Gratitude

I’ve been reading a lot of blogs lately about Teacher Training, Bikram Yoga, and other people on the Challenge from all over the world. It’s inspiring, and exciting to know that the Bikram world is so huge. But today, after my HUGE day of yoga, I feel completely overwhelmed with gratitude. I was laying on my mat after Advanced today and really had that, “I could cry I am so happy” feeling come over me. It’s like a wash of emotion that has been hitting me a lot lately. I feel like this yoga has given me my life back. I know I talk about this a lot, but I can’t say it enough. Bikram yoga has changed me so much, I can’t even recognize the person in the mirror some days. I feel a little bit like I’ve been handed a very fragile gift, that if I drop it, will shatter into a million pieces. But at my core, I feel like even if it shattered, I’d still be grounded.

The most profound changes have been happening in my body, mind, and heart. I have read so many of those stories and testimonials about Bikram students and the incredible things they’ve seen happen for them. But I’m here to tell you, I have to get in the line with them. I cannot believe that I am able to do nearly four hours of hot yoga and still be so full of energy. I can stand on one leg, twist my body, work, push, and do it all with a smile. Bikram says over and over and over, “give me your time and I will give you your life back.” It’s incredible, and so true. I crave that hot little space, my mat, the work.

So, I just wanted to spill a little bit with my gratitude. As the next few months unfold and I prepare for training, I want to look back on this day and remember this feeling. Even when the days are hard, and the classes make me angry. I want to remember this gratitude and know that no matter what, I am a new person..

In which I try desperately to write about something besides yoga, and fail miserably.

Feels like ages since I’ve written a “normal” blog post. OK so it’s only been a few days, but it feels like much longer. I have a good reason for this. I am six days into my 60 Day Challenge. See, I can’t write without talking about yoga. Sorry, love it or leave it.

My whole life is YOGA YOGA YOGA. And, also LAUNDRY LAUNDRY LAUNDRY!!! OMG does MY yoga mat really smell like that?? Whoa.. more laundry.

Friends, it is official, I am planning to attend Bikram Yoga Teacher Training!! YES! It’s true, I am admitting it fully and openly right here in cyberspace. Enter the paralyzing fear and doubt…. now. Dave and I, after a very long intense conversation, have decided to move forward with this. God willing, I will go next April to the 2009 Spring Training. Yes, that’s ten months away. Also, YES I AM FREAKING OUT TOO!

So, what does that mean? That means I have ten months to learn Bikram’s MASSIVE dialog, ten months to get my money together (YOWZA), and ten months to kick my own ass into shape. It also means I have ten months to work all these tiiiiny details out. Details like: OH! by the way I’ll be in Acapulco for nine weeks, I won’t be around my kids for that time, oh and HELLO it’s in MEXICO!!! Yes, there’s a lot to be worked out. But never fear, this mamma’s got a plan. And a whole HEAP of support from every single person I’ve told (or who has sneakily found out, JENNIE BALLEW!!!!). In fact, since we’re on that subject; WOW is everyone supportive. Jen almost climbed over the desk to hug me this morning when we were chatting and all of my friends – while I am preeety sure they’ve decided I am insane – are ecstatic. That part feels great. And I’m sure as the next few months roll on, and the day draws nearer, I will need all of those hugs and cheers. Because HELLO IT’S NINE WEEKS OF BIKRAM YOGA.. OH MY GOD….

*ahem* But I am really really excited. I really am. I’ve wanted to do this for so long. And it’s weird to finally decide to do it. I mean, we talk about it, right?? I’ve talked about it. I even put it on my “List.” And (yes, THANKS Chantelle) once it’s done, I will have accomplished 2 of the things I have always wanted to do my whole life. Maybe three, I’ll have to check the list.

So, yes, YOGA YOGA YOGA! This is my life, and will be my life now, well… for good. I’m still processing this reality. Give me a few months.

The Challenge is going well. I’m feeling great and writing about it a lot. So check out my other blog when you start missing me, OK??

Love to you all!

About my Yoga practice.. Bikram Yoga..

Well since it’s been asked several times, I’ll just write a short little blog..

I practice Bikram Yoga. I found Bikram yoga by accident really. I picked up the “Bikram Bible” about eight years ago in a little bookstore in Boulder Colorado. I proceeded to practice at home with my own “heat” for years. It wasn’t until about two years ago that I took my first “hot” Bikram class. I am fortunate to live so close to BYTW – Bikram Yoga The Woodlands. BYTW is a fabulous studio with amazing teachers and world class Bikram facilities.

Bikram yoga is a series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises performed in a room heated to approximately 104-106 degrees with humidity ranging from 40-60 percent. The heat serves three purposes. It helps to detoxify the body and its systems, it relaxes the muscles to prevent injury, and it assists in an excellent cardiovascular workout. Each class follows the exact same dialog. Bikram yoga teachers all attend the same training course and must stay certified with Bikram.

There is much controversy about Bikram “franchising” his yoga series. He has placed a copyright on his sequence and has in the past prosecuted teachers for teaching “his” sequence without using his name or the trademarked “Bikram’s Yoga College of India” insignia. There are many other “hot yoga” brands out there, but only Bikram is Bikram.

Bikram yoga is appropriate for anyone, any age, any situation. Bikram says, “You’re never too old, never too sick, it’s never too late to start again, to be born again..” I have been doing this yoga on and off for many years and have really devoted myself to Bikram over the past two years. I am fortunate to have access to one of the premier Bikram studios in the world. My teachers have become like family to be. BYTW is my second home and I have always felt comfortable and loved. The support, encouragement, and respect that emanates from the staff and students at BYTW is second to none.

Many of you have read my other blogs about my “Bikram Challenges.” Bikram believes you give yourself over to his practice for 60 days and you will heal your body, renew your mind, and change your life. I have completed on 30 day challenge and one 60 day challenge in the past seven months. Basically you take 60 (or 30) Bikram classes within 60 (or 30) days. The beauty of the challenge is that it’s simple. You go back, day after day. It changes your whole life. I can attest not only to the physical changes, but the emotional changes as well. Bikram yoga has changed my life. It has brought me back into balance as a whole person, as a mother, and a wife.

I typically practice five days a week. You can do Bikram every day for the rest of your life. It’s that amazing. Getting on the mat is the first step. Everyone has a “first class” and I won’t lie to you, it’s hard. 90 minutes of sweating, stretching, and work. Bikram says “I don’t sell cheesecake.” This is not “stare at your navel” yoga. It’s work, and it works.

So, put some shorts on, grab some towels, get some water, and get in the room. Oh and please come back and tell me how much YOUR life has been changed..

Namaste

K