Calin Van Paris Argues For Studio Clocks in Yoga Journal Column
In a column published on October 29, 2026, Calin Van Paris argues that yoga studios should hang clocks on their walls. Despite the philosophical goal of losing track of time and staying rooted in the present moment, Van Paris contends that visible timekeeping helps practitioners manage their mental focus and keep daily schedules on track.
Van Paris writes that while accepting discomfort during long holds or yin yoga poses forms a core part of the practice, knowing roughly where a sequence stands mentally calms a wandering mind. The essay notes that relying on an instructor’s estimated timeframe carries practical risks. Teachers occasionally run sequences over schedule, saving Savasana for the class’s scheduled end time without prior notice. For practitioners fitting a session into a busy morning, lunch break, or evening, unexpected delays create unnecessary stress during post-class cleanup.
Practical Realities of Studio Scheduling and Time Management
Balancing mindfulness with professional commitments requires precise timing, according to the published essay. Van Paris points out that while a ten-minute overage in a class might seem negligible in isolation, the cascading effect on mat-cleaning, prop-storing, and transitioning to work or home disrupts daily logistics. Resorting to personal mobile phones as alternative timepieces introduces unwanted distractions into a dedicated sanctuary space. The author acknowledges that letting go of timekeeping remains an aspirational spiritual goal, but explicitly requests visible clocks in studio spaces for immediate logistical peace of mind.
References
- Yoga Journal. (2026). I Need a Clock on the Wall in Yoga Class. yogajournal.com.
