy that I don’t even give myself a pedicure before going for reflexology.  Are you wondering what reflexology is? Okay, it’s the touching of feet, if you must know. But it’s also a healing procedure.

I discovered it a few years ago when my friend and neighbour would come over to my house to give me a treatment. The theory is that all parts of the body are connected to the bottom of the feet, so tension and ailments within us can be improved through a strategic foot massage by a registered practitioner.

I didn’t have any ailments to complain about, but I had all sorts of stress that seemed to soften after having my feet in her hands. I also was able to engage in some social interaction with my friend and saw that as valuable time spent. But because of my hectic schedule I only had a few sessions with Karen before she switched to a different profession. And then, as fate would have it, another one of my friends switched professions as well – to reflexology.

I like to believe that everything happens for a reason and the reason my friend Kim Girard went to school to become a registered practitioner in reflexology was so I would resume getting my feet touched and be forced to get pedicures so they would look pretty enough to deserve her treatment.

“Your feet are fine,” Kim said when I shared my regret over not filing down the callouses and polishing my nails before my first appointment with her. “I’ve seen worse.”True or not, I felt better after she said that, but I vowed to have a pedicure before visiting her at Sole Reflection Reflexology the next time. And I did. And I felt better.

Preparing my feet before seeing Kim is similar to tidying my house and putting everything away before the house cleaner arrives. Not that I actually have a house cleaner. But if I were a princess in a castle I would for sure.

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People fortunate enough to own their own plots of land often choose to fence in their pieces of paradise. Fences serve many purposes: to designate property boundaries, keep pets or children contained in a safe environment, corral livestock, offer privacy or add aesthetic appeal.

Although installing a fence may seem like the right idea for you, going about it the wrong way may lead to problems among neighbors, particularly if you live where the houses are relatively close to one another. Some homeowners find fences become the final point of contention among disagreeable neighbors or create tension with a neighbor with whom you previously had a good relationship. Being courteous with fence plans is the way to avoid any animosity along the way.

There are certain things you must do and should do if you plan to erect a fence. Most people find neighbors appreciate being informed of any decisions you are thinking of making to the property that can affect their views or their adjoining property. Before drawing up fence plans with a contractor, talk to the neighbors on either side of your home and gauge their receptiveness to a fence. At this point, you may want to consider offering to make the fencing project a joint deal to save money should the neighbors decide to install a fence as well. Contractors will often discount if they have several customers doing an installation at the same time. Property owners can save by splitting the costs of the shared walls of the fence where their property lines meet.

Explain your case for the fence. Most neighbors are receptive to the idea if they know the reasoning especially if the desire for a fence is not to keep them at bay. It's hard to protest a fence that is a safety precaution for children. If your neighbor already has a fence, you must ask whether you can connect your fence panels into the support post on your shared side.

Once you notify your neighbors as a courtesy, there are certain steps to take that will prevent any legal disputes down the road. Even the most easy-going neighbor could grow aggravated if the fence is put up carelessly or ends up partially on his property. The best way to prevent this is to apply for a new, professional property survey and have property lines indicated with paint or wood markers.

Each town or city has different regulations with regard to fencing, so it is important to learn the ropes or hire a contractor who is familiar with the rules. It might be illegal to install fences directly on the property line. The law might require the fence be installed a few inches inward. There also may be rules about how high fences can be in the front of the home, sides and back. Corner lot properties may have added regulations depending on whether the fence could prove a visual obstruction to drivers.

If you live in a planned community, or one with a homeowners' association, it is your job to find out the guidelines for any home improvements. The HOA may dictate the style, size and maintenance of the fence or may not allow a fence at all.

Once all the details are checked, you may have to apply for a fence permit. This way the construction of the fence and finished product will meet safety standards, and the area in which you live can provide consistent quality control. If the fence is installed by code, there is little chance it will have to be torn down or changed in the near future. Also, doing it by the book means that a neighbor can be unhappy about a fence but not have legal recourse to ask you to remove it.

As an added form of courtesy, it is proper fence etiquette to put the "good" side of the fence facing the neighbors' yards. That means the side of the fence that doesn't show the support panels and posts. Remember, it is your fence so you are also responsible for all maintenance of the fence on all sides. Just because your neighbor also will be benefitting from your fence, doesn't mean he will have to care for it.

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News24 asks in their voting booth; "How often do you let other drivers enter your lane in traffic?"  With the possible answers as; 'Always, drivers should be more courteous', 'Never, others should wait their turn', 'Depends on my mood' or 'I don't drive'. Is this poll assuming people actually do things in the correct manner and indicate?  If someone indicates, I will let them into my lane, no problems.  

Why though, must many drivers insist, without indicating, try to get into your lane and expect you to give way for them?  Are they too lazy to flick on their indicator? Too distracted?  Too busy?  Do they think their indicators are mere ornaments?  Does "nosing" the vehicle into the general direction of the lane you want to get into, without indicating, seeing as all vehicles have (or should have) working indicators, count as good road etiquette?   

Of course not. When changing lanes, it is a traffic law for people to indicate, and you are supposed to change lanes with due caution too, so if you don't indicate why expect people to help you?  

Then again this is South Africa we are talking about, people overtake on blind rises and solid lines, so what difference does it make if you don't indicate when you are doing something as simple as changing a traffic lane?  

No wonder we have one of the highest rates of traffic related deaths in the world on South African roads.

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