For me, the keys to my Bikram Yoga practice are focus, acceptance and willingness. Once I enter the heated yoga room, it's time to turn off the static in my head and embrace what this yoga offers. I focus on the teacher's instructions and stay in the moment. I accept myself as I am and don't compare myself to others in the class. I strive for the willingness to open myself to the possibilities that Bikram Yoga offers. In other words, I don't sweat the small stuff. Just sweat it out at Bikram Yoga Dallas. And lock the knee! Sweat indeed.
At the end of my first Bikram Yoga class, I was exhausted, yet invigorated. Never, ever had I sweated so much, but I didn't sit out a single posture. I really liked the workout along with the mind, body, spirit connection that yoga provides. Obviously, I was not (am still not) the youngest, thinnest or most flexible person in class. But I felt this is something I could do and wanted to continue. My main concern, however, was this: could my injury-plagued knees handle it? The only way I would find out would be to give Bikram Yoga my best effort. So I came back the next day to sweat even more. Those initial weeks of my Bikram Yoga practice were full of ups and downs, aches and pains. But I kept coming back.
Now here I am six challenging months later and I've been selected "Student of the Month." What an honor! I thought I was just going about my Bikram Yoga business and nobody else had noticed. Seriously, though, I do feel a change has taken place in my mind, body and spirit. Plus, I've met so many dedicated individuals with their own unique stories of healing and transformation who inspire me to continue.
A little background: I am not a jock. I love to play and watch sports, but I am by no means athletic. The irony is, I love to exercise, but exercise does not love me back. For many years now, I have experienced chronic arthritis pain and inflammation in my neck, shoulders, knees, hands and feet. I also have high blood pressure that is treated with medication. During the past few years, my personal life could reflect a Top Ten Stress chart: recent cross-country move back here to Dallas; helping my elderly mother through two major surgeries as well as many of her other health and lifestyle concerns; career challenges, my own health issues and dealing with personal loss. It seemed I had time for everyone, but myself.
My dear friend and yogi Maria Richards suggested that I try Bikram Yoga. Again, I wondered, could my knees handle the workout? Would the heat spike my blood pressure? It was time for a little research. I started reading both of Bikram Choudhury's books and checked out the Dallas Bikram Yoga website and other sites. The encouraging message that you are never "too late, too old or too sick" to start Bikram Yoga gave me hope. Karen Buckner patiently answered my questions. My personal physician gave me the go ahead and said to follow-up.
After six months of Bikram Yoga, my joints are looser and more flexible. My muscles are stronger. Sleep is deeper and more restful. I've lost weight and inches. My blood pressure is lower and I take less medication. I have more energy. Even more importantly, I am calmer and I cope better. "Don't let anybody steal your peace," teachers remind us in class and I tell myself in Dallas traffic.
To be sure, I still get aches and pains, but overall I feel so much better. While my goal is to practice Bikram Yoga daily, I listen carefully to my body and take off a day when necessary. It helps to get a massage, soak those achy joints in Epsom salts, rest and prepare for my next session of Bikram Yoga. There's a saying that 99 percent of life is about "just showing up." So if my knees can get me up the stairs, then I can get through class.
If you haven't experienced Bikram Yoga, do as suggested and attend at least 10 sessions – or more – in 30 days. It is worth a try.
In closing, I want to thank my teachers, staff and fellow yogis who motivate and inspire me. I appreciate what David and Karen Buckner have done to create this type of supportive, yet challenging environment that enables individuals to practice and benefit from Bikram Yoga.
B.J. Ellis
