Bikram Yoga Nanaimo Newsletter
  Issue # 8                                                                                                     February 2009 
 
HAPPY VALENTINE'S!!
 
VALENTINE'S DAY FEBRUARY 14TH
 
BRING YOUR VALENTINE FOR 
FREE!
 
SAY "I LOVE YOU" WITH BIKRAM YOGA NANAIMO.
 
Students Of The Month 
 
John Hohlheimer
 
john H - Rabbit
 
 
First of all I am shocked to be chosen as student of the month.  Every class is both a challenging and a humbling experience for me, practicing along side those many students who appear to flow through the poses effortlessly and with perfected form.
 
All of the yoga teachers have been helpful and understanding.  They  always keep me positive with their pointers and input so I keep on striving toward my personal best. 
 
My best, for me, continues to be a constant struggle.  I came to Bikram yoga with hopes of improving my physical condition and also with hopes of resolving my issues with anxiety and insomnia.  Practicing Bikram yoga truly brought me an awareness of how I hold stress in my body and how that physical discomfort further contributes to more anxiety and mental stress.
 
With further effort and dedication I hope the practice of Bikram will continue to help me release my physical and mental tension and keep me focused on a path to health that I enjoy.  Thanks to Bikram my struggle with dis-ease has lessened and the welcoming community at the studio has made me feel more confident and relaxed. 
                                                    
~ John 
Ann Marie
 
Ann Marie - Standing Bow
 
 
Hey, we've all got stuff.  I guess my first real eye opener in Bikram class was the unexpected volcano of emotion that erupted after Camel pose.  Then, suddenly I found my flexibility doubled in the next pose--the rewards of release!  Yes I can hide from all those things that really get to me when I play reasoning tricks inside my head.  But in the Bikram room, there's me in the mirror and sweat and heat .  And nowhere to hide!
 
Sure I'm stable now.  But it was not easy letting go.  It was disorienting, downright nauseating, and really unfair that I couldn't always be in control!!  Then I learned to breathe through those moments, and then to just believe that soon it would feel ok.  My sweaty body would soon be doused in the shower.  My hot head would soon be soothed with calm.  Baby step by Baby step I began to accept the moment just for the way it is, each pose just for the way I can perform it that day, each day for the accomplishment of just gettin' er done.
 
It's  a pleasure to share the honour of student of the month with my husband John.  We've found a sanctuary in the simple routine of getting up in the morning and enjoying yoga together.  The atmosphere at the studio is honest and down to earth, a place where we feel safe and at home.  There is real magic in watching the transformation in each other since we've been Bikram students, seeing each other blossom with a healthy energy and glow, growing strong and shining on. 
                                                    
~Ann Marie

A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.
                                                                                       ~Patricia Neal
Sign up for the 30 Day Challenge!!  
 
There is still time to sign up for the challenge.  You have until March 4th to sign up. 
 
The 30 Day challenge means you come everyday for 30 days.  If you miss a day, you can do 2 classes on another day to make it up.  As long as you get your 30 classes done in 30 days!  
 
This is a great way to meet and converse with the other students.  Discuss your classes, and support each other.  Team work always helps, especially on the hills!
 
If you have any questions about the challenge, the staff would be happy to help you!


Thank you to everyone who came to our open house January 31st.  It was a lot of fun.

Congratulations to all the people who won, Susan Zaric won a 20 class pkg.  Numerous other people won mats, books, cd's, towels, 10% off their next package, and other great stuff. 
 
Lost and Found is emptied the last day of every month!  Make sure you take a quick peek in the bin for anything you may have left behind.
 
Featured Posture
 DANDAYAMANA DHANURASANA:
Standing Bow Pose
 
standing bow random girl

BENEFITS:
  • Stimulates cardiovascular system
  • Increases circulation to the heart and lungs
  • Opens diaphragm
  • Helps open the shoulders joints
  • Improves elasticity in the spine
  • Improves strength and balance
  • Reduces abdominal fat build up
  • Helps regulate ovaries and prostate gland
  • Builds focus
TIPS:
 
Notice when you fall out of posture, you have most likely done one of three things. 
1) Moved your eyes to look at the teacher or someone else.
2) Thought about the end of the posture.
3) Thought about not being "able" to hold the posture.
The posture will be a lot easier if you avoid these things.

INSTEAD:

  • Listen to your own breath with your eyes focused gently on one spot in front of you. (look at your knee, "Lock It")
  • As you advance, work on keeping the kicking leg hip down, with both hips in one line.
  • If you do fall out, Fall FORWARD! Then get right back in!
  •  SMILE!!  Always better to laugh a bit then to get angry.  Have fun with your practice.
 
CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES  
 
choco straw 
 
Wash and dry a pint of strawberries. Meanwhile, over low heat, melt a 6 ounce bag of chocolate morsels. Dip each strawberry into the chocolate so that the chocolate coats about half of the berry. Place on a cookie sheet and refrigerate until ready to serve.