As I sit here drinking my 4th bottle of water, preparing for my bikram class tonight, I can't help but think of all yogi's beginning their teacher training in LA. Yes, I am insanely jealous, but at the same time, I wish them all the best of luck. The next 63 days will be incredibly tough, but also totally worth it. Trust the process!!
That being said, I am setting a goal for myself. Not a crazy goal, but a realistic goal. Two years from now, I will be starting my 63 days at Bikram TT. This has been a goal of mine for the past two years, however the financial aspect of it just hasn't been there. However, it's getting there. The number I need to prepare myself for is $16,000. Shocked, huh? Here's the breakdown:
$10,900 for tuition
$3200 for two months of bills (This will include the loan that I will have to take out for the tuition, however, this is all a guesstimate.)
$1400 for spending money (Food, emergency items, laundry. This breaks down to about $150 a week.)
$300 for a round trip plane ticket to LAX
It's not that scary once I put it on paper, but $16,000 is still a lot of money! However, compared to most college tuition fee's, it's pretty comparable. And trust me, I've had this argument with my mom several times already.
Time to start saving those pennies!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
How does the saying go? Whatever doesn't kill you, blah blah blah...
I really do not like this saying. It may be true, but when your upset and frustrated, the last thing you want to hear is some retarded bullshit that is supposed to help you hold your head high.
I hate my job. Seriously. I know many people blurt this out from time to time, but I really mean it with all of my heart. I took my current job to get away from another shitty job where I was constantly getting harassed by my managers religious beliefs and downright snarkiness. Now at my current shitty job, I have been royally fucked over in terms of my salary and my longevity with the company. I won't go into details because it makes me ridiculously angry, but let's just say I was told one thing (for MONTHS) and was given something else entirely. I was lied to and it hurts. I feel betrayed and very unappreciated.
My class after work that day was terrible. I couldn't let go of the conversation I had with my boss and I couldn't let go of the anger. It really affected my class and I wasn't able to bring myself in the room the entire time. After camel, I was on the verge of tears. Camel can bring out intense emotions in a person, but the only ones I ever got out of it was utter joy and happiness. In a nutshell, class sucked total balls. After work study, all I wanted to do was go home and be around the people that I love. Thank god for Chantal coming over on Friday and making me watch Team America. Nothing like a silly movie to put you in a good mood. Laughter is the best medicine.
I need bikram in my life now more than ever. I need the personal time to reflect on my life and to plan my next move. I need to feel good about myself and to know that this too, shall pass. This single activity that I love is going to save me from a lifetime of unhappiness behind a desk. I was not made to sit in a little box all day. I was not put on this earth to go along with the sheep that call themselves Corporate America. I feel trapped in my current situation and I need to GET OUT.
What I need is to feel alive and to help others feel alive as well. I want to teach this beautiful, life changing experience to people that need an escape from their daily routine, as I do right now.
***Sidenote***
I wrote this a couple weeks ago. I still feel exactly the same way and I have taken huge steps to get out of my current situation. The job hunt is in full swing and I have been going on interview and applying EVERYWHERE. I want to fly where the wind takes me. I want to throw myself in a challenge so that I have the ability to learn from it and grow. Bring it on world.
I hate my job. Seriously. I know many people blurt this out from time to time, but I really mean it with all of my heart. I took my current job to get away from another shitty job where I was constantly getting harassed by my managers religious beliefs and downright snarkiness. Now at my current shitty job, I have been royally fucked over in terms of my salary and my longevity with the company. I won't go into details because it makes me ridiculously angry, but let's just say I was told one thing (for MONTHS) and was given something else entirely. I was lied to and it hurts. I feel betrayed and very unappreciated.
My class after work that day was terrible. I couldn't let go of the conversation I had with my boss and I couldn't let go of the anger. It really affected my class and I wasn't able to bring myself in the room the entire time. After camel, I was on the verge of tears. Camel can bring out intense emotions in a person, but the only ones I ever got out of it was utter joy and happiness. In a nutshell, class sucked total balls. After work study, all I wanted to do was go home and be around the people that I love. Thank god for Chantal coming over on Friday and making me watch Team America. Nothing like a silly movie to put you in a good mood. Laughter is the best medicine.
