Bikram is always teaching me a lesson. Don't think to much.
So after an evening of Yoga philosophy and A "short" 2 hour Indian show we retreated back to our rooms for a blissful 4 hour nap. I woke up at 7:30 and was too tired to even think about how I would do in Emmy's class. It ended up being one of my better classes to date. The room was nice and hot, but not like last night. I was able to automatically do what she said without even thinking about it. I even ENJOYED her class this morning and was able to absorb all of the wonderful information she was giving to us.
I was anticipating Bikram's class all day. Last night was one of the worst experiences/ feeling I have ever had. Such a blow to my ego to leave the room. I felt like he was so disappointed in me.
Tonight I was in Row 6, near the middle- right in Bikram's reach. I was to tired to fight it even though I was nervous about his class. Somehow, my tired body responded to his every command and I had my best class to date since training began. I felt like a puppet and he was the puppeteer making me do all sorts of crazy things like kicking my leg out during Standing Head to Knee. I hadn't done that since I broke my foot back in JULY!!! He corrected my Cobra during the first set and he beamed at me when I got it right 2nd set.
Thank you thank you thank you.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Shitty Class Today...x2
Just getting in from probably my worst 2 yoga classes by the greatest teachers in the world! Even Bikram himself said tonight's class was the worst class he has probably EVER seen.
The morning class was taught by Emmy Cleaves herself! I was in the second row. I was having a pretty decent class until Standing Separate Leg Stretching posture when I tasted blood in my mouth. I kneeled down and wiped my nose on the towel. I had a nosebleed! Right in the middle of Emmy's class. WTF?? The sinister side of me thought " This is the perfect excuse to leave this BLOODY HOT ROOM". But then I remembered my husband telling me during a previous nosebleed that it will probably go away in 20 minutes if I relax, lean forward, & put pressure on my upper nostril. So that I did. The nosebleed stopped by the floor series but I was still too hot & dizzy to complete the postures. I was barely able to compose myself for final breathing. Am I way out of my league? Did I bite off more than I can chew?
Bikram's evening class was probably the most difficult class for me to date. It was hot and humid and I felt dizzy and nauseated. I did the postures but right around triangle I knew I couldn't hold it anymore. The heat was overwhelming and I knew I was going to puke. I ran out of the room and vomited in the bushes in front of the yoga tent. When I looked around I noticed probably a dozen others doing the EXACT same thing. Once I composed myself ( again) I rejoined the class for the floor series. It took everything I had to stay in the room. I thought I was going to burn alive. I am seriously questioning if I have what it takes!!! My ego is getting in the way. I am doubting myself. I am unsure of my abilities. I can run marathons, do ironman triathlons and swim across lakes - but I had a difficult time in Bikram's Beginning Yoga classes today. :-( I am missing my husband tremendously and it makes me cry to think about him. I don't know yet if he will be able to visit me in the next nine weeks due to his school schedule and it breaks my heart!! I miss my dog and my cat, too.
The morning class was taught by Emmy Cleaves herself! I was in the second row. I was having a pretty decent class until Standing Separate Leg Stretching posture when I tasted blood in my mouth. I kneeled down and wiped my nose on the towel. I had a nosebleed! Right in the middle of Emmy's class. WTF?? The sinister side of me thought " This is the perfect excuse to leave this BLOODY HOT ROOM". But then I remembered my husband telling me during a previous nosebleed that it will probably go away in 20 minutes if I relax, lean forward, & put pressure on my upper nostril. So that I did. The nosebleed stopped by the floor series but I was still too hot & dizzy to complete the postures. I was barely able to compose myself for final breathing. Am I way out of my league? Did I bite off more than I can chew?
