When I first started practicing Bikram yoga a little over a year ago, I remember laughing out loud in half moon pose while my body shook uncontrollably, thinking, "Seriously, people actually pay to do this? They must be insane!" Little did I know that in the following minutes my life would be changed forever.     

Before beginning my practice I was working in a job that was stressful, time consuming, unfulfilling and unhealthy.  I was mentally stuck and felt like I was watching my life drift by and I wasn't sure how to change it.  

Then came my first yoga class. Aside from the brief moment of laughter it was a pretty intense experience, and I was exhausted. But that night I slept so well and in the morning I felt rested for the first time in years.  Officially I was hooked and began practicing 2-3 times a week. 

Within weeks my body began to change and my mind followed. I realized that the studio was a microcosm of life outside.  Some days were a struggle and some days were a breeze, but I found that if I just got myself to class, just got to my mat, no matter what sort of life I had that day, I would always find something different when I left. 

My developing practice had given me the space to be still so that I could confront anything outside with strength and courage. 

Within four months of practicing regularly not only was I more flexible, but I started to believe in myself again.  I began to think of ways I could improve my life beyond yoga and began actively pursuing things that I knew would be fulfilling. I reduced my hours at work and began working tirelessly on launching an all natural dog treat line. It was amazing, the more energy I put into my practice and business, the more energy I had. I began setting goals for myself in and outside of class. Today I will breath easier in half moon, check.  Today I will research compostable packaging for dog treats, check.  Tomorrow I will lock my knee, check.  Tomorrow I will apply for a permit at the Pike Place Market, check.  Sometime soon I will touch my forehead to the floor, and sometime soon I will be working for myself full time.