I'm BAAAACK!!!

Practice #1
Bikram Kearny Mesa
10 am w/ Joseph

Well the last couple months have been incredibly busy. So very much has happened in such a short time...

I completed my second semester of Anatomy & Physiology and by some act of god managed to squeak out a "B"(!!) I finished up w/ my job and didn't leave any obvious loose ends to be tidied up after I left. I sold, packed, or got rid of all my worldly possessions and dragged Buddha across the ocean to California. Got to San Diego in time to see my baby sister in her full 9-months-pregnant glory. Two gorgeous twin baby boys were born Christmas morning. Spent a low-key Christmas with my mom, my sisters, their husbands and kids. Adopted a 6 month old chihuahua-cattle dog puppy who is an absolute love. And on top of all of that I've already unpacked about 80% of my stuff and settled into my own wing at my mom's place. WHEW!!!!

Then today I went to Bikram Kearny Mesa and signed up for the $20 one week unlimited. The class was taught by Joseph who is the reigning National Yoga Champion and he is just delightful. I had a bit too much coffee in the morning so I felt nauseous and my heart was pounding for most of the class. But, after a little over a month away, it was precisely what I needed. Joseph was gracious enough to demonstrate a couple of his signature poses after class. Hard to believe that he had severe rheumatoid arthritis in his teens. Another walking-talking Bikram miracle. It felt so good to be back in the studio and I am completely fired up to get back into doing yoga every day. 7 days in a row of hot sweaty Bikram sessions should be a good kick start.

Happy New Year Everybody!!!!

Day #9

Home Practice - Baptiste (60 min) #99
Monday

Bikram Hawaii Kai - class #100
Tuesday 7:30pm w/ Leigh

Whoa... I made it through 100 yoga workouts so far this year. Now that's a major milestone.

Tonight I completely got my ass kicked, but in such a good way. Leigh used to teach at the Kaimuki studio when I first dabbled with Bikram back in 2007. I'm pretty sure that she is a master instructor because there are pictures of her teaching at TT on the official Bikram website. I always loved her class way back when. And having her tonight confirmed that the Kaimuki teachers are indeed much harder, at least than the other Hawaii Kai teachers I've had so far. My arms and legs felt like jello and I was completely loopy on the ride home.

Tonight I was also blown away by the progress I've made. Really. The improvement in my practice over the last several weeks is remarkable. Is it because I started listening to the dialogue w/ Bikram himself and am therefore executing better? Is it because I took a long break and so my body is fresh? Is it because cross-training with different styles has worked my muscles in a different way and given me a deeper appreciation for Bikram's 26 postures? Or could it be a little bit of all of these combined with my body just being ready to change? Who knows. But the last few Bikram practices I have felt a bit like a rockstar. Even tonight when it seemed that Leigh was mopping the floor with us.

So glad to be back in the studio.

Day #7

Home Parctice - Bikram #97
Saturday

Bikram Hawaii Kai - #98
Sunday 6 pm w/ Manny

Last night was my first time back in the Bikram studio in 3 weeks. I went to Hawaii Kai because I bought a package of 10 when I was there before my trip. And even though it was only my 3rd time at that particular studio, it still felt like I had come home. I even got a little bit emotional during the first pranayama breathing exercise because I felt so deeply that I belonged there in that room doing that practice at that very moment. This yoga is truly amazing. It has worked its way down into my soul.

I had a really strong practice, probably my best yet. I was able to get deeper into most of the poses and my focus was really good. The class was really crowded and I barely even noticed. I was also able to stay in most of the balancing postures longer than usual. Overall a really fantastic class. Everything just clicked. The instructor even commented to me after that he appreciated my focus. That's always nice. ;))

I feel like the yoga cross training is working. I am not sore any more, I just feel worked out. My Bikram postures feel like they are getting better. I am going deeper into most of the positions and I am holding my balance longer. On the Baptiste side, I feel like I am getting the routine a little better each time I do it. We shall see how the weeks progress. But so far I would say that this experiment has been very beneficial. I have a renewed passion and respect for the practice of yoga.