Sunday 10:00 am
Another rainy day in SUN Diego. Good class with Wendy. 9 more days to go and then seminar with Rajashree Choudhury and Joseph Encinia on 12/12. I am looking forward to next week already. I have the feeling that this week is going to go by really quick. My studio is finishing the 30-day challenge tomorrow. There are some raffles and prices. It would be nice to win the 90 minute massage or the acupuncture session. Obviously, I didn't sign up for the prices, since I started the 60-day challenge on my own. But they are always nice to get too. As for the class today, there is nothing too relevant to report, no major improvements or epiphanies but good concentration and determination overall.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 49 and 50
Friday 9:30 am
It was Black Friday at the studio with 20% discount on all merchandise. I purchased my first Shakti Activewear side string shorts. It was love at first sight. Very comfortable and flattering too. I sound like a commercial. jajaja. There were a lot of people buying Breathe Yoga mats and Yogitoes Skidless towels. I am not sure about the Breathes. It looks very thin. But I wouldn't mind owning a Skidless. We'll see maybe for Christmas. In regards the class, it went very well except for my favorite Tree pose / Toe Stand which I couldn't finish because I was sweating too much and my foot was slipping. I normally wear longer length shorts and use the cloth to my advantage during this pose. Love my new Shaktik though.
Saturday 10:00 am
What an ugly morning. It was cold and raining in SUN Diego. I didn't feel like going to class in the first place. But I am glad I did. I had an amazing class. It was one of the best ones ever. I think I found the key to a successful class. For this to happen, I need to find my breath and surrender to every pose. Too tired to blog. Ciao
It was Black Friday at the studio with 20% discount on all merchandise. I purchased my first Shakti Activewear side string shorts. It was love at first sight. Very comfortable and flattering too. I sound like a commercial. jajaja. There were a lot of people buying Breathe Yoga mats and Yogitoes Skidless towels. I am not sure about the Breathes. It looks very thin. But I wouldn't mind owning a Skidless. We'll see maybe for Christmas. In regards the class, it went very well except for my favorite Tree pose / Toe Stand which I couldn't finish because I was sweating too much and my foot was slipping. I normally wear longer length shorts and use the cloth to my advantage during this pose. Love my new Shaktik though.
Saturday 10:00 am
What an ugly morning. It was cold and raining in SUN Diego. I didn't feel like going to class in the first place. But I am glad I did. I had an amazing class. It was one of the best ones ever. I think I found the key to a successful class. For this to happen, I need to find my breath and surrender to every pose. Too tired to blog. Ciao
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 47 and 48
Wednesday 6:30 pm
There were only 15 people in class including 7 new students.It was not too hot. It was not too cold. It was just a nice class overall. Nothing too relevant to point out. Looking forward to my multicultural Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. I am having authentic food from Spain, India, Jamaica and Persia with family and friends.
Thursday 9:30 pm Thanksgiving
This was the hottest class I've ever taken. Since this was the only class offered by my studio, it was pretty packed. We were probably +50 students. It went very well until camel. I just couldn't finished the second set. Then I found myself faking it during Paschimo, not pushing too hard.
The highlight of the day was not my Bikram class but the hours and hours I spent in my kitchen cooking Indian dishes. I learned how to make authentic rotis and brinjal curry with some cool friends from Bangalore. Celebrated Thanksgiving with style and good taste, with family and friends ;) Hope you had a good one
There were only 15 people in class including 7 new students.It was not too hot. It was not too cold. It was just a nice class overall. Nothing too relevant to point out. Looking forward to my multicultural Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. I am having authentic food from Spain, India, Jamaica and Persia with family and friends.
Thursday 9:30 pm Thanksgiving
This was the hottest class I've ever taken. Since this was the only class offered by my studio, it was pretty packed. We were probably +50 students. It went very well until camel. I just couldn't finished the second set. Then I found myself faking it during Paschimo, not pushing too hard.
The highlight of the day was not my Bikram class but the hours and hours I spent in my kitchen cooking Indian dishes. I learned how to make authentic rotis and brinjal curry with some cool friends from Bangalore. Celebrated Thanksgiving with style and good taste, with family and friends ;) Hope you had a good one
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 46
Tuesday 6:30 pm
It was REALLY hot tonight. We were at least 50 people in the class. Twenty students from India came all together to practice for the first time. The class went by very slow. Most of the new students were in savasana after 20 minutes. Then a lot of people around me were taking breaks throughout the entire class. It was a little distracting. The teacher turned the fans on 4 times.
I went through the standing series with no problem and then I struggled a little bit on the floor. Big G, I take back what I said yesterday!! The floor series can be a killer too. I took an extra savasana during the first set of camel. I don’t like when I do this. As you know by now, toe stand is my favorite standing pose. Well, camel is my favorite on the floor so I don't like missing it. I just had problems breathing through my noise as it was and still is very congested. I was very entertained with my thoughts during all savasanas as well. I can normally make my mind stay still, well at least for a little bit. But no tonight. I was thinking about my day and how I have developed a mild case of OCD since I've started BY. I have been repeating everything in multiples of three. No, I haven't told my co-workers to “lock the knee, lock the knee, lock the knee” or “push, push, push” (no yet :) but in a meeting today I told everyone “it’s essential to communicate, communicate, communicate” and to “escalate, escalate, escalate”. Everyone was looking at me with a weird face and I couldn’t figure it out why at first. I also told my 4 year old to “brush, brush, brush” her teeth too. hahaha
Anyway, this was a good class overall considering how hot & humid it was and how congested I felt.
