I am genuinely honored to be chosen as student of the month and even more excited to share how Bikram yoga is transforming my life.
I have been practicing yoga for almost a year, but I like to think my journey started about 6 years ago. I had always been an avid runner and I was training for yet another marathon when my left knee decided that was enough! I attempted to run through the pain and was even able to convince my doctor into injecting my knee with steroids so that I could resume my training schedule. That was soon followed by knee surgery. I thought I wisely chose to transition to triathlons, but over time the pain returned. Still not ready to listen to my body, I attempted again to push through all the discomfort. I remember finally coming to the realization that I was really just abusing my body. What would I feel like in 20-30 more years? That lead to the decision to take this past summer off from training to allow my body some time to heal. With some encouragement and education from friends, I was ready to try Bikram yoga.
I quickly bought a 10 class package without even taking a class. I was mostly sore and confused the first three months, but at the same time compelled to return to the room to "master" one of the most physically demanding acts of my life. After a 60 day challenge and a consistent practice, I have realized that the yoga is not mine to master, but rather a pathway to experience a perfect combination of strength, balance, and flexibility. I currently have no pain or discomfort in my knees or any joints. My legs are stronger than they ever were as a runner and my body has opened up in areas I never thought possible. What I thought would be a 3 month opportunity to heal my body has turned into what I hope is a lifetime of healing.
Mentally, this practice has given me a new sense of awareness. While moving through the methodical sequence of postures, the person inside of me that demands perfection and exactness is learning to let go of irrational expectations. With the meditation, fleeing thoughts of fear and anxiety related to the unknown are beginning to slow and find their own sense of order. Through the carefully delivered dialogue, I am grasping the true value of what it means to listen, to really listen to others, and most importantly to myself.
To all of the instructors that bring us this yoga, I thank you for your relentless encouragement, your committment, and most of all for your passion.
Turn up the heat!! Amanda
To a mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders-Taoist saying
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