I need bikram in my life now more than ever. I need the personal time to reflect on my life and to plan my next move. I need to feel good about myself and to know that this too, shall pass. This single activity that I love is going to save me from a lifetime of unhappiness behind a desk. I was not made to sit in a little box all day. I was not put on this earth to go along with the sheep that call themselves Corporate America. I feel trapped in my current situation and I need to GET OUT.
What I need is to feel alive and to help others feel alive as well. I want to teach this beautiful, life changing experience to people that need an escape from their daily routine, as I do right now.
***Sidenote***
I wrote this a couple weeks ago. I still feel exactly the same way and I have taken huge steps to get out of my current situation. The job hunt is in full swing and I have been going on interview and applying EVERYWHERE. I want to fly where the wind takes me. I want to throw myself in a challenge so that I have the ability to learn from it and grow. Bring it on world.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Brrrrr....It's cold in here.
Yes, I am perfectly aware that I'm going to sound crazy, but I was actually cold in bikram last.
It was dry and the heat kept going in and out. It was totally cold.
To make myself sound less crazy, I would like to point out that the other work study gal also felt the coldness. The new people probably didn't feel the chill.
From Bikramyoga.com's FAQ's:
7. What is the recommended room temperature for Bikram Yoga?
Notice the highlighted part. My muscles were not protected last night and everything hurts (times 10). I had faux protection. I was hot, but not hot enough. Woe is me, or should I say woe are my muscles.
/end rant
Has anyone experienced "cold spots" or a cold room? How did it affect your practice?
It was dry and the heat kept going in and out. It was totally cold.
To make myself sound less crazy, I would like to point out that the other work study gal also felt the coldness. The new people probably didn't feel the chill.
From Bikramyoga.com's FAQ's:
7. What is the recommended room temperature for Bikram Yoga?
|
| The recommended temperature is minimum 105F degrees and about 40% humidity.
The room is kept at this temperature or more for the following:
|
/end rant
Has anyone experienced "cold spots" or a cold room? How did it affect your practice?
Friday, August 5, 2011
Article: Ancient Moves for Orthopedic Problems
Fabulous article.
There are many reasons why people practice yoga. I do it for stress relief and to keep my joints limber as possible. But after a recent injury, I realized that yoga is so much more than that.
A couple months back I obtained a stress fracture on my second metatarsal. Walking was painful, even when my toes were wrapped and stuck in a walking cast, and later on, tennis shoes. The moment I was cleared to do light impact exercise (yoga, stationary bike, etc.) I hobbled over to Bethesda and did my thing. Of course, I couldn't do some postures, but afterwards, I didn't need my toes wrapped up. Five weeks later, I walked all over the hilly streets of San Fransisco with no problem. I even did some light hiking around Mt. Tamalpais. I was amazed. The human body is so delicate. You only get one. Take care of it.
For those of you that practice yoga on a regular basis, have you noticed a change in your physical abilities?
There are many reasons why people practice yoga. I do it for stress relief and to keep my joints limber as possible. But after a recent injury, I realized that yoga is so much more than that.
A couple months back I obtained a stress fracture on my second metatarsal. Walking was painful, even when my toes were wrapped and stuck in a walking cast, and later on, tennis shoes. The moment I was cleared to do light impact exercise (yoga, stationary bike, etc.) I hobbled over to Bethesda and did my thing. Of course, I couldn't do some postures, but afterwards, I didn't need my toes wrapped up. Five weeks later, I walked all over the hilly streets of San Fransisco with no problem. I even did some light hiking around Mt. Tamalpais. I was amazed. The human body is so delicate. You only get one. Take care of it.
For those of you that practice yoga on a regular basis, have you noticed a change in your physical abilities?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
So yeah.
Now i'm frustrated. Day 14, great class, did every posture, no pain, didn't overdo it on the backbends.
Woke up this morning. Pain in my back. WTF?!???
I'm thinking that maybe I need to take a break, and re-evaluate my approach. I'm not quitting bikram, far from it. However, the challenge has come to an end, for now. I'm going to keep going 3-4 day a week and also add in some running (for better endurance) and kickboxing/weights (to build muscle, especially in my back).
