The Cure for What Ails You

When I completed the challenge, I felt so many emotions including relief, sadness, sense of accomplishment but a lot of anxiety as well. I didn't know what to do with myself with the days following the challenge and I went on a roller coaster of ups and downs. One day I felt like I could work, clean, take on the world; the next I could barely manage to get out of bed. I felt lost with out this yoga in my life and I only went three whole days before I was back at my studio. I have taken days off here and there but the reality that hit me was I am truly addicted: the endorphins that run through my body shortly after class and the warm presence I receive at the studio makes me realize this really is a lifelong journey.
Monday-Anthea-4pm
We have had such beautiful sunny weather that I take a few moments before class to walk out on to the balcony and take into some refreshing sun and a light breeze that brushes over my skin. Brian, a fellow yogi and one of my favorite yoga buddies, surprised me with a visit to this class as well as another yoga buddy Gerta so we 'uni-sized' ourselves in a triangular formation to give each other a strong energy balance lol. Anthea is great at keeping the class in a strong formation but always adding such great humour to her dialogue. For example, once we completed the full locust posture she warns us not to come out too quickly "you don't want to come crashing down out of the sky like a 747". And I have given Anthea the title of sit up queen because..well..she loves sit ups always telling us the health benefits and making sure we do the proper form. There is no question her classes bring upon a sense of giddiness and humour which can seize any moment of unassurance and should be noted that in any sense of uncomfortability, humour can be the cure for what ails you.

Well Howdy Everyone!

I'll have to admit, I haven't ventured onto my own site in a while, I have been taking classes, not consecutively but I frequent at least five to six days a week. I come back here and lo and behold I have more followers! LOL ...
Since my "break" I have learned some new things about my practise
* There is so much more appreciation for this yoga when I don't feel the pressure to go everyday. My energy is more consistent and I don't feel so guilty about taking days off.
*There is life outside yoga and I have taken what I have learned inside class and used it as a tool to deal with all the issues I avoided for a few months.
*You have to find something that fills the time you would have spent going to yoga or you will go crazy and suffer yoga withdrawal which includes, anxiety, boredom, chocolate and carbohydrate divultion (or just plain gluttony), irritation, and spending time in a sauna just to get the similar sweat profusion.
*Karma really does work: shortly after my 150 day challenge my studio had a potluck with three month of unlimited yoga door prizes and I won!
*Appreciation for this yoga goes above and beyond myself- I have taken this time to reflect on all the people who gave me encouragement and love throughout those months- those are the ones I hold close to my heart.
*I want to pursue the Western Hatha Yoga Competition this year. That is my next goal in this yoga.
*I will never do another challenge again (at least in the limelight). You have to remember that it's about you, everyone and everything else is just surface.
* I think I will continue this blog though because I really miss writing about my journey through this amazing practise.
Before I sound out for the day, I would like to give a big congratulations to all the BIKRAM 101er's..you have inspired so many people and shared the word of Bikram love to all those unaware of what it's all about. Your hard work and determination never ceased...Much love.
Namaste