Going back to the subject of my mild case of OCD (lol) and considering the fact that I have been called a Bikram Yoga Nerd several times over the last 2 weeks, I’ve decided to compile a list of things that I believe make me a good member of the BYN club. Here you go:
- I constantly find myself focusing on keeping my knee locked (one at a time and for at least 30 second) while changing my baby’s diaper.
- I am always cold outside of BY class. No matter what the temperature is. I enjoy very high temperatures in general. I love sitting in my car with the windows closed and the A/C off, especially when the car has been in the sun for hours and is very VERY hot, almost burning. Someone commented on this once: “do you think this is a @#$%#$% Bikram room? Please turn the A/C on. I am dying in here” LOL
-I once dreamed I was participating in the BY Championship and choose the savasana as my advanced pose. I woke up with a big smile on my face that morning, lying down in bed, in Savasana of course.
-I enjoy Bikram related videos (vintage ones, championship ones..you name it) as much as a good independent movie. BTW, thanks J for some of those postings.
-I am also fascinated with Bikranisms, Bikram stories, TT pictures…anything related to BY really. I am waiting for my new license plate to arrive, something related to the subject. Hopefully, nobody steals my car while I am in class.
- I am looking forward to spending my vacation next year in a room with another 300 people. It’s going to be the highlight of 2010.
- I am taking this 60-day challenge, blogging about it and loving it.
- I really want Bikram to jump on my back and give me a number. So prestigious. I shared this with some family members and friends, they worry about me. LOL
Just to name a few things :)
I am hoping there no too many typos or grammatically incorrect expressions in this loooong posting, Hey English is my third language ;)
It was REALLY hot tonight. We were at least 50 people in the class. Twenty students from India came all together to practice for the first time. The class went by very slow. Most of the new students were in savasana after 20 minutes. Then a lot of people around me were taking breaks throughout the entire class. It was a little distracting. The teacher turned the fans on 4 times.
I went through the standing series with no problem and then I struggled a little bit on the floor. Big G, I take back what I said yesterday!! The floor series can be a killer too. I took an extra savasana during the first set of camel. I don’t like when I do this. As you know by now, toe stand is my favorite standing pose. Well, camel is my favorite on the floor so I don't like missing it. I just had problems breathing through my noise as it was and still is very congested. I was very entertained with my thoughts during all savasanas as well. I can normally make my mind stay still, well at least for a little bit. But no tonight. I was thinking about my day and how I have developed a mild case of OCD since I've started BY. I have been repeating everything in multiples of three. No, I haven't told my co-workers to “lock the knee, lock the knee, lock the knee” or “push, push, push” (no yet :) but in a meeting today I told everyone “it’s essential to communicate, communicate, communicate” and to “escalate, escalate, escalate”. Everyone was looking at me with a weird face and I couldn’t figure it out why at first. I also told my 4 year old to “brush, brush, brush” her teeth too. hahaha
Anyway, this was a good class overall considering how hot & humid it was and how congested I felt.
Going back to the subject of my mild case of OCD (lol) and considering the fact that I have been called a Bikram Yoga Nerd several times over the last 2 weeks, I’ve decided to compile a list of things that I believe make me a good member of the BYN club. Here you go:
- I constantly find myself focusing on keeping my knee locked (one at a time and for at least 30 second) while changing my baby’s diaper.
- I am always cold outside of BY class. No matter what the temperature is. I enjoy very high temperatures in general. I love sitting in my car with the windows closed and the A/C off, especially when the car has been in the sun for hours and is very VERY hot, almost burning. Someone commented on this once: “do you think this is a @#$%#$% Bikram room? Please turn the A/C on. I am dying in here” LOL
-I once dreamed I was participating in the BY Championship and choose the savasana as my advanced pose. I woke up with a big smile on my face that morning, lying down in bed, in Savasana of course.
-I enjoy Bikram related videos (vintage ones, championship ones..you name it) as much as a good independent movie. BTW, thanks J for some of those postings.
-I am also fascinated with Bikranisms, Bikram stories, TT pictures…anything related to BY really. I am waiting for my new license plate to arrive, something related to the subject. Hopefully, nobody steals my car while I am in class.
- I am looking forward to spending my vacation next year in a room with another 300 people. It’s going to be the highlight of 2010.
- I am taking this 60-day challenge, blogging about it and loving it.
- I really want Bikram to jump on my back and give me a number. So prestigious. I shared this with some family members and friends, they worry about me. LOL
Just to name a few things :)
I am hoping there no too many typos or grammatically incorrect expressions in this loooong posting, Hey English is my third language ;)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge – Day 45
Monday 6:30pm
As I am writing this I am laughing thinking about this day. It was very rough. At work, I spent hours and hours working with end-users and troubleshooting what we call in my field id10t errors ;) It was very frustrating. Then I arrived at my studio, ready to move on, ready to leave all this behind, when I realized that I grab the wrong bag (my gym bag). I had long stretchy pants, a swimsuit and a t-shirt, no water bottle and no wallet. Agghghghg. I immediately decided to change my (mind) chip. Otherwise I knew was going to have a bad class. I rolled my pants up with my swimsuit underneath and headed to the heated room without a drink. My teacher, the studio owner, stopped me on my way. “Hey Cira, I notice you have completed 20 days in a row [the studio is doing a 30-day challenge] and you haven’t grab your free Zico, you better take one girl”. Nice, one little problem solved. Not sure I would have been able to survive without a single sip.
