Issue 3
November 2012
 Me

Welcome to our safe, inclusive community, a place of encouragement and inspiration where you will be supported in making positive changes in your life.

 

People of all ages, sizes, shapes and fitness levels practice with us, people just like you. Wouldn't you like to experience a higher quality of life?

 

This yoga practice is more than just exercise. It's a health and happiness prescription. It's a journey of self-discovery where you will break through limitations and traverse the distance from your head to your heart.

 

It's never too late to have a new beginning with yoga.

 

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Yoga Photos in Cool Places!

Kristin in Eagle in Rome
Kristin in Eagle in front of the Colosseum in Rome!

 

 

Sandy2
Sandy in Standing Bow in the Colorado Rocky Mountains

 

 

Holly in Standing Bow at Braves Games
Holly in Standing Bow at a Braves Game


Chuck on a camel
Chuck in Camel Pose... well, posing on a camel anyway!


Do you have photos of yourself doing yoga outside the studio, such as on vacation, out on the town, or even at work? We would love to see them! Please submit your photos to
[email protected] so they can be posted in the next Issue! 
 
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Words From 
Bikram

 

Bikram in red shirt   

 

Ever wonder how the Bikram Series came about? Here is the story told straight from Bikram himself:

 

"When I or any other sick or injured person came to see him, my guru (Bishnu Gosh) would prescribe what the patient should do... according to that person's condition.He'd make a chart, telling that person what to eat and not to eat, and he would prescribe specific yoga postures as well.... Hundreds of people would wait in line to see him... Yoga was used as a means of curing the sick, as well as preventing illness.

 

After figuring out which postures he wanted a patient to do, my guru would call in me or one of his other disciples. Our job was to..teach him or her how to do the postures correctly. So each patient received the individual attention of a yoga teacher. 

 

However, that tradition began to change in March 1965 when my guru sent me to Bombay... In Bombay I found there were more sick people in need of my help than I could possibly treat... They had all kinds of medical problems, mostly common ones: spinal problems, arthritis, heart problems, diabetes, thyroid problems, neurological diseases. If I treated them one-on-one, I could only see 15 a day! I thought that if there was some way I could teach everyone the right postures in the correct order, no matter what their disease or condition, then I could teach in groups and help more people. If penicillin worked on so many kinds of infections, couldn't one yoga prescription be used that way, too? What's more, yoga could work as preventative medicine as well.

 

...At first my guru opposed this idea... Nevertheless, I began developing my Sequence of 26 postures, and in time, as he saw the beneficial effects of the postures on all who came to my class, he was won over and ended up being the strongest supporter of my revolutionary Sequence."

 

 

-Bikram Choudhury, Bikram Yoga: The Guru Behind Hot Yoga Shows The Way to Radiant Health and Personal Fulfillment, 

pg. 25-27 

 

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Rare Sublease Opportunity!

  

New Century

BYM sublease space2

 

 

500 sf within Harry's Crossing, a Whole Foods Anchored Center, is now available for Sublease (located between BYM and TLC Nails).

 

The center is visible from Interstate 75 with easy access from Powers Ferry Road and ample parking. One to three year term is available with utilities included. 

 

For more information contact:

New Century Real Estate

Susan Adams 

770-792-0141 

[email protected]

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Help Us On Yelp!

 

We'd like to get 20 recent reviews on Yelp by the end of 2012 - help us make it happen by leaving a review!

 

Find me on Yelp

 

Thank you so much for helping out! 

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Fun & Inspiring Quotes
 
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."
 
- Hellen Keller

 

 

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
 
- Anais Nin


"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." 

 

- Martin Luther King Jr.


Do you have a quote that has inpsired you or made you smile that you'd like to share next Issue? Email your quotes to Naedra at [email protected]

  

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Posture of the Month - Rabbit 
Raymond in Rabbit pose
Everyone loves Raymond's Rabbit
  
Yes, this is Raymond's famous Rabbit Pose you may have heard reference to in class! And what's there not to like? He's got a nice grip over his heels with the thumb on the outside. He's got his forehead touching his knees and the top of his head on the floor. And look at how straight his arms are as he pulls the heels! His hips are nearly perpendicular to the floor, and his spine is stretching like a pearl necklace (who knew rabbits were so into pearls?). He's even managed to keep his feet firmly on the floor! Hats off to Raymond for showing us the way in Rabbit Pose:)

 

Want anymore tips on the pose? Check out the information below taken straight from Bikram himself: 

 

"Key to the Posture: 

The secret here is in the arms: you must pull with all your strength on the heels of both feet to perform the posture fully and to keep your weight where it belongs. 

 

If you can't touch the forehead to the knees, walk the knees up, one by one, to the forehead. Don't relax the grip on your arms. 

 

NOTE: Never move your head while in the completed posture, to prevent injury to your cervical spine and neck. 

 

Benefits:

Maximum extension of the spine increases its mobility and elasticity, and does the same for the back muscles. Spinal stretching also expedites the feeding of the nervous system with fresh blood and oxygen. Rabbit Pose relieves tension in the neck, shoulders and back. It helps alleviate colds, sinus problems, and chronic tonsillitis and, through compression of thyroid and parathyroid, rejuvenates those glands as well. Rabbit Pose can be therapeutic for insomnia, diabetes and depression."

