Week 2 and we're picking up the pace a bit. Our days are very long and yet do not feel long to me. We sign in for yoga at 8:00am and the days usually go until 12:30 am or later. This week we had another fun movie night with Bikram that went until 3:30am (a great Hindi movie called Jodhaa Akbar). I am sleeping about half as much as normal. The long days and demanding schedules are meant to help us discover that we have much more power and energy inside us than we ever imagined possible. Several times this week, Bikram quoted his guru (Bishnu Ghosh) stating that yoga reveals the "latent forces, hidden power" in each of us. So, whenever we are struggling with lack of sleep or fatigue, we are to remember this and try to discover that energy hidden within us. I did experience a hint of that on Wednesday. With only 3 hours of sleep, I was able to have two fabulous yoga classes and sit for hours and hours listening to people recite Half Moon dialogue and then Bikram's evening lecture until 12:30am...without feeling tired. I felt so light and peaceful. It was really an amazing experience. This of course, did not last, but it is inspiring to know that there is the possibility of something more powerful inside you.
The Good
Monday evening it was my turn to say the "Half Moon Pose" dialogue to Bikram. I was nervous and excited at the same time. Moments before going up on stage I started to really sweat....all over. I got up on stage, introduced myself and then said the dialogue...word for word. It felt like a flash...and then it was over. At the end, Bikram just looked at me, smiled and gave me the two thumbs up (literally). That was it. He didn't say anything to me. Just a smile and approval. Although it would have been nice to have a few words from Bikram, I took his response as a positive thing.
The Bad
Before going to training, teachers told me to expect that my body would "go through things" during the 9 weeks. Doing 2 hot yoga classes a day has a profound impact on the body. (In just two weeks, I have already completed 21 classes!) So, my first physical reaction to all the yoga was a day of feeling really sick (flu-like symptoms). Then came the random sweats. They would hit me at the strangest times... at all times of day or night for about 3-4 days. Just sweat, sweat, sweat. Then as fast as they came...they were gone.
The other difficult thing this week has been getting used to being with 430+ people all of the time. Just moving that many people up and down elevators in the hotel is a feat in itself. You can't image what the elevators are like after a hot yoga class!!! Just try to picture a crowd of hot, sweaty people pushing into an elevator like sardines. (All trying to get to their rooms as fast as possible to grab a shower and a bite to eat before our next lecture.) We manage to cram at least 15 sweaty people in at once. Even at that rate, it takes a long time, so people get crazy about the elevators.
The Ugly
I woke up Tuesday morning and had a strange rash/welt/giant red blotch on my face...origin unknown. Most likely due to sweaty yoga mats and towels. Ugh!! Everyone says to just "trust the process." Well, easy to say when it is not on your face! Luckily, just like the random sweating...it went away as quickly as it came. Whew!
Bikram is now gone away on business for two weeks. We will miss him. He brings so much energy and vitality to our yoga classes and lectures. His lectures are fun and light-hearted...filled with crazy stories of famous athletes, world leaders and movie stars. They are also packed full of ancient yoga knowledge and profound insights. As I look over my notes from the week I am amazed at the depth of the teaching he has shared with us. I feel so honoured.
Next week, we break into small groups and start the posture clinics. Evening lectures will be taught by visiting experts and Bikram's senior teachers. Looking forward to see what these next few weeks will bring....
Vision Board
This is a vision board that I created in September 2010.
Saturday 30 April 2011
Sunday 24 April 2011
Week 1
Wow! What a week. So exciting, challenging, crazy, fun and exhausting! It is really hard to put down in words...the range of emotions and experiences in just one week. I am spending the weekend trying to recover and build some energy for the next week.
Ten hot yoga classes this week. Many of which were more than 90 minutes. (Bikram finishes the class when he's ready.) Bikram's classes are the best classes. He just fills the room with his energy and you can soak it up. I love them. I'm also a little scared of them because he expects so much and demands that people work hard...110%! He calls it his "torture chamber" and he's not far off. There are days it does feel like torture. But as Bikram says, we all came willingly to do this because we know it works.
HALF MOON POSE
The main focus this week was on the first posture in the series, Half Moon Pose. One by one, each student has to go up on stage in front of Bikram and say the dialogue to him while three students act as your students and do the posture. Once you have said your dialogue, you become a student demonstrator. The main purpose is for Bikram to get to know his students. His perceptions are very deep and go much beyond the surface of saying dialogue. He gives little corrections or words of praise, but the main purpose is for Bikram to get to know each one of us. All 430! Obviously, this process takes days. I have been sitting, waiting patiently for my turn. There is no clear system for how people get on the list...sometimes just being in the right seat at the right time. I believe this is part of the process....to let go of trying to control things.