The class was very challenging, very hot. I took 1 break during the first set of triangle pose and skipped the whole camel pose. I thought of BYchick post, “does this even count?”. Yes, yes it counts. It’s yoga practice not yoga perfection, I told myself. During head to knee pose (Janushirasana with Paschimottanasana – btw, it took me a couple of weeks to learn this name), the teacher sat next to me and made me stretch like never before. I loved it. Then she said “everyone please pay attention, I am sitting next to Cira. When she first started she told me that her goal in life was to perfect this pose. She wants Bikram to stand on her back and give her a number. She also told me after her second class that if she cannot accomplish this in 3 years, she is quitting Bikram yoga for good”. I laughed. It’s true I told her that. Suddenly all eyes were on me. Then she proceeded “Also, Cira is doing a 60 day challenge and she is on her 45 consecutive day. So for all of you doing your 30-day challenge, don’t quit now, you only have few days left”. Again, all eyes on me. It was funny. Big smile on my face by the end of this rough day :)
Ahhh, just in case you are wondering, no I cannot touch my toes with the forehead yet but I am determined and I have lots of patience ;) 70 more years of practice. Do you master this posture? If Y, I would love to hear about it, tips included ;)
One more thing, lessons learned - never wear a one piece swimsuit to a Bikram Yoga class.
As I am writing this I am laughing thinking about this day. It was very rough. At work, I spent hours and hours working with end-users and troubleshooting what we call in my field id10t errors ;) It was very frustrating. Then I arrived at my studio, ready to move on, ready to leave all this behind, when I realized that I grab the wrong bag (my gym bag). I had long stretchy pants, a swimsuit and a t-shirt, no water bottle and no wallet. Agghghghg. I immediately decided to change my (mind) chip. Otherwise I knew was going to have a bad class. I rolled my pants up with my swimsuit underneath and headed to the heated room without a drink. My teacher, the studio owner, stopped me on my way. “Hey Cira, I notice you have completed 20 days in a row [the studio is doing a 30-day challenge] and you haven’t grab your free Zico, you better take one girl”. Nice, one little problem solved. Not sure I would have been able to survive without a single sip.
The class was very challenging, very hot. I took 1 break during the first set of triangle pose and skipped the whole camel pose. I thought of BYchick post, “does this even count?”. Yes, yes it counts. It’s yoga practice not yoga perfection, I told myself. During head to knee pose (Janushirasana with Paschimottanasana – btw, it took me a couple of weeks to learn this name), the teacher sat next to me and made me stretch like never before. I loved it. Then she said “everyone please pay attention, I am sitting next to Cira. When she first started she told me that her goal in life was to perfect this pose. She wants Bikram to stand on her back and give her a number. She also told me after her second class that if she cannot accomplish this in 3 years, she is quitting Bikram yoga for good”. I laughed. It’s true I told her that. Suddenly all eyes were on me. Then she proceeded “Also, Cira is doing a 60 day challenge and she is on her 45 consecutive day. So for all of you doing your 30-day challenge, don’t quit now, you only have few days left”. Again, all eyes on me. It was funny. Big smile on my face by the end of this rough day :)
Ahhh, just in case you are wondering, no I cannot touch my toes with the forehead yet but I am determined and I have lots of patience ;) 70 more years of practice. Do you master this posture? If Y, I would love to hear about it, tips included ;)
One more thing, lessons learned - never wear a one piece swimsuit to a Bikram Yoga class.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 43 and 44
Saturday 8:00 am
A good class but I didn’t receive any corrections, adjustments nor did I notice major improvements. However, I did feel energized and happy after class though so I went for a 5 mile family run to celebrate. Soon after that, my hamstrings started killing me :(
Sunday 8:00 am
Beautiful Sunday. Good class, similar to the one yesterday. Thankfully I wasn’t sore when I woke up this morning.
The highlight of the day was and still is my latest acquisition, some Amar Chitra Katha comics I received from a friend who is visiting from Bangalore, including the first book of Mahabharata. I am very excited about this. I watched Mahabharata a while back (love Indian movies) and I have the first book as well but I never have read it. This is a less dense version since it’s made for kids. I’ll be reading this to my daughter at night time now.
I love all things Indian (food, music, movies, languages, etc..). I can’t remember how far back my love affair for India goes, but I have the fondest memories of my 10-day trip to India 2 years ago. I attended one of my best friend’s wedding, a small one (just 5000 people) and a short one too (9 days long). LOL. This was probably one of the best experiences of my life.
From several bloggers, I have read that Bikram loves to keep everyone up ‘til late hours during teacher training to watch his Indian movies and chat. I can’t wait to do this one day. This would be the easiest part for me, even if it means sleeping for only few hours.
A good class but I didn’t receive any corrections, adjustments nor did I notice major improvements. However, I did feel energized and happy after class though so I went for a 5 mile family run to celebrate. Soon after that, my hamstrings started killing me :(
Sunday 8:00 am
Beautiful Sunday. Good class, similar to the one yesterday. Thankfully I wasn’t sore when I woke up this morning.
The highlight of the day was and still is my latest acquisition, some Amar Chitra Katha comics I received from a friend who is visiting from Bangalore, including the first book of Mahabharata. I am very excited about this. I watched Mahabharata a while back (love Indian movies) and I have the first book as well but I never have read it. This is a less dense version since it’s made for kids. I’ll be reading this to my daughter at night time now.
I love all things Indian (food, music, movies, languages, etc..). I can’t remember how far back my love affair for India goes, but I have the fondest memories of my 10-day trip to India 2 years ago. I attended one of my best friend’s wedding, a small one (just 5000 people) and a short one too (9 days long). LOL. This was probably one of the best experiences of my life.
