Today was my first day of the 60 Day Challenge of Bikram Yoga in Dallas, Texas. I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and ready to go. Which has been quite strange because recently I haven't been sleeping well. You see, my best friend Maddie, my beloved Airedale, had to have emergency surgery. She had pyometra which is a disease in the uterus. The vet explained it to us as having pus and blood in her utetrus. I have never prayed so hard in my life. Maddie survived the surgery and is recovering. Thank you God!
First day of a full 8 hours of sleep is a great way to start the first day of my challenge. I woke up around 8:30am ready to take on the world. I first got a bowl of cereal, Lucky Charms. Healthy,.. I know. But hey, I am beginning to eat breakfast now and I would like to say that it has been beneficial to the amount of energy I have throughout the day. I certainly could be eating healthier, but I am going to take it one thing at a time.
So, what is Bikram Yoga?
Bikram Yoga is a program of 26 postures and two breathing exercises all completed in a 105 degree room. I first started Bikram at the age of 18. At the age of 17, I was taking dance a couple shops down from Bikram and thought I would give it a try. What I found out about yoga is that it can help, 'from stress and insomnia to arthritis and back pain-- and maintain exceptional health for years to come' ( Bikram, Choudhury)
At first, Bikram was way to escape from the bitterness of life. I could be myself . All that pain that was cultivating inside of me was able to be released through sweat and tears. I found that I was able to reconnect with God, become more in tune in myself, and to let my stress out. It was a healing experience.
I went off to college and stopped Bikram and picked it back up during winter break. It has been a couple years since I have done Bikram, but I returned today.
With my bag, towel, water bottle, mat, and self, I got into the car and drove about five minutes to my destination. I was greeted by two very nice people that signed me up for the challenge. They gave me a small chart that I can put 'smiley' stickers on for each day I complete the day. I was ready to go. I weighed myself once I got to the restroom and I weigh 156.6 pounds. I took off my outer layer of clothes and had on my volleyball spandex shorts and black bra. I grabbed my towel, mat, and water and headed for the room. I found my spot to the left and on the second row. I laid my mat down then placed the towel on top and set up my water bottle at the corner of my mat. I looked up at the wall and smiled as I remembered the words written above the mirrors. The word that I faced today was 'determination.' I am determined to complete this challenge. In about 15 minutes, the class began and I started to remember the poses. Throughout a couple of the poses, I almost decided to quit and just walk outside and get into my car, go home and go to sleep. But I didn't. I was able to carry it out. Sweat trickled down my skin and I watched it fall onto the mat. I looked at myself in the mirror today and I was disappointed in what I saw. I looked at my stomach and just sighed. I started to pick at every 'negative' thing about myself and then stopped. I needed to focus on the positives. I can do this. At the end of the program, I got one of my favorite drinks-- coconut water. It is very refreshing especially after the intense work out. I talked to the hostess about nutrition and the benefits of bikram. Everyone was very nice and I can not wait to work out tomorrow.
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