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.
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