From several bloggers, I have read that Bikram loves to keep everyone up ‘til late hours during teacher training to watch his Indian movies and chat. I can’t wait to do this one day. This would be the easiest part for me, even if it means sleeping for only few hours.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge Day 42
Very cool afternoon. I arrived at the studio 30 minutes before class so I was able to sync up with a couple of people instead of rushing into the room as usual. I stayed outside talking to 2 girls from Mexico, 2 from Argentina and 1 from Cuba, when the instructor, Tim (the one that puts me to sleep with his calm voice during final savasana), interrupted us. In perfect Spanish he asked us "how do you say "lock your knees" in Spanish?" I started laughing as I remember my experience @ BY Madrid. Listening to the dialogue for the first time in Spanish was the most hilarious thing EVER. To the point that I almost peed on my pants. Imagine saying "Japanese Ham Sandwich" in Spanish ( sandwich the jamon japones) or "taking off like a 747" ( despegando como un siete cuatro siete"). Someone else joined the conversation and mentioned that there is some funny video on youtube with bunch of Bikram students repeating some part of the dialogue in all kind of languages. I want to see this but I haven't been able to find it yet. If you know what she is talking about, please send me a link.
The class went very well and the instructor used a couple of words in Spanish here and there, just goofing a little bit. As I finished my toe stand, he said very loud "muy bien, in the black top and black shorts. That was fantastic". I was very happy. The class started and ended on a high note.
When I arrived home I checked my emails. My best friend from Thailand is back home for the holidays and sent me this message:
"Hey, there is no Japanese Ham Sandwiches in BY Union Square but there is one in BKK"
Awesome!! I am very passionate about learning languages. I have a new goal. To learn how to say “lock your knees” in as many languages as possible. I know, bit by bit I am becoming a BY nerd :)
The class went very well and the instructor used a couple of words in Spanish here and there, just goofing a little bit. As I finished my toe stand, he said very loud "muy bien, in the black top and black shorts. That was fantastic". I was very happy. The class started and ended on a high note.
When I arrived home I checked my emails. My best friend from Thailand is back home for the holidays and sent me this message:
"Hey, there is no Japanese Ham Sandwiches in BY Union Square but there is one in BKK"
Awesome!! I am very passionate about learning languages. I have a new goal. To learn how to say “lock your knees” in as many languages as possible. I know, bit by bit I am becoming a BY nerd :)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 40 and 41
Wednesday 6:30 pm
Another amazing class with Sarah. I arrived only few minutes before the class started so I didn’t get a good spot. The instructor could clearly see me. That’s good. I was in the first row. I love this too. But I was by the windows and I could feel the air coming through :( I normally practice in the hottest spot in the room. The hotter the better. I’ll make it earlier next time.
Once again I was able to reach the floor with my forehead during Standing Separate Leg Stretching pose. I was celebrating my recent accomplishment in silence when the instructor suggested that I take a smaller stance and pull my heels harder to challenge myself because this seemed to easy for me. I laughed and lost balance. I made it look easy but it took me almost 5 months to get here. Ok, Spine needs to be straighter. That’s why. Baby steps.
Thursday 6:00 am
This is one of the best classes I’ve ever taken. It actually didn’t start that well as I noticed a sharp pain behind my left rib during Pada Hastasana (aka Japanese Ham Sandwich), kind of like a charley horse or the typical air bubble you get when you go running. This has happened to me once before during rabbit pose. “Oh here we go again”, I thought “this is going to be one of those classes”. But I was wrong. The pain never showed up again. As I moved onto the next poses I got more and more focused. I was breathing deeper and deeper, ALL done through the nose, mouth completely closed (as suggested by the instructors class after class). I felt calm and in peace in almost all poses and for the first time I didn’t feel like screaming “Oh yeahhh, we are done” during Spine Twisting pose. I was actually sad that the class was almost over. If they would have offered another class right after this one I would have taken the day off from work to do it.
Another amazing class with Sarah. I arrived only few minutes before the class started so I didn’t get a good spot. The instructor could clearly see me. That’s good. I was in the first row. I love this too. But I was by the windows and I could feel the air coming through :( I normally practice in the hottest spot in the room. The hotter the better. I’ll make it earlier next time.
Once again I was able to reach the floor with my forehead during Standing Separate Leg Stretching pose. I was celebrating my recent accomplishment in silence when the instructor suggested that I take a smaller stance and pull my heels harder to challenge myself because this seemed to easy for me. I laughed and lost balance. I made it look easy but it took me almost 5 months to get here. Ok, Spine needs to be straighter. That’s why. Baby steps.
Thursday 6:00 am
This is one of the best classes I’ve ever taken. It actually didn’t start that well as I noticed a sharp pain behind my left rib during Pada Hastasana (aka Japanese Ham Sandwich), kind of like a charley horse or the typical air bubble you get when you go running. This has happened to me once before during rabbit pose. “Oh here we go again”, I thought “this is going to be one of those classes”. But I was wrong. The pain never showed up again. As I moved onto the next poses I got more and more focused. I was breathing deeper and deeper, ALL done through the nose, mouth completely closed (as suggested by the instructors class after class). I felt calm and in peace in almost all poses and for the first time I didn’t feel like screaming “Oh yeahhh, we are done” during Spine Twisting pose. I was actually sad that the class was almost over. If they would have offered another class right after this one I would have taken the day off from work to do it.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge – Day 39
Tuesday 6:30 pm
Wow, up until this class I never understood the meaning of locking the knees. I thought I was doing it right (straightening up my leg) until someone pointed out that I had to contract my thigh and use my quadriceps muscle too. What a revelation! With this, major improvements during Standing Head To Knee pose. I also spent some time with another yogini who does the most gorgeous triangle pose and got some tips. I love the technical aspects of this practice. I haven’t been able to attend a morning class for a couple of days (only afternoon classes) so I am looking forward to Thursday's 6:00am with Tim, the instructor that puts me to sleep during final savasana.