Bikram's evening class was probably the most difficult class for me to date. It was hot and humid and I felt dizzy and nauseated. I did the postures but right around triangle I knew I couldn't hold it anymore. The heat was overwhelming and I knew I was going to puke. I ran out of the room and vomited in the bushes in front of the yoga tent. When I looked around I noticed probably a dozen others doing the EXACT same thing. Once I composed myself ( again) I rejoined the class for the floor series. It took everything I had to stay in the room. I thought I was going to burn alive. I am seriously questioning if I have what it takes!!! My ego is getting in the way. I am doubting myself. I am unsure of my abilities. I can run marathons, do ironman triathlons and swim across lakes - but I had a difficult time in Bikram's Beginning Yoga classes today. :-( I am missing my husband tremendously and it makes me cry to think about him. I don't know yet if he will be able to visit me in the next nine weeks due to his school schedule and it breaks my heart!! I miss my dog and my cat, too.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Teacher Training 2010 - Week 1
It is so had to believe week 1 is finished! It went by so quickly yet seemed so slow while I was waiting in line for hours to register, sign in for class, and watch Bollywood movies for hours in uncomfortable chairs. We did 10 yoga classes in 6 days, a record for me.
YOGA CLASS
Our first class was led by Bikram and he was gentle on us. The yoga tent was not up to 100% temperature or humidity yet so my muscles were tight and body stiff. AMAZING to be taking class from him. He sang us a song during the final Savasana. The first morning was led by Rajashree and it was a gentle weloming class and she told us to take care of ourselves, enjoy and have fun being here. Bikram was a bit more tough on us the 2nd night. I was just happy I was not the girl in the "Blue & Pink". Once he notices you, he picks on you the rest of the class. Note to self: Do everything CORRECTLY and don't do deeper into a posture until I'm ready. We have had Bikram every evening for the 5pm class and a humid as the week goes on, and I expect by the end of week 2 it will be to 100% Being a former endurance athlete, I am careful about my fluid & electrolyte intake, as I know this can make or break you. I have not been able to stomach the Nuuns, so I have been taking Emergen-C before & after class, and 2 bottles of sliced lemons, honey, salt & ice water during class. Seems to be working as I am able to complete all of the classes :-)
YOGA LIFE
It is amazing what you can adapt to! We get up at 7 am to hydrate before our 7:30 check in for 8am class. We are given just enough time to pee, shower, hand wash clothing, and grab food to eat while running to posture clinic/lecture at noon. So far we have been listening to about 6 hours daily of Half Moon Pose. Each of us has to get up in front of 400+ people and say Half moon Pose in front of Bikram ( while 3 students demonsrate on stage). I volunteered to go in the first group of people, I believe I was # 25. He stopped me right before I got to "Hips more forward.." and said "now THAT's personality!- NEXT". I assume that was good? I was shaking and trembling not because of the public speaking, but because I felt he could see right through me and I so wanted him to love me. We are usually given just enough time to pee, change into yoga clothes and sign back in for our 5pm class. AFter class we are given about an hour +/_ to eat dinner, shower, change for pm lecture. We have been doing Half Moon Pose from about 9pm - around 11pm and then Bollywood movies for a few hours ( If you have never seen a Bollywod movie, think 2 for 1) Thursday night we got back to our rooms at 3am. We are told we could be in there as late ( or early) as 6 am! Sleep deprivation will be my biggest challenge, I think.
My roommate Kristina is so great! She is 23 and from Toronto. We met on facebook about a month before training so we collaborated on what to bring. I sort of feel like mother hen to her, making sure she eats enough and taking electrolye drinks to class. We decided to buy our food and make meals together to save time. It's amazing what creations one can create from a hot water kettle and a magic bullet. We also made 2 amazing friends ( Katy Otis, Seattle WA who lives 5 MINTUES from me!! and Donna Yoshida from Honolulu) I feel like we have known each other forever even though in reality it has been less than 1 week.
Saturday our day off we spent at the Laundromat & grocery store stocking up on food & water for the week. We went to get a hot meal for dinner at an Italian place called Sambuca in the Hillside neighborhood. So good to have a hot meal!
Sunday we slept in and spent the day at Cricket wireless getting our wireless networks set up so we don't have to pay the hotels rate of $5 per day for internet access. Highway robbery! Now we pay $50 a month. So much better. After that we went to La Jolla beach to sun ourselves and practice dialogue.
