Yoga breakthrough

On Wednesday I went to the 630 class with my friend Rachel. We had a teacher that neither of us had had before. He is actually the owner of the studio. In the few interactions I have had with him, I ascertained that he had sort of a gruff, impatient demeanor. When he walked into the class, I didn't have the most optimistic thoughts. In fact, I think Rachel and I shared rolling eyes.

Surprise. Surprise. His personality as a teacher is wildly different. He was extremely hands on with the students as he prodded them into the rights postures. He had a sense of humor. I think he actually talked about coney dogs for ten minutes. He said "It's a yoga principle that you don't eat a coney dog and then come to practice Bikram."

What I think really enlightened my practice was the frequency of my classes lately. I realized that last night was my fifth class in less than three weeks (Again, THANKS MOM!!!!!). I am happy that Rachel is going and I have this 10 class package. Of course, when they are used up I will probably think I squandered them... but I'm heartily enjoying it right now.

I have always found Bikram to be well, eh, brutal. It is extremely intense. It's cardio, strength and flexibility all rolled up into one whopping strenuous 90 minutes. I accept all of that and I still love it. Well, last night it was somewhat easier. I found that I was going deeper into certain poses that previously baffled my body. I could hold postures longer. I was riding that mind body connection in a fluid, wonderful way. It was exhilarating.

Oh, to be sure, my hamstrings did cry out when I tried to jam my forehead to my shins. My shoulders about popped out as I tried to suction my palms together over my head and force them behind my ears. My back still inched towards the boundary of completely spasming in camel pose... but HELL, that's what yoga is about!!!! (Assuming that you are practicing wisely and with caution.) It is about going to the edge and peering over. It is about saying "No, I can go farther." It is about taking risks in your head and in space for what your body is capable of.

Wow, what a rush!