My journey began when I promised a friend (Kevin Harmon) that I would meet him at 5:30 a.m. for my first Bikram yoga class back in January of 2009.  I sat in a dark parking lot waiting for my friend or anyone for that matter.  I decided to drive around to all the studios near Main Street that I knew looking for cars, lights...anything.  I knew I could not be late and as the clock passed the 5:30 mark, I gave up and went back home and to bed.I was just not open to this kind of yoga even though Kevin told me about it many times before.  The idea of the heat and sweating terrified me because I grew up in the sport of swimming where the water is cold and the sweat washes away before you know it. 

  

The problem was I needed something new after having my third child.  Armed with directions and a new sense of purpose, I headed back to the studio the next morning and Ladonna welcomed me to the torture chamber and we started the class at 5:30 a.m.  I remember watching Mimi (Sherri) and not knowing she was a teacher, I thought if this older woman could do this so effortlessly, then I, a young athletic woman, can do this, too.  WRONG.  I had so much to learn and humility was my first lesson.  After spending my first class on the floor suffering, I vowed that I would never come back.  I was back a few days later for the second class and found it got better and better and better.  I was hooked!

  

I now practice four or five times a week and have done mini challenges (30 in 30) but not the 60 day challenge yet.  I'm working up to it.  More than anything, I have learned to sweat and remain calm.  I've also learned to do the impossible.  I couldn't touch my toes when I started and the challenge of it all kept me up at night.  I couldn't wait to get back to the studio to try the poses again.  When I made progress in the poses, I noticed my body change.  I have scoliosis but my back no longer hurts.  My three-time-stretched-to-the-max belly is also tightening up and I feel young and strong and flexible again. 

  

Although the physical changes are miraculous and wonderful, the mental and spiritual growth that flows right out of this yoga has changed my life.  It truly is for everyone.  When we walk into the room, we are equal.  Age doesn't matter, race, religion, sex, class, whether you are weak or healthy doesn't matter either.  Nothing that you've done before matters.  You hear about the journey...yoga is a journey.  I know I'm a better mom, coach, and wife because of it.  I am flexible in mind, heart and body.  Bikram yoga has brought sweat, the never ending struggle to perfect the posture and extreme beauty into my life.  Thank you to all the students and teachers who continue to inspire me every practice!

  

  

  

 

In the Fall of 2005 Suzann and I purchased a little stalk of bamboo from Central Market.  He was a slight 10-12" when we transported him to his new home at Bikram Yoga North Texas in Grapevine.  Our little bamboo immediately began to thrive in the loving environment of the studio.  We became so quickly and easily attached to him that we decided to name him......Bambuddha.

 

Bambuddha grew exponentially and very quickly required repotting and repotting and repotting.  For a while we charted Bambuddha's growth on the wall, proudly documenting his maturity.  There were mornings we would arrive at the studio to find that Bambuddha had sprouted an entire inch overnight. 

 

How is this possible?  We asked the same question.  After all, I have bamboo at home and it certainly isn't growing at anywhere near this rate.  The answer we've come to know as the absolute truth.......it's the yoga.  We know that Bambuddha blossomed in the environment of Bikram Yoga North Texas in Grapevine because this is a place of love, positive energy, family and community.  Only good exists here and Bambuddha took root and never looked back.

 

Bambuddha, in 6 years time, has now outgrown the studio.  His "head" now touches the 10 FOOT ceiling and he shows no sign of stopping.  I've never seen anything like this.  I do not have a green thumb, I can't even grow mold.  This has NOTHING to do with our ability to raise a plant, this has everything to do with YOU, Bikram yogis.

 

So, as it should be, Bambuddha is leaving the nest and going to his next home where he has more space to be his fullest expression of himself.  Jesus Rico has adopted Bambuddha.  We have asked Jesus to take good care of Bambuddha and he has promised to provide wallet size photos of Bambuddha at least twice a year.

 

We loved having you in our home Bambuddha and we will miss you deeply.  You will always remain in our hearts.  Farewell my friend.

 

Namaste'

 

Stacey

 

PS - Isn't it perfect that Jesus adopted Bam"Buddha"?  Hmmmmm......

 

 

 

One of the most frequently asked questions about a plant based diet is the protein/satiated feeling thing...as in, "Aren't you always hungry because you're not eating meat?"  The answer, dear yogis, is NO.  Plant based diets include all kinds of stick-to-your-ribs recipes that leave you feeling full, happy and powered up to throw down some serious yoga poses.  This recipe can work for either lunch or dinner and will please any kind of palate.  Give it a try!

4 tbsp. sesame oil

1 8 ounce block of tempeh

1 large carrot, julienned

3 cups broccoli florets (bite size pieces)

1 red bell pepper

1 8 ounce pkg. brown rice pasta spirals

3 tbsp. organic unsweetened peanut butter

1/4 cup water

2 tbsp. soy sauce (or shoyu)

1 tbsp. agave nectar

1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. minced fresh ginger

sesame seeds for garnish

Heat 3 tbsp. of the oil in a skillet over high heat.  Fry the tempeh until slightly crispy (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Blanch the carrots, broccoli and red pepper separately until they turn bright in color or about 30 seconds.  DO NOT OVERCOOK.  

Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.  Cook the pasta according to package directions.  Drain and set aside.  In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, remaining sesame oil, the water, soy sauce, agave nectar, vinegar and ginger.  Toss the veggies, pasta and sauce together.  Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.  YUM.  A quick meal full of anti-oxidants and even some cruciferous veggies for extra anti-cancer benefits.  

Enjoy,

Kathryn Lorusso 

Loyal Bikram Yogini and Resident Foodie

Many of us feel that life is a bit more complete if we have four legged fur beings in our homes.  For that reason, we'd like to feature a Yogi Pet of the Month in our newsletter and ask that you send us your best shots of Fido, Max, Gator or whomever you have sharing your humble abode (please, no fish).  It's not necessary for your pet to be in a yoga position but if that happens naturally and you just happen to snap the photo, all the better. 

This month, as a shining example of canine happiness and being ever present, we proudly feature Kate and Stella, fur children to Stacey.  This photo is post yoga class and before rehydration (notice the presence of tongues) but the eyes are bright and the endorphins are flowing!  Send your photos to info@bikramyoganorthtexas.com and let us honor your animal buddies.