I am extremely honored, and was a little taken by surprise, when Karen and David approached me to be July's Student of the Month. I am grateful to have this honor and would love to share the impact Bikram Yoga has had in my life.
Dancing ballet since the age of three and professionally for six years, I have always had a very active lifestyle. It has become a part of who I am. My body was my career until the Fall of 2002, when I had knee surgery due to the continuous wearing away of cartilage in my knee. The following Spring I retired from dancing professionally, making the decision to start a new career and spare myself from what would have become a total knee replacement. I returned to school and struggled to find a type of exercise that would give me a workout equivalent to dancing, yet not cause my knee to swell. I became frustrated with my knee and overwhelmed with schoolwork and eventually let exercising slowly slide out of the picture.
It was May 2004, finals week at SMU, when I decided to make the change to get back in shape. I think I came that first week more as a mental break from studying than anything. The best study breaks I have ever taken! Though I came for an escape, my first class was absolutely horrible. I must have sat or laid down nearly 10 times. I was consumed by nausea for nearly my first four classes, and could not focus on anything else. However, as I left my first class it was already decided I would return the next day. I was determined to return and overcome my weaknesses.
After a week of focusing on hydration and adequate electrolyte intake, I overcame my nausea. In only one week I realized how much of a difference Bikram had made in me, not only physically but mentally too. My fiancé had been away during this time, and upon his return even he mentioned how much "lighter" I seemed. Life and all of its problems, during this hard transition period, had begun to "weigh" me down and really change who I was. But, after only a week of Bikram it was as if I had been cleansed from the inside out and I was myself again…none of life's problems were blocking my energy anymore.
I still look forward to every class, my daily escape and time to work on my mind-body connection. The effects of this yoga are tremendous and have greatly influenced my life. I have become more aware of my priorities, of who I am, and what I want in my life. In all, I am a much happier and "lighter" person. I have changed my major in school and I am excited about the new path I am taking in life. I finally feel at peace and trust my decisions. With my Bikram practice I have learned of the power of my mind. My postures have all improved and Standing Bow pose has risen from my least to my most favorite pose in class. Karen could attest to that! I have finally found a type of exercise that releases endorphins and makes me feel as if I have danced a class and some rehearsals! Most importantly my knee pain has subsided, proof of the therapy from Fixed Fern. David and Karen, thank you, for all the energy, effort, direction, and care you put into each class. You are essential to each and every student's growth and are touching lives everyday…including mine.
Jean Howard