Tuesday 6:30 pm
Wow, up until this class I never understood the meaning of locking the knees. I thought I was doing it right (straightening up my leg) until someone pointed out that I had to contract my thigh and use my quadriceps muscle too. What a revelation! With this, major improvements during Standing Head To Knee pose. I also spent some time with another yogini who does the most gorgeous triangle pose and got some tips. I love the technical aspects of this practice. I haven’t been able to attend a morning class for a couple of days (only afternoon classes) so I am looking forward to Thursday's 6:00am with Tim, the instructor that puts me to sleep during final savasana.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 38
Monday 6:30 pm
Another amazing class with Coleen. She is full of energy and always makes us laugh. The class was full, at least 45 people. I was in the front row, so close to the mirrors I could almost touch them during awkward pose. I practiced with complete empty stomach for the first time. No food for almost 12 hours before class. No, I am not fasting. I just didn’t have time for breakfast or lunch (crazy schedule at home and work). This was not good but it was tolerable to some extent.
Still, better than when I took a class with a full stomach and puked on my mouth four times because I didn’t want to leave the room. Sorry, this might be a little bit gross but it’s a reality that happened to me. At least now I know what to do and what not to do before class. Sticking with eating 3-4 hours before.
Just posting the good, the bad and the ugly about my practice. Someone asked me the other day if there were any negatives. My answer: “NO…I mean YES, lots of bad hair days”. That’s all I could think of.
I often blog about annoyances (some classmate with bad smell, a lady placing essential oils in her mat, the teacher not using the word “change”, the dead fly in the fluorescent light that is looking down at me during savasana, the lack of space in some studios I have visited) but the truth is that at the end of the day all these things are insignificant. What matters is our own practice. Giving 100% each time, no matter how crowded, how smelly, how much I like the studio or the teacher. The instructor said something I really liked “all you need is in this room right now”. YES! And Yes, I will continue blogging about the little annoyances, it's in my nature :-)
Another amazing class with Coleen. She is full of energy and always makes us laugh. The class was full, at least 45 people. I was in the front row, so close to the mirrors I could almost touch them during awkward pose. I practiced with complete empty stomach for the first time. No food for almost 12 hours before class. No, I am not fasting. I just didn’t have time for breakfast or lunch (crazy schedule at home and work). This was not good but it was tolerable to some extent.
Still, better than when I took a class with a full stomach and puked on my mouth four times because I didn’t want to leave the room. Sorry, this might be a little bit gross but it’s a reality that happened to me. At least now I know what to do and what not to do before class. Sticking with eating 3-4 hours before.
Just posting the good, the bad and the ugly about my practice. Someone asked me the other day if there were any negatives. My answer: “NO…I mean YES, lots of bad hair days”. That’s all I could think of.
I often blog about annoyances (some classmate with bad smell, a lady placing essential oils in her mat, the teacher not using the word “change”, the dead fly in the fluorescent light that is looking down at me during savasana, the lack of space in some studios I have visited) but the truth is that at the end of the day all these things are insignificant. What matters is our own practice. Giving 100% each time, no matter how crowded, how smelly, how much I like the studio or the teacher. The instructor said something I really liked “all you need is in this room right now”. YES! And Yes, I will continue blogging about the little annoyances, it's in my nature :-)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 36 and 37
Saturday 8:00
The classes in the mornings are definitely not as hot as the afternoon ones. It was at least 5 degrees cooler. I like it very hot and humid. My intention for the class was the same as the day before. Full attention to the dialogue with an emphasis in Standing Separate Leg Stretching. It’s official. I am able to touch the floor with the forehead without major slipping. Yahoooo. Not moving onto the next pose yet. Need to master getting out of this one gracefully.
Sunday 10:00am
I felt I was in the sauna during class today. It was not just the heat and humidity but the intense smell of rosemary. It turned out that the person in front of me placed a couple of drops of essential oils on her towel right before class. Is that even allowed? Now, I love the smell of rosemary but what if tomorrow she brings other stuff like frankincense which I can’t really stand. Two other girls were talking about this in the bathroom after class. I guess this person used patchouli oils a couple of days ago. Wondering if I should say something or just keep quiet and secretly enjoy it, hoping that she sticks with rosemary. I can't imagine this is allowed in BY. BTW, no doubt that aromatherapy does wonders but for this style of yoga, I prefer my room with a sweaty smell :)
The classes in the mornings are definitely not as hot as the afternoon ones. It was at least 5 degrees cooler. I like it very hot and humid. My intention for the class was the same as the day before. Full attention to the dialogue with an emphasis in Standing Separate Leg Stretching. It’s official. I am able to touch the floor with the forehead without major slipping. Yahoooo. Not moving onto the next pose yet. Need to master getting out of this one gracefully.
