during savasana, my yoga instructor walks around and presses down on our shoulders. from an etiquette point of view should I say thanks you when she does this or just ignore her?
So you are merely asking about the etiquette and not the adjustment, correct?
There is no need to say anything at all in the situation you present. Enjoy the adjustment and the stillness of the pose.
I say Thank-you, I did the first time that I ever experienced such a kindness. However, I don’t believe that it is the proper etiquette, or there is a proper way, just what came to me (I had been with this teacher for a few classes but this was the first class small enough for her to give us the special attention.)
I see it this way, if I don’t say thank-you then it is a compliment to the teacher that I am so centered & I am getting everything out of savasana that I can. On the other hand, the fact that I said thank-you without a mental process prompting me made me (and hopefully the teacher) feel connected to each other & the greater world around us.
I say to go with what feel right. You are different in every moment, the class is different, the teacher is different, be it a separate individual or the same one different in themselves at that moment. If you once say Thank-you & never again, or only occasionally, or never say Thank-you then it is right. There is no etiquette for this in my mind as long as you are accepting of a freely given gift.
yes I was just asking about the etiquette. I feel a little guilty that I am ignoring her.
If it bothers you to not say something, approach her after class and thank her. Then you are able to remain focused in savasanah, and still able to express your gratitude to her. 
I don’t verbalize thank you but sometimes I smile or nod (with eyes closed) if I receive an adjustment that I’m really grateful for.
I’m usually fast asleep and don’t really notice
I took some Iyengar classes from an unfamiliar studion once. In savasanah the instructor came and adjusted my feet (put them closer together). Now, at my ashtanga practice I’m lying with my feet closer together. I feel that he knew something I didn’t and that it was helping me. Accept and thank.
You’re not ignoring the teacher. You’re silently accepting the gift. Gifts that mandate something be given back to the giver have a name. They are called trades, barters, or sales.
No sound yoga teacher that I am aware of provides an adjustment to a student with an expectation of being thanked (or acknowledged). The fact that you are receiving the giving with grace is enough as the teacher is, ideally, “doing their job”.
I have practiced yoga for most of two years. A couple of weeks ago i was touched during savasana. I was shocked and almost felt violated. I do not understand the need to correct or whatever during my earned rest. I was pissed.
[QUOTE=chezron;79546]I have practiced yoga for most of two years. A couple of weeks ago i was touched during savasana. I was shocked and almost felt violated. I do not understand the need to correct or whatever during my earned rest. I was pissed.[/QUOTE]
While I cannot speak for the teacher, I can say that when I touch students during savasana, it is never to correct or adjust, but rather help to facilitate deep relaxation. Perhaps consider this possibility? At the same time, I ask permission before each and every assist/adjustment, regardless of how well I know the student.
I would not say thank you for an adjustment during class, especially during savasana. Just imagine if everyone was saying thank you for every adjustment, it would be a bit much.
[QUOTE=chezron;79546]I have practiced yoga for most of two years. A couple of weeks ago i was touched during savasana. I was shocked and almost felt violated. I do not understand the need to correct or whatever during my earned rest. I was pissed.[/QUOTE]
There are adjustments in Savasana. However since the student is moving into a parasympathetic state there is only a brief period to provide such adjustment. It can also be used beneficially during privates. Obviously some students relax more rapidly than others. For those who relax more quickly any adjusting at all can be jarring.
“Violated” is a very strong term but of course if that is what you felt then that is what you felt. Anger is another matter. As students of Yoga we’re fortunate to have emotions of all sorts make their presence known during our practice in one of the safer environments for such an encounter (the one between self and feelings).
As always this assumes a well trained teacher and appropriate practice.
The eyes can tell a lot
My teachers does it to me often last night in child’s pose she massaged my back all the up and down it felt really good I said nothing at the time but I thanked her for class afterwards and helped her tidy up the yoga room after class , sometimes you can say thanks without words .imho
Cheers
Peace
[QUOTE=InnerAthlete;28719]You’re not ignoring the teacher. You’re silently accepting the gift. Gifts that mandate something be given back to the giver have a name. They are called trades, barters, or sales.
No sound yoga teacher that I am aware of provides an adjustment to a student with an expectation of being thanked (or acknowledged). The fact that you are receiving the giving with grace is enough as the teacher is, ideally, “doing their job”.[/QUOTE]
Agreed Nicely said imho
Peace
Cheers
[QUOTE=chezron;79546]I have practiced yoga for most of two years. A couple of weeks ago i was touched during savasana. I was shocked and almost felt violated. I do not understand the need to correct or whatever during my earned rest. I was pissed.[/QUOTE]
I had a similar experience - the teacher “adjusted” my legs, which she obviously thought were too close together, by kicking my feet apart! ‘Kicking’ is maybe a bit strong, but she shoved them each way with her foot, without warning and hardly stopping talking to the class as she did so. I was shocked. At first I thought she might have tripped over me. I opened my eyes and then felt embarrassed and angry, especially as I felt physically uncomfortable and wanted to bring them in again for the rest of the asana! I think it was my first class with her.
[QUOTE=EverydayPeopleYoga;79554]While I cannot speak for the teacher, I can say that when I touch students during savasana, it is never to correct or adjust, but rather help to facilitate deep relaxation. Perhaps consider this possibility? At the same time, I ask permission before each and every assist/adjustment, regardless of how well I know the student.[/QUOTE]
That’s more like it!