The first brush I had with yoga was in the early 70's. In the conservative area where I lived, yoga was lumped with hippies, drugs, flower power and free love. For someone to introduce it into the community was very brave. It was a six-week program, one day a week, held in a classroom.
In 2000 my son, Carl, lived in Houston and had found Bikram Yoga to his liking. He sent me a tape and the book with the hope I could teach myself. Needless to say it was a struggle and I only lasted for 6 months. On my trips south I did have the opportunity to visit two studios, one in Dallas and the other in Houston. Not all Bikram studios are equal. We are fortunate to have the top-of-the-line here in Grapevine thanks to Stacy's vision and hard work.
In November 2005 I entered the Grapevine studio for the first time. The heat was stifling, lights glared, human bodies closed in on me and the teachers' voices sounded like a Marine drill sergeant. Day after day I plodded on. Slowly a miracle began to appear. My body began to crave the soothing heat. The lights softened, the teachers' voices became melodious, coaxing, encouraging, and getting more out of me than I ever thought I had to give. The human bodies took on wonderful qualities: Patricia, grace, Cecilia and Kylie, fabulous youth, Marty and Christie, bubbly friendship, Russell, Seth and Debbie A., unbelievable perseverance, Carissa, endurance and beauty. On and on... everyone brought their own special talents into the studio. They emitted positive energy that carried me along with them. Someone's success was all our success. I was part of something larger than myself.
The physical improvement convinced me had I started yoga even in my 50's it would not had been necessary for two major surgeries with setbacks and lifetime meds. Just two weeks of yoga brought my blood pressure (the bane of older folks) down to below the considered norm for my age of 72. I am limber, have no aches and pains, am losing weight and consider myself blessed.
Mentally I am stronger, more confident and hopefully a nicer person. I will never practice yoga alone again as every one of you will remain with me always. Thank you students and especially the dedicated staff for the honor of being the Student of the Month for April. I am truly humbled by the honor.
- Doris Huhta
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