YOGA CLASS
Our first class was led by Bikram and he was gentle on us. The yoga tent was not up to 100% temperature or humidity yet so my muscles were tight and body stiff. AMAZING to be taking class from him. He sang us a song during the final Savasana. The first morning was led by Rajashree and it was a gentle weloming class and she told us to take care of ourselves, enjoy and have fun being here. Bikram was a bit more tough on us the 2nd night. I was just happy I was not the girl in the "Blue & Pink". Once he notices you, he picks on you the rest of the class. Note to self: Do everything CORRECTLY and don't do deeper into a posture until I'm ready. We have had Bikram every evening for the 5pm class and a humid as the week goes on, and I expect by the end of week 2 it will be to 100% Being a former endurance athlete, I am careful about my fluid & electrolyte intake, as I know this can make or break you. I have not been able to stomach the Nuuns, so I have been taking Emergen-C before & after class, and 2 bottles of sliced lemons, honey, salt & ice water during class. Seems to be working as I am able to complete all of the classes :-)
YOGA LIFE
It is amazing what you can adapt to! We get up at 7 am to hydrate before our 7:30 check in for 8am class. We are given just enough time to pee, shower, hand wash clothing, and grab food to eat while running to posture clinic/lecture at noon. So far we have been listening to about 6 hours daily of Half Moon Pose. Each of us has to get up in front of 400+ people and say Half moon Pose in front of Bikram ( while 3 students demonsrate on stage). I volunteered to go in the first group of people, I believe I was # 25. He stopped me right before I got to "Hips more forward.." and said "now THAT's personality!- NEXT". I assume that was good? I was shaking and trembling not because of the public speaking, but because I felt he could see right through me and I so wanted him to love me. We are usually given just enough time to pee, change into yoga clothes and sign back in for our 5pm class. AFter class we are given about an hour +/_ to eat dinner, shower, change for pm lecture. We have been doing Half Moon Pose from about 9pm - around 11pm and then Bollywood movies for a few hours ( If you have never seen a Bollywod movie, think 2 for 1) Thursday night we got back to our rooms at 3am. We are told we could be in there as late ( or early) as 6 am! Sleep deprivation will be my biggest challenge, I think.
 |
| Me & My roommate Kristina in the resort common area |
 |
| Donna, Me & Katy at mexican food! |
Saturday our day off we spent at the Laundromat & grocery store stocking up on food & water for the week. We went to get a hot meal for dinner at an Italian place called Sambuca in the Hillside neighborhood. So good to have a hot meal!
 |
| Cricket Wireless - LOVE you! |
 |
| Yogis at La Jolla Beach |
 |
| Katy & Kristina |
 |
| I have a lot of work to do on Standing Bow! |
Monday, September 20, 2010
Hanging on for the ride of my life!!!
Today has been a whirlwind of activity.
My rom mmate Kristina and I went to the store at 7 am to get a cooler & ice for the perishables in the room ( we are on the waiting list for a fridge). Last night we frantically put our chicken & salads & veggies in 3 champagne buckets full of ice with the AC on full blast in our room. Brrrrr.
We had a lecture with Raj & HQ staff from 10-11:28- ish, had a 20 minute bathroom break where we all ran to our rooms, ate snacks and caught our breath. From 12:05-2:00 we had a welcoming from Bikram. In person he is so charismatic and inspirational!!
At 3pm we are heading back to the lecture tent ( in our yoga clothes) where Bikram is being honored by the Mayor of San Diego for his good work.
At 4:30 we sign in to our first class in the TOTRTURE CHAMBER!!!!
More to come tomorrow!
My rom mmate Kristina and I went to the store at 7 am to get a cooler & ice for the perishables in the room ( we are on the waiting list for a fridge). Last night we frantically put our chicken & salads & veggies in 3 champagne buckets full of ice with the AC on full blast in our room. Brrrrr.
We had a lecture with Raj & HQ staff from 10-11:28- ish, had a 20 minute bathroom break where we all ran to our rooms, ate snacks and caught our breath. From 12:05-2:00 we had a welcoming from Bikram. In person he is so charismatic and inspirational!!
At 3pm we are heading back to the lecture tent ( in our yoga clothes) where Bikram is being honored by the Mayor of San Diego for his good work.
At 4:30 we sign in to our first class in the TOTRTURE CHAMBER!!!!
