WOW! Here it is December 2009, I'm almost finished my 7th year of Bikram Yoga, turning 57 way too soon and have just completed a 60 day challenge. I feel so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to practice Bikram Yoga and know that physically, emotionally and spiritually I'll keep improving as time goes on. As the saying goes " I'm not getting older, I'm getting better"! Hmmmmmm? Sure feels that way!
I've been practicing some sort of yoga most of my adult life taking my first formal Hatha classes when I was in my early 20's in North Van. I've come to realize that it's habitual for me to stretch as it makes me feel so alive!
For years, my husband Doug would just roll his eyes thinking I was a little unusual with all these " weird " postures. What a pleasant surprise when he finally came to a place in his life where he realized all the benefits of yoga and wanted to practice yoga too. Having a partner to practice with was a bonus for sure when we started Iyengar Yoga in Kamloops. A few years later in February 2002 I happened to be down here on the Island helping my folks out when Doug phoned all enthused with news of this new BIKRAM HOT YOGA studio that had just opened in Kamloops. He was beyond excited and couldn't wait for me to get home to try it. Well, I did try it and WOW! I'd never experienced anything like this before and couldn't compare it to anything I'd ever done. I had been a runner for years which gave me that great cardio and much needed meditation. I'd been into weight training for years building me that awesome muscle tone. I have also always loved a hot climate and thrive in the tropics . I soon realized this Bikram Yoga gave me all of the above but was special. It really is the " whole meal deal " !!
With this love of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, horse riding and on and on I managed to accumulate quite collection of injuries which as we all know take their toll as we age. I know in my heart that Bikram Yoga has kept these injuries in check and without the yoga I would be suffering the repercutions. Sure, I still have to work through some of these old injuries at times but I always do with a consistent yoga practice and believe me I feel blessed!
When I first started Bikram Yoga I kept up some running, with weight training at least 5 days a week, downhill skiing, Iyengar Yoga and on and on and on as I just couldn't let go! After a couple years of playing at all these sports Doug decided to take Bikram teacher training which led to us spending 6 months in Victoria where he could do his teachers practicum. I still managed to do a little hiking, swimming, running etc. but found myself at " the studio " more often than not. This is where I did my very first 30 day challenge and what a challenge it was! Right at that time we sold our home in Kamloops which took many time consuming not to mention rushed trips to make the move. We also started the process of buying a home in Nanaimo and finding a location and home for Bikram Yoga Nanaimo. All this travelling around meant I had to do many a double class in order to finish the challenge. Yikes! It was tough but definitely worthwhile! The challenge immediately proved beneficial as I noticed increased energy with a relatively calm mind considering the day to day challenges and decisions we were going through.
I took on my first 60 day challenge when our daughter, Nina, went to Bikram Yoga teacher training in the fall of 2006. I had promised her that every day she was in class, so was I. This not only kept us connected I know the support helped her tremendously. This also became a double challenge for me as my Dad ended up having open heart surgery in Victoria so I was away from home, keeping my Mom company while Dad was in the hospital. I managed to practice my yoga most days there in Victoria but still had some catch up doubles to do. The benefits from this challenge were again obvious to my loved ones as my patience level was at it's best and I managed to keep very grounded and strong.
I have managed to take on one or two 30 day challenges a year since 2005 however I normally practice every other day or so allowing me to get my hiking, swimming etc in. . I guess you could say I'm pretty much hooked on this yoga though. It is now my primary form of exercise and find it not only keeps me fit, flexible and strong, I manage to keep calm, cool and collected most of the time. My doctor can't believe my low heart rate, blood pressure, high bone density etc. and just recently asked me what else I do other than the yoga to keep in shape. When I told her that Bikram Yoga was my main exersize program she was noticeably impressed.
It's wonderful knowing that all of us practicing Bikram Yoga have similar goals. We practice together creating community spirit, working towards enhanced physical, emotional and spiritual health.
