Middle Way YOGA

Last day of the 10 day challenge, and it was every bit as hard as the first day. At one point in class I suddenly imagined myself running from the room screaming, rushing out into the cold air of the lobby and gulping it all down. I let go of that image and focused on my breathing. In through the nose…out through the nose. I have that scratchy-throat-cough-at-night thing that’s been going around, so I haven’t been sleeping well. I tried to make up for it today with a nap. When I checked in with Jan after class she said she’d had a hard time too. Perhaps knowing that we only had to get through one more class… There are students who are only 29 days into a 60-day challenge. What might my body look like after 60 days of consecutive Bikram yoga? What might my mental outlook, my sense of well-being and my health in general be like after 60 days of Bikram? I wish I had the time and money to find out.

I did my regular yoga routine this morning and was pleased to discover that, after only 10 days of Bikram yoga, my legs are stronger and the poses were easier. There are Bikram poses I have been holding better, too, in these last few days. I don’t want to lose what I’ve gained through this challenge: The smoother skin, the strength, the decreased appetite, a feeling of internal cleansing, general well-being and accomplishment after each class. I bought Bikram’s book which shows all 26 postures with explanations. I am planning on carrying out my own home practice as best I can by turning my bathroom into a hot yoga studio. Crazy, huh?

Of course I realize my postures may not be as efficient as they were in class. There is always the temptation to slack off, or to think you are pushing the posture to the utmost until the instructor reminds you to tighten your grip, lock your knees, turn your head, look up, reach up, straighten your arms, lean back, way back, fall back, further back, more back, release! Phew! Therefore I plan to check in with the studio every once in awhile so I can get the real thing; a bona fide torture session with instructors who have gone through bona fide torture training with Bikram. By the way, Bikram himself refers to his studios as torture chambers. Blue Moon Yoga is the only Bikram-certified studio in Fresno. Aren’t we lucky? Suddenly Fresno seems very cosmopolitan.

I would like to write to Amy, the owner of Blue Moon Yoga, and tell her how much I have enjoyed these past 10 days. However, “enjoy” isn’t exactly the right word. Maybe I could say something like, “I have suffered but benefited immensely in this short time with your studio.”

Namaste.