I think that after taking almost a month off from exercising in general, my body kind of freaked out when I started the 30 day challenge. Before I broke my toe, I was exercising on a very regular basis. 5-6 days a week. Running, kickboxing, boxing and bikram. I would always switch it up week to week to keep things interesting. Then I broke my toe...dun dun dun. I couldn't do anything for almost a month. Three weeks before I started the challenge, I was going to bikram 4 days a week. Which is a lot, but I don't think I gave myself enough time to really prepare for what I was about to start. Bikram is challenging, especially when done everyday. Your body goes through a lot and you learn how to push yourself and you learn your limits. Some great things have come from my recent classes. I'm more acclimated to the heat and I've learned to love those couple postures that I used to loath (ahem, savasana and rabbit...). I will conquer the 30 day challenge. I will not let this beat me.
In the meantime....where is my tiger balm?
Woke up this morning. Pain in my back. WTF?!???
I'm thinking that maybe I need to take a break, and re-evaluate my approach. I'm not quitting bikram, far from it. However, the challenge has come to an end, for now. I'm going to keep going 3-4 day a week and also add in some running (for better endurance) and kickboxing/weights (to build muscle, especially in my back).
I think that after taking almost a month off from exercising in general, my body kind of freaked out when I started the 30 day challenge. Before I broke my toe, I was exercising on a very regular basis. 5-6 days a week. Running, kickboxing, boxing and bikram. I would always switch it up week to week to keep things interesting. Then I broke my toe...dun dun dun. I couldn't do anything for almost a month. Three weeks before I started the challenge, I was going to bikram 4 days a week. Which is a lot, but I don't think I gave myself enough time to really prepare for what I was about to start. Bikram is challenging, especially when done everyday. Your body goes through a lot and you learn how to push yourself and you learn your limits. Some great things have come from my recent classes. I'm more acclimated to the heat and I've learned to love those couple postures that I used to loath (ahem, savasana and rabbit...). I will conquer the 30 day challenge. I will not let this beat me.
In the meantime....where is my tiger balm?
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Ch-ch-changes
I'm slightly altering my challenge. I'm still going to do 30 classes, but I'm giving myself 35 days to complete them. My back injury really threw me off last week, and I totally forgot my bikram shorts yesterday (I grabbed the top and towel, but no shorts...who does that?). By the time I got home, it was too late to make it all the way out to Bethesda.
So, with that being said, today is technically day 14! Weeeeee! And I remembered my shorts! Weeeee again!
Part of me feels like I failed, but the other part knows that this is the right thing to do. Back injuries are no joke. Injuries in general are no joke. I'm still all paranoid about my toes that I broke a couple months ago. Which reminds me....I need to take my calcium pill (see, paranoid).
See you on the mat!
So, with that being said, today is technically day 14! Weeeeee! And I remembered my shorts! Weeeee again!
Part of me feels like I failed, but the other part knows that this is the right thing to do. Back injuries are no joke. Injuries in general are no joke. I'm still all paranoid about my toes that I broke a couple months ago. Which reminds me....I need to take my calcium pill (see, paranoid).
See you on the mat!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The days are starting to run together....
So I cheated on Day 11. I originally said that I was going to rest due to my back pain, but I had a great opportunity to utilize the top floor of my parking garage. There is a horrendous heat wave ripping it's way through the city as I type this. And on Thursday, the heat index was upwards of 114. Around 9:00 that night, I checked the weather channel and the heat index had dropped to 109 and the humidity was at 50%. Hmm...those conditions sound familiar. I grabbed my mat and towel and took a hike to the 6th floor of the parking garage. Lucky for me, no ever goes up there. :)
This was one of my better ideas. Ever. There is something to be said about seeing the stars during your savasana. My energy was through the roof, even when I was taking it easy during the back bends. There was a light breeze that kept me slightly cooler than I am used to, but I still managed to sweat out the toxins. However, I did come across one little issue. My balance was totally off. I was having a really hard time trying to make the slight adjustments that I normally make, without a mirror. I really had to focus and concentrate on every posture to make sure that my alignment was correct. Every bikram class I have ever taken was in front of a mirror. Even if I couldn't see myself 100%, I was still able to make those imperative adjustments without toppling over. I managed to get through all the postures and both breathing exercises. I timed myself at 94 minutes. My last savasana kind of turned into a star gazing session....