Sunday 10:00am
I felt I was in the sauna during class today. It was not just the heat and humidity but the intense smell of rosemary. It turned out that the person in front of me placed a couple of drops of essential oils on her towel right before class. Is that even allowed? Now, I love the smell of rosemary but what if tomorrow she brings other stuff like frankincense which I can’t really stand. Two other girls were talking about this in the bathroom after class. I guess this person used patchouli oils a couple of days ago. Wondering if I should say something or just keep quiet and secretly enjoy it, hoping that she sticks with rosemary. I can't imagine this is allowed in BY. BTW, no doubt that aromatherapy does wonders but for this style of yoga, I prefer my room with a sweaty smell :)
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 35
Friday 6:30pm
Another amazing class with Sarah. To my surprise there were only 15 students in the room, a small crowd for Friday night. Hey, I am not complaining. It was perfect. I was in a very good spot, first row right in front of the teacher. She provided me with good corrections. And for the first time in a long time, my feet didn't slip during Standing Separate Leg Stretching. I got it!!! I started with a wider stance than usual (more than 4 feet). I also made sure I had slightly pigeon-toed. Once I bent forward and grabbed my heels, I pulled harder and harder and harder and before I realized it I was touching the floor with my forehead. This brought a BIG smile on my face. My next goal is to get out of the pose with grace. Baby steps. Another accomplishment is that my face was completely neutral during awkward pose, no funny faces tonight :-) Going to bed, need to wake up in 6 hours for my next class.
2 notifications in FB from my teacher - Ohhh I want to do this !! I want to practice in a room with 100s of people.
Bikram Yoga-RB I am in Vegas at the Teacher Training checking things out. Got so lucky.... Bikram taught the p.m. class. I love taking Bikram's class. He never disappoints! Wednesday
Bikram Yoga-RB Talk about luck... Bikram taught again on Thursday night! Yahooooooooooooo! He was on fire! He said that he thinks that Coke should sponsor him. He was a hoot. With his vibrant personality, candy, and cola... he was especiallly fun! Gotta love Bikram! Thursday
I want to be part of this crowd
Another amazing class with Sarah. To my surprise there were only 15 students in the room, a small crowd for Friday night. Hey, I am not complaining. It was perfect. I was in a very good spot, first row right in front of the teacher. She provided me with good corrections. And for the first time in a long time, my feet didn't slip during Standing Separate Leg Stretching. I got it!!! I started with a wider stance than usual (more than 4 feet). I also made sure I had slightly pigeon-toed. Once I bent forward and grabbed my heels, I pulled harder and harder and harder and before I realized it I was touching the floor with my forehead. This brought a BIG smile on my face. My next goal is to get out of the pose with grace. Baby steps. Another accomplishment is that my face was completely neutral during awkward pose, no funny faces tonight :-) Going to bed, need to wake up in 6 hours for my next class.
2 notifications in FB from my teacher - Ohhh I want to do this !! I want to practice in a room with 100s of people.
Bikram Yoga-RB I am in Vegas at the Teacher Training checking things out. Got so lucky.... Bikram taught the p.m. class. I love taking Bikram's class. He never disappoints! Wednesday
Bikram Yoga-RB Talk about luck... Bikram taught again on Thursday night! Yahooooooooooooo! He was on fire! He said that he thinks that Coke should sponsor him. He was a hoot. With his vibrant personality, candy, and cola... he was especiallly fun! Gotta love Bikram! Thursday
I want to be part of this crowd
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 33 & 34
Wednesday 6:30 pm
Another amazing class with Sara S. She is an incredible teacher. She is very technical. She is very sweet and tough at the same time. I found a video of her at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeQKevO-fVU
She was the 2007 - 2008 Texas Yoga Asana Champion. I was lucky enough to stand next to 2 new students so I got some attention :)
Thursday 6:00 am
Great class. I completed it without a sip of water. This was not by choice. I just forgot my water bottle in the car. Amazingly enough, I didn’t miss it. I had one of those coconut water drinks before class which kept me very hydrated. Once again, I felt to sleep during final Savasana. It’s becoming a pattern with this teacher “RELAX YOUR MIND … RELAX YOUR mind … RELAX your mind … RELAX” and I am out. He has the most calming voice.
Another amazing class with Sara S. She is an incredible teacher. She is very technical. She is very sweet and tough at the same time. I found a video of her at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeQKevO-fVU
She was the 2007 - 2008 Texas Yoga Asana Champion. I was lucky enough to stand next to 2 new students so I got some attention :)
Thursday 6:00 am
Great class. I completed it without a sip of water. This was not by choice. I just forgot my water bottle in the car. Amazingly enough, I didn’t miss it. I had one of those coconut water drinks before class which kept me very hydrated. Once again, I felt to sleep during final Savasana. It’s becoming a pattern with this teacher “RELAX YOUR MIND … RELAX YOUR mind … RELAX your mind … RELAX” and I am out. He has the most calming voice.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 32
Good 6:00 am class!! Practicing with complete empty stomach is the way to go. I finished the class without "resting" this time, pose after pose and very focused. I even tried to smile during awkward pose but it was challenging. Standing head to knee pose ( #5 Dandayamana Janushirasana) is still the most difficult pose for me. But this time I was able to lock the knee for the entire pose. Standing separate leg stretching pose ( 8. Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Paschimottanasana) is getting harder and harder as my feet constantly slip ( with and without towel). Need to find a solution for this.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 31
I had a terrible class tonight. I should NEVER eat dinner half hour before entering the torture chamber. What was I thinking? I was very tired and sweating like a pig by half moon pose. I took lots of savasanas throughout the class and I puked 4 times in my mouth. I know. It's gross but it could have been worse. I can't believe I stayed in the room. To top this, the teacher tonight was one of my favorites. I haven't seeing her in a long time ( 4 months at least) and I was looking forward to her class. She was also my first Bikram instructor. I wanted to do very well so she could see my progress but this didn't happen :( She sat next to me during Head to knee pose (#24) so that I would work harder on getting my forehead to my toes. Not today. But I love that she did that. I love that she remembered that one of my goals was / is to master this pose some day. She actually asked me in the reception before class if I was able to do it yet. "I have patience" I told her ;-)
My intention for this class was to keep a BIG smile during most of the poses, especially the challenging ones. Well, it didn't happen. The smiles came later when everything was over. Will try again tomorrow!!!