 

-Bikram Choudhury, Bikram Yoga: The Guru Behind Hot Yoga Shows The Way to Radiant Health and Personal Fulfillment, 

pg. 197 

 

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Just For Fun...

  

The Gratitude Dance
The Gratitude Dance

 

This video will make you feel grateful and happy! After 14 months of traveling in 42 countries, it's the story of a guy named Matt doing the gratitude dance with a cast of thousands around the globe ... from the streets of Mumbai to a rock formation in Ireland to a tulip field in Netherlands! Enjoy this global celebration. 

 

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Quick Links...

 



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  Greetings!

  

"Wow!" is all I can say for the past few months at BYM! 65 people signed up for a yoga challenge in October, which exceeded my expectations and made for many a full class of motivated practitioners:) The enthusiasm and camaraderie was palpable and inspired not only the challengers but the entire studio. I am reminded of a line from Rumi, "When someone asks you what there is to do, light the candle in their hand." I love that image and feel that at BYM many candles are burning brightly.

 

I was also able to go the Bikram Recertification Program held in Los Angeles with Bikram, Rajashree and Jim Kallet, one of Bikram's Senior Teachers. More than 400 Teacher Trainees were there, and over 100 of us recertifying, so it made for some very big classes! We practiced in the International Ballroom at the Radisson Hotel with huge chandeliers overhead - very dazzling (see picture near the end of this issue).

 

Jim reminded us several times of something Bishnu Charan Gosh (Bikram's guru) once said, "...hidden forces and latent power lie within nearly every human being."  This means that everyone has a potential and worth that if unmasked would surprise us. Why is it then that most of the time we doubt our own abilities? Bikram perhaps answers this best on his CD when he says, "because of a lack of self-realization, you always underestimate yourself". 

 

In a world that seems to expect the worst from people and even celebrates it (just look at a magazine or turn on your TV) it may be no wonder that what is precious in us is hidden and even carefully guarded.  But what might our lives be like if we looked for and fostered the highest qualities in ourselves and others?

 

I believe we can make a conscious choice to hold others in the light, and at BYM it should be our top goal, both as teachers and students of this yoga. Though we will all stumble in this resolve at times, we must get back on the path again and again, for our own best interest and for those around us.

 

You may have heard the word "Namaste" used at the end of class and wondered about it. Yoga Journal says "The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another." I have personally always appreciated the reminder that saying and hearing "Namaste" brings me, a reminder to look for that "Divine spark" in myself and others. To keep my own candle burning, and when considering others, to "light the candle in their hand".

 

Let's keep the candles burning this winter. I look forward to seeing your smiling happy face in the hot room! 

 

PS- December Specials are listed at the bottom of this Issue.

 logo without words

 

Namaste,   

 

Naedra
Naedra Fox, Director 
Bikram Yoga Marietta 
 
Challenger Ceremony
and Open House

challenger medals olympic style  
The Yoga Challengers' dedication and enthusiasm was an inspiration to the entire studio, and the fire they lit is still burning strong at BYM. Thanks to all the yoga Challengers who made October such an exceptional month!
 
In honor of the Challenger's accomplishments, they each received a medal and the opportunity to tell their story at our Open House on Sat. Nov. 3rd. We had a wonderful time of sharing and learned about each other's Challenge experience. 
 
Susan gets her medal
Susan getting her medal

Irene receives her medal
Irene receiving her medal

Neera Shares her stroy
Neera sharing her Challenge success story
 
The next studio wide Yoga Challenge will begin January 15th! You will have the option to take 20 classes in 30 days or 30 classes in 30 days. We will keep you posted with more details as the time draws closer, but why not set your intentions for it now?
 
White Elephants Love Holiday Cookies!
 
Holiday cookies

 

Join us Sunday Dec. 16th after the 4:30 class for an assortment of holiday cookies provided by BYM. You are welcome to bring one of your favorite recipes to share or just come and enjoy!

 

We will also have a White Elephant exchange after the cookies. To participate, simply bring an anonymous wrapped gift ($10 or less). This is a great time to think of that perfect "hot yoga" gag gift, or get something serious - it's up to you!

 

This promises to be a really fun exchange. It's also a great opportunity to get to know some of your fellow practitioners. We hope you will attend!

 
Stories from our October Yoga Challengers
 

 

Carla3
Carla's happy smiling face after a class!

 

"The commitment to this challenge started off kind of slow for me but after several days of practice in a row I realized I had more focus and got out of my head long enough to truly listen to the teacher's words.  Each teacher had a different focus and delivery and every class was different. Concentrating on the present moment made the most difference to me but when I was able to finally bring my forehead to the ground in 'standing separate leg head to knee' it was a pleasant surprise. 

 

During this challenge I've deepened my commitment to yoga and to my future self.  The benefits have become clearer to me now than ever before.  I take what I learn on the mat to the outside world in the form of confidence, strength and compassion. 

 

During the challenge, the hardest part for me was just showing up on the mat, because once I'm in the room there's no turning back!