Friday (day 12) was an interesting class. I left my apartment at 5:20AM. Yes. 5:20AM, on a Friday...sometimes I question my sanity. I arrived at the Dupont studio around 6:00, just in time for the 6:15 class. Now. Let me start out by saying that morning classes are not my friend. I have to fight myself to get through and I can never stop thinking about how hungry I am. Have you ever had your stomach make a loud grumbling noise in a COMPLETELY SILENT class of 20-30 people that are trying to meditate? Not cool. But this class was different. My energy from the night before stayed with me. I left feeling awake and rejuvenated. Maybe that day of rest was more beneficial than I thought. I just can't let it become a trend. I keep telling myself that I need to make that day up before I hit day 30.
Today, day 13, was hot. Really, really hot. So hot that when the instructor opened the door facing Wisconsin Ave., I felt a cool breeze. I went back to Bethesda to cover a friend for work study. Class was at 1:30, but I got there at 1:00 to roll mats and help clean up the mirrors. Class was hot as I previously mentioned. I drank all my water before camel and had to run out for a quick refill. This is the first time I have left the room early in FIVE years. I really didn't want to, but it had to be done.
Looking forward to tomorrow. It's the halfway point. Only two more weeks to go. I feel different. Stronger. I've lost 3 pounds and my weight stopped fluctuating. I feel internally clean. I haven't worn deodorant at all in over a week. Yes, that sounds weird, but with no toxins, there is no BO. I'm totally excited to see the changes that will happen in the next couple weeks.
This was one of my better ideas. Ever. There is something to be said about seeing the stars during your savasana. My energy was through the roof, even when I was taking it easy during the back bends. There was a light breeze that kept me slightly cooler than I am used to, but I still managed to sweat out the toxins. However, I did come across one little issue. My balance was totally off. I was having a really hard time trying to make the slight adjustments that I normally make, without a mirror. I really had to focus and concentrate on every posture to make sure that my alignment was correct. Every bikram class I have ever taken was in front of a mirror. Even if I couldn't see myself 100%, I was still able to make those imperative adjustments without toppling over. I managed to get through all the postures and both breathing exercises. I timed myself at 94 minutes. My last savasana kind of turned into a star gazing session....
Friday (day 12) was an interesting class. I left my apartment at 5:20AM. Yes. 5:20AM, on a Friday...sometimes I question my sanity. I arrived at the Dupont studio around 6:00, just in time for the 6:15 class. Now. Let me start out by saying that morning classes are not my friend. I have to fight myself to get through and I can never stop thinking about how hungry I am. Have you ever had your stomach make a loud grumbling noise in a COMPLETELY SILENT class of 20-30 people that are trying to meditate? Not cool. But this class was different. My energy from the night before stayed with me. I left feeling awake and rejuvenated. Maybe that day of rest was more beneficial than I thought. I just can't let it become a trend. I keep telling myself that I need to make that day up before I hit day 30.
Today, day 13, was hot. Really, really hot. So hot that when the instructor opened the door facing Wisconsin Ave., I felt a cool breeze. I went back to Bethesda to cover a friend for work study. Class was at 1:30, but I got there at 1:00 to roll mats and help clean up the mirrors. Class was hot as I previously mentioned. I drank all my water before camel and had to run out for a quick refill. This is the first time I have left the room early in FIVE years. I really didn't want to, but it had to be done.
Looking forward to tomorrow. It's the halfway point. Only two more weeks to go. I feel different. Stronger. I've lost 3 pounds and my weight stopped fluctuating. I feel internally clean. I haven't worn deodorant at all in over a week. Yes, that sounds weird, but with no toxins, there is no BO. I'm totally excited to see the changes that will happen in the next couple weeks.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Unexpected
There are two parts of the body that I have learned to respect when they have pain: the back and the knees. I had to take a short break from my challenge for day 9 and 10. I had a horrible pinching in my lower left back. I could even feel a small knot where the pain was. Back bends on Day 8 were very difficult, so I decided to honor that pain and get some rest. It sucks to have to take a break this early on, but unfortunately, it's necessary.
Luckily, I'm feeling better today and am contemplating an outdoor rooftop session tonight. The conditions will be perfect (105 degrees, 50% humidity) and it will definitely be a new experience!
Luckily, I'm feeling better today and am contemplating an outdoor rooftop session tonight. The conditions will be perfect (105 degrees, 50% humidity) and it will definitely be a new experience!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Day 8
I had a frustrating day. Again. I was in a grove and Sunday totally threw me off. I'm hoping to get back into it tonight. Also, my mind was everywhere else but in the room. I never realized before how important it is to focus on yourself and your practice.