My intention for this class was to keep a BIG smile during most of the poses, especially the challenging ones. Well, it didn't happen. The smiles came later when everything was over. Will try again tomorrow!!!
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 30!!!
Sunday - 8:00 am
Half way done -30 more days to go!!! Some people have asked me if I notice some differences. Of course, I am summarizing here:
- I have more energy at all levels. I feel good!!!
- My body is getting toned ( especially arms and thighs)
- I am no longer an emotional eater.I only eat when I am truly hungry.
- My posture has improved tremendously.
- I am getting more flexible each day.
- Greater focus, control and determination on and off the mat.
- It supplements my running too
- I feel very creative and alive.
OK, some negatives too:
- Lots of bad hair days :(
- Sweet physical discomfort every now and then
Looking forward to my next class!!!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Bikram Yoga - 60-Day Challenge Day 28 and 29
Day 28 - Friday 6:30
I am not feeling 100%. I am on the verge of getting a very bad cold. Still, I am hoping that the sweating and the large amount of fluid intakes help me getting rid of this soon. Class was good but there were two new students to Bikram that were talking to each other through all savanas. Very annoying. The instructor should have told them something. As for the rest, I was able to touch the floor with my forehead during Standing separate leg stretching pose (#8). Yahooo
Day 29 - Saturday 8:00
Great class. I am getting rid of these flu symptoms very slowly. Awww, there is nothing like bending forward during Pada Hastasana (hand to feet pose) especially after Ardha Chandrasana. I enjoy this the most.
Can't blog too much tonight. I just spent 2 hours removing viruses from my laptop :(
I am not feeling 100%. I am on the verge of getting a very bad cold. Still, I am hoping that the sweating and the large amount of fluid intakes help me getting rid of this soon. Class was good but there were two new students to Bikram that were talking to each other through all savanas. Very annoying. The instructor should have told them something. As for the rest, I was able to touch the floor with my forehead during Standing separate leg stretching pose (#8). Yahooo
Day 29 - Saturday 8:00
Great class. I am getting rid of these flu symptoms very slowly. Awww, there is nothing like bending forward during Pada Hastasana (hand to feet pose) especially after Ardha Chandrasana. I enjoy this the most.
Can't blog too much tonight. I just spent 2 hours removing viruses from my laptop :(
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 26 and 27
Day 26 - Wednesday 6:30 pm
The afternoon classes are the best. Our teacher was a little bit moody though. I understand is not right for students to leave in the middle of the class because they have prior engagements. This is not a good reason. They should, at least, notify the instructor ahead of time. I can tell the instructor didn’t like it one little bit. Also, she is very particular about group energy and always starts counting when every single person in the class is in the pose. Well, some students were exhausted after the first 20 minutes of class. It was very hot. When "Standing head to knee pose" arrived some people were not locking their knees, they were just standing there breathing. Again I could tell she was not happy. "Como'n people, you are sucking everyone's else energy", she kept saying. Then she made a similar comment when we were doing the sit ups after each savasana as everyone was starting and finishing at different times. "Guys you are not listening to the dialogue, please pay attention, don't anticipate, feel the energy in the room".
All things said, I had a good class. She sat next to me and adjusted me during Janushirasana with Paschimottanasana. Need to have my back more flat. I want to be able to touch my toes with my forehead. I want Bikram to jump in my back and give me a number. Right now, I am at least 6 inches away :(
Day 27 - Thursday 6:00am
"RELAX YOUR MIND, RELAX YOUR mind, RELAX your mind, relax......" Zzzzzzz. Today, I felt to sleep during final Savasana. It was fantastic!!! The teacher's voice was very smooth. Great for savasana but just OK for the rest of the class. I could hardly hear him at times. I thought it was me but then another student asked me after class if I was able to hear the instructor.
The afternoon classes are the best. Our teacher was a little bit moody though. I understand is not right for students to leave in the middle of the class because they have prior engagements. This is not a good reason. They should, at least, notify the instructor ahead of time. I can tell the instructor didn’t like it one little bit. Also, she is very particular about group energy and always starts counting when every single person in the class is in the pose. Well, some students were exhausted after the first 20 minutes of class. It was very hot. When "Standing head to knee pose" arrived some people were not locking their knees, they were just standing there breathing. Again I could tell she was not happy. "Como'n people, you are sucking everyone's else energy", she kept saying. Then she made a similar comment when we were doing the sit ups after each savasana as everyone was starting and finishing at different times. "Guys you are not listening to the dialogue, please pay attention, don't anticipate, feel the energy in the room".