More to come tomorrow!
Teacher Training #33
My roomie Kristina and I are getting settled in. Yesterday was a day of meeting, greeeting and waiting in lines. We had an inspirational welcome from Raj and her 2 children. So excited!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Just completed my first Mile High Bikram Class!
... And I can still breathe :-) Mom picked me up at the airport, we had lunch,and then I headed out to Bikram Yoga Fort Collins to try out the studio for the 5pm class. The studio is super cute and did not feel as humid as in Seattle. Thank you dry air! My foot seems to be healing nicely. All that forced rest and calcuim supplements seems to be working. I can do all of the postures pain-free now :-) Hip hip hooray!
(Later) I woke up this morning with a stuffy nose and a sore throat. Hope I can sleep this thing off before I head out Sunday. I feel AWFUL! I am sipping on tea & broth and hope it goes away pronto. The weather here in Colorado is AMAZING!!! I wish I felt better so I could fully appreciate the weather. Pepper and I dropped my mom off at work today and walked around City Park with my ugly boot on :-) People here are so friendly and say hello. So not used to that, lol!
I am debating whether or not to go to yoga today. I think I won't and hang out with friends instead. I am so worried I will be out of shape when I get to SD. I have already lost so much fitness due to my broken foot and now this stupid cold! At least I will be well rested :/
All of this AND i'm anxious, nervous & scared. Plus, I miss my husband already.....
(Later) I woke up this morning with a stuffy nose and a sore throat. Hope I can sleep this thing off before I head out Sunday. I feel AWFUL! I am sipping on tea & broth and hope it goes away pronto. The weather here in Colorado is AMAZING!!! I wish I felt better so I could fully appreciate the weather. Pepper and I dropped my mom off at work today and walked around City Park with my ugly boot on :-) People here are so friendly and say hello. So not used to that, lol!
All of this AND i'm anxious, nervous & scared. Plus, I miss my husband already.....
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Making My list.....again
This is how I feel my suitcase looks right now. How am I going to cram everything I need to live for 2+ months into 1 suitcase? Since i used to travel for work, I refuse to bring excessive luggage with me. But what about my Nespresso???? Here is my list based on other blogs I have read:
- 6-11 yoga tops
- 6-11 yoga bottoms
- Dialogue ( duh!)
- Notebook & Pens/pencils
- 2 Bikram books for him to sign
- 4-5 T shirts
- 4-5 casual pants/lulu pants for posture clinic
- 1 pair of jeans
- 2 simple tube dresses ( for over yoga clothes & graduation)
- 2 pairs of flip flops( 1 dressy & 1 casual)
- 2 bikinis ( just in case...)
- macbook AND chargers
- iphone and chargers and headphones
- 4-5 pairs wool socks for my cold feet
- 10-15 pairs of underwear
- 2 regular bras
- Resistance bands ( to do rehab on my poor broken foot/ankle)
- 2 boxes of my favorite Luna bars
- Trader Joe's trail mix
- Trader Joe's turkey jerkey
- Brita
- Water Bottle
- Cutting Board & paring knife.
- Can opener
- My favorite toiletries ( shampoo, conditioner, hair stuff, makeup, scissors, nail clippers)
- Sewing kit
- Power Surge protector / extension cord
Teacher Training is sneaking up on me!
Wow! I cannot believe that TT is only 11 days away. In less than 2 weeks I will be living in San Diego with a few hundred other Bikram devotees learning how to teach this style of yoga. I am so nervous, excited and scared all at the same time for this life-changing experience. Last winter when I made the decision to attend, it seemed so far away. Now my spot is confirmed and I have found my new roommate on Facebook :-)
I have dedicated my free time learning dialogue and working front desk at the studio I will be teaching at ( EEK!!) in December. My mentor, Frankie, is letting me teach the first 3 postures this Thursday. I am so excited!
I have dedicated my free time learning dialogue and working front desk at the studio I will be teaching at ( EEK!!) in December. My mentor, Frankie, is letting me teach the first 3 postures this Thursday. I am so excited!
 |
| Balancing Stick - Tuladandasana |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)