Wow!! What an honor and surprise to be chosen for Student of the Month. I just began my practice 6 months ago and I have to say that I absolutely LOVE IT!! I have found so many benefits that I just want to tell everyone. Being one in the room with everyone who has the same interest is so powerful and fulfilling.
When I first started the practice I thought what everyone thinks - MAN! These people are crazy! But something inside me forced me to come back. The idea of taking time to take care of ones self inside out just fascinated me. Understanding how much the mind controls the body, I was up for the mental discipline. The physical challenge was liberating to say the least. Everything started falling into place (literally). Throughout the practice each and every class I pick up just a little more. I find my self very conscious of what I put into my body. That awareness just amazes me.
I suffered a rollerblading accident several years ago, which left me with severe back pain in an area across my back 12"x2". I tell you the size because each time I came to class the size of the pain got smaller. It is the size of a dime now. That just tells me that strengthening the spine and surrounding muscles is what has healed this area in my back. I recently had my physical, and every part of that was exceptional. I have also lost 15 lbs. I did not start yoga to lose weight, it was just a bonus. I believe when the body is functioning properly every thing else falls into place. I contribute ALL of this to the Bikram Yoga practice.
Because of all my progress in mind, body and spirit, I feel like I am a new person. Most of my friends have noticed this and wanted to know what I was doing. So I told them all to try it. As you all know, it is not easy. Some came, loved it, and stayed. Others just wish they had the will power, while a few thought I had lost my mind. But most of all I am thankful that my husband has become a part of my life in this respect. How neat it is to practice with the one you love. He says he will never stop coming.
Now for the back bone of my practice, I want to thank all of the instructors: Stacey -because your love for the practice just shines in you. Sherri - thanks for all of your encouragement in the class room while in a pose. Sami - for all of your care for other people including myself. You teach a great class. LaDonna - for all your stories you tell while I am hot and needing to think on something other than being HOT. Jay (CRASH) - I just had to put that... for your soft spoken voice which methodically puts my body in motion to move slowly and with ease. Carla - for the funny way you keep me going in the class even when you get a little tongue-tied.
All and all, you guys are the best people I have ever ran into. I love all of you and I thank you for being so dedicated, and for your unselfish giving of time to me. Hope ya'll realize what a difference you have made in my life.
