Heather Maule-Finch
I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona where I took my first Bikram yoga class at 14. I started practicing because my older sister had encouraged me to try it, and I saw how it had helped her. Her posture was much better and she seemed to have this glow and overall confidence. I tried my first class and never looked back. I initially practiced to improve my strength and flexibility to support my dance education, but as I matured in my practice I matured in life. I was more confident, proud of what my body was capable of and the self-discipline I had developed. I remember in the teacher's dialogue that we were learning to "remain calm in stressful situations," and I have never taken a class without that running through my mind. At that first studio, I became a part of a community of people who were inspirational and optimistic, who provided me with role models and goals, and who were great adult influences on my life. After moving to Dallas to attend Southern Methodist University, I found a studio as soon as I could, and I love everyone in it! They have helped me improve so much, and their enthusiasm is so contagious. I also love that the more you practice, the more you form this mutual understanding with the other students that what you are all a part of is something so good and healthy and important for your body and mind.
I wasn't expecting the life change that it gave me by improving me health. From a very young age I had experienced chronic and debilitating optical migraines. They started with blurriness in my peripheral vision, which would grow until I was partially blind in one or both eyes. When I regained my vision, the pain would start, and it wouldn't stop for what seemed like an eternity. I remember having to rush home from school so that I could lie down before the pain started. On the worst days, I would throw up because the pain was so bad, and the sensitivity to lights and sounds was unbearable. I took medicine for the migraines, but it wasn't always effective, especially if I took it too late after the first symptoms appeared. After I started practicing Bikram yoga, the migraines occurred less and less often until they were gone, and they have not returned for several years. It's been so long since I've had one, and just thinking about that makes all the work in the room worth it!
Besides the amazing health benefits that this yoga has provided, I thank Bikram for the strong self-discipline and open-mindedness I've developed. What started in the room has expanded and influenced all areas of my life. It has also remained a constant for me, because no matter where my life takes me, nowadays, there's a Bikram yoga studio mostly everywhere! And wherever you go, the yogis are happy to have you in that room where we are all a part of something that transcends geography and all our other differences.
