Day 20 today. I left my Bikram Yoga Class today and asked my husband, “Did you get the License plate number”. He replied: “License plate, What are you talking about?” Me: “The truck that HIT ME broadside today during yoga!!!!”
OK, so we all have good days and bad days, right? and in Bikram yoga, it is no different. Yesterday I bounced into class all peppy, 20 minutes early. I did a first ever in my Bikram Yoga 30 day challenge- I positioned myself in the FRONT ROW, where I could see myself in the mirror…. my whole self.
It seems like I mastered poses I had not before, OK, mastered is an exaggeration, but honestly there is something about staring into your own eyes for 90 minutes that was very powerful. During those 90 minutes I actually begged for my YOGA guides to help me. Surely we have yoga guides, right?
The only error I made yesterday is I wore what is equivalent to a snowsuit in Bikram (long Prana belled at the bottom yoga pants and a ‘spank type’ built in bra type of top…long in length! The heat could not escape even if it tried. BUT- it didn’t matter. It was a great “practice”….one of my best.
Most women- even the full figured gals, know that wearing less clothes in 105 degree heat with 40% 
humidity is the way to go. It’s not unusual to see women in bikini bathing suit type bottoms (you know they MAKE Bikram bottoms like that and they cinch at the sides?)…always with a skimpy sport bra. (The fancier the criss-cross in the back, the more popular). OR, they wear bootie shorts or capris, but rarely does anyone wear what I wore….and it will be my last time. The only benefit is I could WRAP my sweaty foot around the ‘bell’ and hang on during poses better.
Today I went INTO yoga tired. Perhaps it was because it was Day 20 in a row and I didn’t sleep well the last two nights, or because I had experienced 2 hours of body work 2 days ago and felt like I was recovering from the healing massage. I KNEW going in today that I felt ‘weaker’ but I still showed up and gave it my best.
My best today, was OK -nothing earth shattering AND I knowingly positioned myself in the BACK ROW. Typically in the back row you can still see yourself in the far distant mirror but not today. Unfortunately, (or fortunately) today I could not see myself at ALL because of where the instructor was perched upon the box. So, from now on- I will, no matter what, be able to have eye contact during the session.
Some well-meaning friends and even family think I am a bit EXTREME with this 30-day challenge, but I don’t think so. Yes, it is a physical and mental challenge for sure, but I like where it is taking me.
If you are inspired, check out BIKRAM yoga in your area. I believe most studios offer an introductory 30 Days for $30 package. If you are in Burlington Vermont I highly recommend Queen City Bikram Yoga, http://www.queencitybikramyoga.com/ owned by Marla Ceppetelli.
I think I have experienced at least 7 of their instructors and they are all fantastic! In her own words she says: “Welcome to Queen City Bikram Yoga. We are so happy you are here. Why? Because all of our students and teachers took a first class. We all were trepidatious. We all survived and we all feel better!
There are no requirements to come to class. You can come to any class on any day. If you feel nervous, excited, worried, self-conscious or not good enough to come to class then you are like the rest of us.
You can do this yoga whether you are old or young, injured or fit, sick or healthy, happy or sad. It is never too late to feel better. All you need to do is show up and be prepared to change your life.”
When I went into my first class I was petrified….truly- but I felt at home and welcomed. I had NO IDEA that I would take on my own challenge and do BIKRAM 30-Days in a row when I began. I was simply taking it one day at a time, and still am.
THEN the studio decided to conduct THEIR 30-Day Challenge for the month of September. Yikes, if I do that it will take me to 41 days in a row. Am I “up for it?” I have no idea. Like I said, one day at a time.
So what are you doing to challenge yourself?
Challenges are fun as long as you are also gentle on yourself and realize that there will be ‘good’, ‘better’ days or an occasional ‘rotten day’.
Enjoy the process…. and Don’t postpone JOY.
Joy Edgerton
802-846-7530