Just because you walk into the hot room does not mean that the world stops turning. Shit happens and it keep happening during each one of those 26 postures. You just have to learn how to let go and let it happen without you for 90 minutes.
That being said, my goal today is to let go, focus on my practice and mentally stay in the room.
Just because you walk into the hot room does not mean that the world stops turning. Shit happens and it keep happening during each one of those 26 postures. You just have to learn how to let go and let it happen without you for 90 minutes.
That being said, my goal today is to let go, focus on my practice and mentally stay in the room.
Monday, July 18, 2011
How many calories can you burn in a bikram session?
For those of you that count calories, I found this interesting little read:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/447329-the-average-calories-burned-with-bikram-yoga/
Not sure of the accuracy, but very believable. So far I've lost 2 pounds. See you later vacation weight!
http://www.livestrong.com/article/447329-the-average-calories-burned-with-bikram-yoga/
Not sure of the accuracy, but very believable. So far I've lost 2 pounds. See you later vacation weight!
Day 5, 6 and 7
Days 5 and 6 came and went with no problems. Despite being ridiculously tired on day 5, I made it through class, completed every posture and left with my energy levels totally restored. I even managed to make it to dinner with a friend! But by 11:00, I was falling asleep on the couch.
Day 7 is another story entirely. I woke up Sunday morning around 8:00. I ate two pieces of toast and a peach. Class was at 10:00, so I had time to drink some water. Two bottles later, I was in transit to Takoma and ready for a great class.
Now, I hate to play favorites, but there are some bikram instructors that I do not care for. Sunday's instructor was one of them. I've taken her classes a couple times before and this was my last. I believe that all yoga, especially bikram is about knowing your limits and not forcing yourself past those limits. This instructor does not feel that way at all. There was a lot of singling people out at their lack of ability among other things that I don't agree with. Plus, it was too hot. There were 30 people in the class and the heat/humidity levels were through the roof (I had the opportunity to check the temperature gauge...107 degrees and 64% humidity. NORMALLY it's 105 with 40-45% humidity). Halfway through the class, I mentally checked out. I was so frustrated at this instructor, that I just wanted to leave. Savasanas got longer and my sit ups were super sloppy. I just wanted to get the hell out of there, take a cold shower and go relax at the pool.
As horrible as this class was, it's important to experience them. When I do start teaching, I will be more aware of what kind of instructor I want to be (or in this case, do not want to be). Namaste.
Day 7 is another story entirely. I woke up Sunday morning around 8:00. I ate two pieces of toast and a peach. Class was at 10:00, so I had time to drink some water. Two bottles later, I was in transit to Takoma and ready for a great class.
Now, I hate to play favorites, but there are some bikram instructors that I do not care for. Sunday's instructor was one of them. I've taken her classes a couple times before and this was my last. I believe that all yoga, especially bikram is about knowing your limits and not forcing yourself past those limits. This instructor does not feel that way at all. There was a lot of singling people out at their lack of ability among other things that I don't agree with. Plus, it was too hot. There were 30 people in the class and the heat/humidity levels were through the roof (I had the opportunity to check the temperature gauge...107 degrees and 64% humidity. NORMALLY it's 105 with 40-45% humidity). Halfway through the class, I mentally checked out. I was so frustrated at this instructor, that I just wanted to leave. Savasanas got longer and my sit ups were super sloppy. I just wanted to get the hell out of there, take a cold shower and go relax at the pool.
As horrible as this class was, it's important to experience them. When I do start teaching, I will be more aware of what kind of instructor I want to be (or in this case, do not want to be). Namaste.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Day 4
Yesterday would be a perfect example of why I practice bikram. I completed every posture. I didn't get dizzy. And afterwards, I felt absolutely amazing. Fully awake and ready to go party it up for the midnight viewing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2.
I'm hoping that today will be a repeat of yesterday. However, in bikram, as well as in life, there are good days and bad days. I remember reading somewhere that there are many challenges towards this type of goal and lots of stress factors that will rev up your emotions. It is normal to feel temporarily discouraged but the most important thing to know is that another day lies ahead and to keep yourself balanced. Another day is a chance to revive your confidence.
