This yoga is not merely a form of exercise for me; it has blossomed into a wonderfully effective way of approaching life. Encountering inspirational teachers, meditating on the importance of postures, challenging myself to reach the always available next level, after four years of practice I find myself looking forward to learning even more. It seems impossible I once considered myself unable to commit to any form of repeated exercise as I stand on the precipice of achieving a major Bikram goal: completing my 1000th class by Thanksgiving 2005!
Healthy living coupled with Bikram yoga not only keeps me motivated, energetic, and centered in my work life, but my private life as well. In addition to literally not having had so much as the common cold in the last three years, I also find the headaches I used to suffer routinely have become a scant occurrence. At forty-five years old, I can honestly say I still feel more like twenty-five, and I am giving myself a fighting chance to continue that existence for many years to come. As baby boomers, we are the new aging society. I am thankful that Bikram has led me away from what many of our parents and grandparents have felt an inevitable path with regard to aging; adding years does not mean subtracting quality of life.
With such inspired teachers over the years, there is something everyday that one might say which causes me to think differently about my practice, my day, or my life. For instance, I am amazed sometimes to learn that a particular posture I'm in the middle of is helping an internal organ. Whether it's a completely stirring speech and killer class from the lady who started this studio, Denise Deniger, or the constant support from Karen Buckner to be my best and do my best, it is always a new day, a different challenge. Denise recently taught a class and reminded us of the power of pursuing our dreams. In the same week, I competed in the Regional yoga championship, preparing with the internal push to improve my practice and the guidance and encouragement of Karen. The night before the competition, Karen reminded me of the power of visualization, once more providing me with insight that reaches much further than the heated room. This studio clearly remains the best I've ever been to. I believe David and Karen understand and continue to preserve the passions that originally started the Bikram craze here in Dallas. David, who pushes us to our limits in the morning, and Karen, who keeps everything going-- you both inspire us to not accept less than our very best.
Debbie "Wildrice" Wildrick