 

PS:  Thanks Christian and Naedra for making me laugh out loud during class. It took the wrinkles off my forehead and helped remind me that 'it's just yoga!'"

 

Carla Bell

 

 

Ian and Naedra at the Open House
Ian and Naedra at the Open House

 

"Bikram yoga has become an integral and invaluable part of my life. Over the last four years I have lost 2 inches off my waist, lowered my cholesterol and made a huge dent in overall stress. When Naedra introduced the idea of the October challenge my first thought was to pass. There was no way I'd be able to make enough time and get to enough classes to get even close. I had been doing 2-3 classes per week and felt that I was at my limit. But, as Naedra and my fellow yogis kept talking about the challenge I finally got the bug. The motivators were threefold:

1. I'd have to force myself to build a schedule that included a rigorous month of practice, leaving the office by
5:15 to make the 6:30pm classes.


2. It would be a great chance to improve my practice with the increased repetition.

 

3. With the support and camaraderie of fellow "challengers", this was the best opportunity to try.

I signed up for, and committed myself to, 20 classes in 30 days. It was a fantastic experience. I told my team at the office what I was doing and ended up getting great support  for "no late meetings", and the support at BYM was equally amazing. Putting completion stickers up on the calendars after each class became a fun ritual. 

 

Over the course of the 30 days, some days were tougher than others, but, interestingly, many of those days when I just dragged myself to class were the days when I felt my best during and after the 90 minutes. In class, I found myself noticing new things in the dialogue to focus on and practice. As a result, I was able to take another few steps forward on my Bikram journey.

On balance, the challenge re-affirmed for me the power of perseverance and tenacity, and the importance of teamwork and the support of team-mates. The BYM team, staff and class-mates alike, were all incredibly supportive and the real keys to a fun and successful challenge."

 
Ian Laing  

 

 
Susan and Naedra at the Open House
Susan and Naedra at the Open House

"I originally signed up for the Challenge with a goal of 20 days in 30, assuming I would be out of town for a week at the end of the month.  When those plans were changed, I decided to aim for 30 classes in 30 days.  The energizing feeling from all the other challengers in those classes was a great motivator.  As the last two weeks approached, I realized that in order to make my goal I would have to step it up with a few doubles classes.  Of the last seven days, I did five days of doubles!  I have never even considered that before, much less attended two classes a day more than just occasionally!  One of the greatest gifts of this Challenge event has been the reawakening and access to the power and reality of my own determination and focus, aka "Bulldog Determination".

 

With the act of setting an intention, I was once again reminded how powerful it is to declare an intention as opposed to just "thinking it" or just nonchalantly saying I'll "try".  My intention was to move deeper into the poses and to improve strength and balance.  This intention is now on-going in my awareness and I am more focused on "doing it the right way".  This focus has brought me more fully into the room and onto the mat.  I am once again experiencing my "90-minute meditation."

 

In January I will have been practicing Bikram Yoga at our Marietta studio for five years.  This yoga has changed my life and, while I might wish I had discovered it sooner than age 60, I am thankful that as Bikram says, "It's never too late, it's never too bad, and you're never too old or too sick to start from scratch once again."  Thank you to Bikram, Naedra and all of our dedicated teachers for giving us a challenge and the opportunity to change our lives!"

 

Susan Adams 
 
 
Janet
Janet's radiant smile!
 
  

"My Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in early 2012. After a very difficult few months he passed away on June 25th. I attended more than my "usual" number of classes during his illness - unable to "turn off my thoughts" I wrote his eulogy from my mat and was grateful for the sweat as it concealed the tears that were so often streaming down my face during class. I realized a few things during this period of time - so many of the qualities helpful in the practice are traits I learned from my Dad - focus, determination, always giving your all - he was not the easiest of Fathers - but I have to credit him with much of the person I am today.

One of the other, less attractive qualities I inherited from my Dad are my toes.....they are very ugly - double jointed - rather clawish. As we spend so much time looking at our feet during the practice I am so often reminded of him.

I dedicated the challenge to the memory of my Dad. It seemed very fitting - and there was no room for "failure" - just not an option. As the months have passed and life goes on I feel my Dad slipping away - so every time I approach my mat during the challenge I say hello to him - and enjoy some memories. I don't see this as a "challenge" but as a gift - one that I will treasure. Sogni d'oro, Dad - sweet dreams."

 

Janet Prescher

 

 
To read more success stories from your fellow practitioners or to submit your own, click here.
 
Photo From Recertification Trip
 
Recert ballroom class 
 Setting up for class at the International Ballroom at the Radison in LA

 

 

December Specials
 
20 Class Card $220
Valid 3 months 

Family Auto-Pay Plan

You and your partner get unlimited yoga for only $175 per month! Additional family members may be added for $75 each. $40 Registration Fee applies. 30 day email notice to cancel. 

 

Gift Certificate Special
Give the gift of yoga to your loved ones this holiday season with a Month Unlimited Gift Card for only $55! Please keep in mind that these certificates must be redeemed by students new to BYM. 

 

Offers Available December 1 -  31st, 2012