Reflection
I have always strived to reflect on the outside what is on the inside – and here I am again at another initiation! My daughter, Zoë Jones, introduced me to Bikram Yoga – and yes, I immediately felt the resonance of a higher vibration. I had not found Bikram Yoga, Bikram Yoga found me.
But, I was stuck as a yoga "dabbler". I thought I was doing my practice as consistently as possible. I read Bikram's book many times and then it hit me. You know you have no choice but to surrender control, give into the unknowing and stop and listen to whatever signals of wisdom that might come along. All of Bikram's words rattle in my mind and I hear him say take the responsibility of growth, not to question for accusation, but to question for learning to whatever transformation is possible.
And when I'm reminded by David to begin to connect the breathe and mind; by Karen to squeeze it, squeeze it, stay focused; by Teel to look into your beautiful faces; by Sherry to be honest with the pose; by Joseph's "awesome!"; by Michael's "it's harder if you hold back"; and by Farky to have a good class ---- The lesson I take is that there is no loss too great or challenge too overwhelming, provided you are anchored. Bikram Yoga hands you the keys – they are for anyone's taking – you just have to surrender.
So when Zoë was ten years old and made me a valentine and wrote:
Love is true and simple for everyone. But it does not always appear that way each day. She is talking about a cosmic universal truth. If you substitute the words and say:
Bikram Yoga is true and simple for everyone. But is does not always appear that way each day.
Not even Bikram himself would deny that!
So as I further my practice, I am honored to be with others in class and it is a privilege to be guided by such knowledgeable, encouraging instructors at BYD ---- and as I stand at the edge of my abyss, I always try to remember it's all an illusion and everyday you have a new chance. And I echo Rajashree's words and say: everyone has a story and I want to hear yours.
Melinda Obenchain