I'm hoping that today will be a repeat of yesterday. However, in bikram, as well as in life, there are good days and bad days. I remember reading somewhere that there are many challenges towards this type of goal and lots of stress factors that will rev up your emotions. It is normal to feel temporarily discouraged but the most important thing to know is that another day lies ahead and to keep yourself balanced. Another day is a chance to revive your confidence.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Day 3: Oh, the humidity!
General rule of thumb for the Dupont studio: If it's humid as all hell outside, it's going to be even worse in the hot room.
DC had one of it's awesome summer thunderstorms yesterday afternoon around 3:00. By the time 5:15 rolled around, it had stopped raining, but the humidity level had increased significantly. No worries! I'll just be able to adapt to the hot room in a heartbeat. Sike! Now don't get me wrong, I lovelovelove the heat, but damn. When I walked down to the second floor and stepped in the room, the mugginess took my breath away. By the time full locust reared it's ugly head, I was ready to call it quits. It was just so hot! But I managed to finish out strong. And I drank my entire water bottle, which I never do.
I will say that I managed to push out a second set of triangle (take THAT, trikonasana!) and I was able to keep my arms with my head during the situps. Go me!
Thankfully it's cooler outside today, so I'm hoping the hot room will get the hint.
DC had one of it's awesome summer thunderstorms yesterday afternoon around 3:00. By the time 5:15 rolled around, it had stopped raining, but the humidity level had increased significantly. No worries! I'll just be able to adapt to the hot room in a heartbeat. Sike! Now don't get me wrong, I lovelovelove the heat, but damn. When I walked down to the second floor and stepped in the room, the mugginess took my breath away. By the time full locust reared it's ugly head, I was ready to call it quits. It was just so hot! But I managed to finish out strong. And I drank my entire water bottle, which I never do.
I will say that I managed to push out a second set of triangle (take THAT, trikonasana!) and I was able to keep my arms with my head during the situps. Go me!
Thankfully it's cooler outside today, so I'm hoping the hot room will get the hint.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Day 2 (and other things...)
Yesterday went by so fast! I skipped the second set of triangle (again), but I made it through the rest of class relatively unscathed. However, my legs were HURTING. The muscles on the back of my thighs are so sore! They hurt even worse today. Walking up the escalator at Dupont was a challenge this morning! Not to mention I was woken up at 3:30am with the most ridiculous charlie horse in my left calf. You know, the kind that when you try to stand up, you immediately topple over. Being half asleep wasn't helping the situation. That has got to be one of the worst ways to wake up.
But I'm just going to have to put that behind me and focus on day three's class. My goal for today is a little more than just showing up for class. During the floor series, there is a bikram situp that is done after each savasana. To do a bikram sit up, put your toes and heels together, flex your feet and keep your heels on the floor. Bring your arms over your head, cross your thumbs, keep your arms and head together. Sit up, double exhale....yeah well, you get the point. And yes, that's verbatim. Anyway...the part that I always have trouble with is the "arms and head together". I always seems to use my arms for leverage and swing them forward. Tonight, I will try to keep my arms and head together. My arms and head will not separate dammit.
But I'm just going to have to put that behind me and focus on day three's class. My goal for today is a little more than just showing up for class. During the floor series, there is a bikram situp that is done after each savasana. To do a bikram sit up, put your toes and heels together, flex your feet and keep your heels on the floor. Bring your arms over your head, cross your thumbs, keep your arms and head together. Sit up, double exhale....yeah well, you get the point. And yes, that's verbatim. Anyway...the part that I always have trouble with is the "arms and head together". I always seems to use my arms for leverage and swing them forward. Tonight, I will try to keep my arms and head together. My arms and head will not separate dammit.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
30 Day Challenge: Day 1
Day 1 is over. I spent the entire day being nervous to go do something I've done hundreds of times before. I guess i'm so nervous because this is my first 30 day challenge. Yup. You heard right. Over the next 30 days, I will have completed 2700 minutes of yoga in a room that is upwards of 105 degrees. To some people, this might sound like some form of torture or punishment. However to me, it's going to help me prepare for my ultimate goal: Bikram Teacher Training.