All things said, I had a good class. She sat next to me and adjusted me during Janushirasana with Paschimottanasana. Need to have my back more flat. I want to be able to touch my toes with my forehead. I want Bikram to jump in my back and give me a number. Right now, I am at least 6 inches away :(
Day 27 - Thursday 6:00am
"RELAX YOUR MIND, RELAX YOUR mind, RELAX your mind, relax......" Zzzzzzz. Today, I felt to sleep during final Savasana. It was fantastic!!! The teacher's voice was very smooth. Great for savasana but just OK for the rest of the class. I could hardly hear him at times. I thought it was me but then another student asked me after class if I was able to hear the instructor.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 24 and 25
Day 24 - Monday 6:30 pm
Another amazing class!! The room was hotter than ever before. The teacher Colleen was extraordinary. Great instructor, very precise in her description of poses and nice people skills. I love her sense of humor!! She heard me talking to a couple of people after class and mentioned that she wanted to learn some Bikramisms in Spanish like "lock your knees" (rodilla recta). What about Japanese Ham Sandwich? I asked her. "Ohhh that's a good one, a loooong one too" LOL. I laughed as I had flashbacks of my Bikram class in Madrid. The first time I heard the dialogue in Spanish I found it hilarious. Silly things!
Day 25 - Tuesday 6:00 am
I am not feeling 100%. I am fighting the beginning of a cold that must stop right away. I can't afford taking time off at this stage so I am drinking lots of water and taking some Zicam.
Another amazing class!! The room was hotter than ever before. The teacher Colleen was extraordinary. Great instructor, very precise in her description of poses and nice people skills. I love her sense of humor!! She heard me talking to a couple of people after class and mentioned that she wanted to learn some Bikramisms in Spanish like "lock your knees" (rodilla recta). What about Japanese Ham Sandwich? I asked her. "Ohhh that's a good one, a loooong one too" LOL. I laughed as I had flashbacks of my Bikram class in Madrid. The first time I heard the dialogue in Spanish I found it hilarious. Silly things!
Day 25 - Tuesday 6:00 am
I am not feeling 100%. I am fighting the beginning of a cold that must stop right away. I can't afford taking time off at this stage so I am drinking lots of water and taking some Zicam.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 23
Sunday 10:00am
This is the first time that I go to Bikram Yoga class with a hangover. Yes, Halloween was great. Lots of eating and drinking and two back-to-back parties. I am actually surprised that I had "energy" to post something, even if it was a few lines. Need to keep track of this beautiful journey ;)
Today was the first day of the 30-day Bikram Yoga Challenge at the studio. Lots of people signed up in the last minute. This is exciting. Not sure if it was crowded because of this or because everyone needed the extra hour of sleep after Halloween night. Also, the clocks were changed backwards last night. I just couldn't wake up at 8:00 so I went for the 10:00am. The class went well, considering :)
The teacher said something in the class that made me think - "remember the body is stronger than the mind". Really? The mind is definitely more powerful than the body. I always thought. Then, a few hours later I was running my 8K (like every Sat and Sun). At about 1 mile I started feeling tired and I wanted to quit, my mind was procrastinating and wondering in all directions, finding excuses for returning back home. Then I told myself "yes, I do this every single weekend, why not now? I don't have a full stomach. I am not thirsty. I don't want to go to the bathroom or anything. Be honest to yourself". My mind is weak, my body can do it. I have done it before. Ohhhh, that's what she meant. It's not that your body is stronger than your mind is that your mind is weak. This is my new mantra for running.
One more thing - I had a weird Bikram dream that night. A sign that I am becoming a Bikram nerd, maybe? :-) Anyway, I was actually participating in the Bikram Championships and decided to do a savasana for my choice pose. I woke up laughing and wondering if this has ever happened before. LOL. If you know of a real life example, please post a link here. I MUST see it!!! I think I had this dream because one of my teachers who keep saying "savasana is the most challenging, most important pose… bla bla bla..."
This is the first time that I go to Bikram Yoga class with a hangover. Yes, Halloween was great. Lots of eating and drinking and two back-to-back parties. I am actually surprised that I had "energy" to post something, even if it was a few lines. Need to keep track of this beautiful journey ;)
Today was the first day of the 30-day Bikram Yoga Challenge at the studio. Lots of people signed up in the last minute. This is exciting. Not sure if it was crowded because of this or because everyone needed the extra hour of sleep after Halloween night. Also, the clocks were changed backwards last night. I just couldn't wake up at 8:00 so I went for the 10:00am. The class went well, considering :)
The teacher said something in the class that made me think - "remember the body is stronger than the mind". Really? The mind is definitely more powerful than the body. I always thought. Then, a few hours later I was running my 8K (like every Sat and Sun). At about 1 mile I started feeling tired and I wanted to quit, my mind was procrastinating and wondering in all directions, finding excuses for returning back home. Then I told myself "yes, I do this every single weekend, why not now? I don't have a full stomach. I am not thirsty. I don't want to go to the bathroom or anything. Be honest to yourself". My mind is weak, my body can do it. I have done it before. Ohhhh, that's what she meant. It's not that your body is stronger than your mind is that your mind is weak. This is my new mantra for running.
One more thing - I had a weird Bikram dream that night. A sign that I am becoming a Bikram nerd, maybe? :-) Anyway, I was actually participating in the Bikram Championships and decided to do a savasana for my choice pose. I woke up laughing and wondering if this has ever happened before. LOL. If you know of a real life example, please post a link here. I MUST see it!!! I think I had this dream because one of my teachers who keep saying "savasana is the most challenging, most important pose… bla bla bla..."
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge - Day 21 and 22
Friday 6:30 and Sat 8:00
Both classes were great. Too tired to blog. Happy Halloween!!! I can't believe it's almost 2:00am
Both classes were great. Too tired to blog. Happy Halloween!!! I can't believe it's almost 2:00am
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
