Shortly after September 11, 2001, Bikram yoga came into my life. As with many people at that time, life seemed unsettled. At the suggestion of a lifelong friend, I attended class. Greeted at the door by Denise, Todd and Tim (who was to teach that fateful first class!), I immediately sensed I was about to embark on something unique. As I stood in the back of the packed class struggling and swimming in sweat, I couldn't help being instantly captivated by Tim's beautiful smile and courageous enthusiasm. One moment at a time, I made it through class, and afterwards, I felt intoxicated. After sleeping like the dead that night, I woke the next morning sore and wanting more! I longed to be like the warriors on the front row. So I set about attending class four times a week, heartened by the discipline and structure this 26 posture series affords.
When I went back to work a few years ago, my practice dropped to once a week. Though my new job was fantastic and the satisfaction immense, I felt a nagging disappointment each time I came to class; my proficiency with the postures had waned and my overall fitness level slowly deteriorated. So I recently made the commitment to work in more classes and am pleased to say I am now practicing four times a week again. With consistent support and dedication from Karen, David, Lauren and all the other instructors who have taught here and challenged me in class, I feel myself growing each time I enter the room. I have lost twenty pounds over the last five months, and have kept it off. I am forty-five years old and I can honestly say I have never felt better.
But this yoga is about so much more than physical feats, it's also about climbing mountains in my mind. When a stressful situation arises for me, personally or professionally, I find I am able to react differently, and hear that small still voice inside remind me "just breathe" and "never let anyone steal your peace". I adore my job in the fashion industry, but the fast-paced hectic and constantly morphing lifestyle is always about the latest and greatest, the newest and coolest trends. It is utterly refreshing to return to a humbling haven where material possessions and appearances do not reign supreme. Perhaps most importantly, my practice has become a touchstone that keeps my world in balance.
Thank you David and Karen for making our studio the best, for your continued nurturing, caring, positive attitude. This yoga is the most difficult yet inspiring thing I have ever done, and I am convinced that is no coincidence.