Why bikram? About 5 years ago, I was camping with my boyfriend, his cousin and his cousin's girlfriend at the time. The girlfriend mentioned that she recently tried bikram. At the time I had no clue what it was, so she explained the series of 26 postures, the purpose of the heat, etc. I was intrigued. A week after we got back from the trip, I found a studio close by and went to try my first class. As soon as I walked in the room I thought, "Holy shitballs, what the hell did I just get myself into". It was hot. Not just regular hot, it was rainforest plus August in DC with a side of lava hot. I couldn't understand why people liked this. I also couldn't understand why I had worn so many articles of clothing. I instantly started sweating the minute I got my mat and towel adjusted and sat down. I figured that I was stuck there for 90 minutes, so I might as well try my best. And try I did. I tried not to curse myself for only bringing 1 bottle of water. I tried not to stare longingly at the door. I even tried a couple postures when I wasn't sitting on the floor rationing my water. Once we got to the floor series, I did a lot better. Laying on the floor like roadkill between each posture was a big help. The final savasana couldn't come fast enough.
After class I stepped out into the hallway and I understood why people chose to be in that room, doing the same 26 postures day in and day out. I felt amazing! My senses were wide awake. Colors looked brighter. I felt as though I was walking on air. I was ridiculously happy. My skin was even kind of tingly. I realized I was hooked. I kept going back. And the more I went, the easier it became.
Now here I am. Five years later, thousands of minutes and gallons of sweat behind me. I'm ready to dedicate myself to this practice for more than just a good workout. I reflected on this yesterday during my 90 minute mini meditation.
But it didn't start out that way.
I mentioned before that I was nervous. This is not an understatement. All day I thought about this being "day 1" and that this is going to let me know if I'm going to be able to handle teacher training. I also kept thinking about that the fact that it had been over a week since my last class. What if I can't get through it? What if it's too hot? What if I didn't drink enough? What if, what if, what if.... These thoughts didn't stop on the walk to the Dupont studio, or while checking in, or while waiting for the studio to clear out. However, sll those thoughts ceased as soon as I got in the room. I remembered where I was and why I was there. During that first breath, I let it all go. I have heard so many instructors say that sometimes, the hardest part is showing up and that couldn't have been more true last night. Once I showed up and let go, the rest was easy.
Can't wait to see what day 2 will bring.
Why bikram? About 5 years ago, I was camping with my boyfriend, his cousin and his cousin's girlfriend at the time. The girlfriend mentioned that she recently tried bikram. At the time I had no clue what it was, so she explained the series of 26 postures, the purpose of the heat, etc. I was intrigued. A week after we got back from the trip, I found a studio close by and went to try my first class. As soon as I walked in the room I thought, "Holy shitballs, what the hell did I just get myself into". It was hot. Not just regular hot, it was rainforest plus August in DC with a side of lava hot. I couldn't understand why people liked this. I also couldn't understand why I had worn so many articles of clothing. I instantly started sweating the minute I got my mat and towel adjusted and sat down. I figured that I was stuck there for 90 minutes, so I might as well try my best. And try I did. I tried not to curse myself for only bringing 1 bottle of water. I tried not to stare longingly at the door. I even tried a couple postures when I wasn't sitting on the floor rationing my water. Once we got to the floor series, I did a lot better. Laying on the floor like roadkill between each posture was a big help. The final savasana couldn't come fast enough.
After class I stepped out into the hallway and I understood why people chose to be in that room, doing the same 26 postures day in and day out. I felt amazing! My senses were wide awake. Colors looked brighter. I felt as though I was walking on air. I was ridiculously happy. My skin was even kind of tingly. I realized I was hooked. I kept going back. And the more I went, the easier it became.
Now here I am. Five years later, thousands of minutes and gallons of sweat behind me. I'm ready to dedicate myself to this practice for more than just a good workout. I reflected on this yesterday during my 90 minute mini meditation.
But it didn't start out that way.
I mentioned before that I was nervous. This is not an understatement. All day I thought about this being "day 1" and that this is going to let me know if I'm going to be able to handle teacher training. I also kept thinking about that the fact that it had been over a week since my last class. What if I can't get through it? What if it's too hot? What if I didn't drink enough? What if, what if, what if.... These thoughts didn't stop on the walk to the Dupont studio, or while checking in, or while waiting for the studio to clear out. However, sll those thoughts ceased as soon as I got in the room. I remembered where I was and why I was there. During that first breath, I let it all go. I have heard so many instructors say that sometimes, the hardest part is showing up and that couldn't have been more true last night. Once I showed up and let go, the rest was easy.
Can't wait to see what day 2 will bring.
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