For some students, nerves take over and what was once memorized, is suddenly gone as they feel the gaze of Bikram (and 400+ people watching). Some get up and say the dialogue with ease and grace. I have now heard Half Moon over 200 times. It is now ingrained in my memory. It is a fabulous opportunity to see students from around the world and to listen to Bikram's colourful anecdotes. I've been surprised how kind Bikram is with people. He is different than he is in the "torture chamber" where he yells and swears at people. Here it is all "little bit more energy, sweetheart", etc.
This training has attracted people from all over the world! France, Mexico, Ireland, Denmark, Argentina, Chile, Japan, Taiwan, Netherlands, Lebanon, Germany, Hungary, Belgium, Czech Republic, Turkey, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Czech Republic, Russia, South Africa, Tasmania, Columbia, Bulgaria, Spain, Scotland, Austria, Chile, all over the USA and of course Canada. There are many students from BC (mostly Vancouver), which Bikram says is his province (because of the initials and the many studios there).
BOLLYWOOD NIGHT
We had our first Bollywood night! This is a thing of legend at Teacher Training. Bikram loves Bollywood movies and wants to share his culture with us. Our Wednesday night lecture ended at 12:00 midnight and then Bikram said "time for movies!!" In disbelief, we then settled in to watch the movie until 3:45am!!
Needless to say, getting up for class after only 3 hours sleep was really tough. To top it off, we had our morning class with Emmy Cleaves. Emmy is Bikram's most senior teacher and a legend, herself. She is a force of nature! I loved my first class with Emmy and look forward to more. Emmy's focus was on precision and alignment in postures. There is so much to learn from her.
I am excited about the week to come. To make it through this training, I have to take it one moment at a time. Learning to let go is the lesson. As Bikram says..."kill yourself." To me this means kill the ego. It appears that Bikram does this by killing us physically first.
Ten hot yoga classes this week. Many of which were more than 90 minutes. (Bikram finishes the class when he's ready.) Bikram's classes are the best classes. He just fills the room with his energy and you can soak it up. I love them. I'm also a little scared of them because he expects so much and demands that people work hard...110%! He calls it his "torture chamber" and he's not far off. There are days it does feel like torture. But as Bikram says, we all came willingly to do this because we know it works.
HALF MOON POSE
The main focus this week was on the first posture in the series, Half Moon Pose. One by one, each student has to go up on stage in front of Bikram and say the dialogue to him while three students act as your students and do the posture. Once you have said your dialogue, you become a student demonstrator. The main purpose is for Bikram to get to know his students. His perceptions are very deep and go much beyond the surface of saying dialogue. He gives little corrections or words of praise, but the main purpose is for Bikram to get to know each one of us. All 430! Obviously, this process takes days. I have been sitting, waiting patiently for my turn. There is no clear system for how people get on the list...sometimes just being in the right seat at the right time. I believe this is part of the process....to let go of trying to control things.
For some students, nerves take over and what was once memorized, is suddenly gone as they feel the gaze of Bikram (and 400+ people watching). Some get up and say the dialogue with ease and grace. I have now heard Half Moon over 200 times. It is now ingrained in my memory. It is a fabulous opportunity to see students from around the world and to listen to Bikram's colourful anecdotes. I've been surprised how kind Bikram is with people. He is different than he is in the "torture chamber" where he yells and swears at people. Here it is all "little bit more energy, sweetheart", etc.
This training has attracted people from all over the world! France, Mexico, Ireland, Denmark, Argentina, Chile, Japan, Taiwan, Netherlands, Lebanon, Germany, Hungary, Belgium, Czech Republic, Turkey, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Czech Republic, Russia, South Africa, Tasmania, Columbia, Bulgaria, Spain, Scotland, Austria, Chile, all over the USA and of course Canada. There are many students from BC (mostly Vancouver), which Bikram says is his province (because of the initials and the many studios there).
We had our first Bollywood night! This is a thing of legend at Teacher Training. Bikram loves Bollywood movies and wants to share his culture with us. Our Wednesday night lecture ended at 12:00 midnight and then Bikram said "time for movies!!" In disbelief, we then settled in to watch the movie until 3:45am!!
Needless to say, getting up for class after only 3 hours sleep was really tough. To top it off, we had our morning class with Emmy Cleaves. Emmy is Bikram's most senior teacher and a legend, herself. She is a force of nature! I loved my first class with Emmy and look forward to more. Emmy's focus was on precision and alignment in postures. There is so much to learn from her.
I am excited about the week to come. To make it through this training, I have to take it one moment at a time. Learning to let go is the lesson. As Bikram says..."kill yourself." To me this means kill the ego. It appears that Bikram does this by killing us physically first.
Monday 18 April 2011
Bikram Teacher Training - Spring 2011
I'm here! Arrived in LA on Sunday and then took the airport shuttle over to the LAX Radisson. Spent most of the day standing in various unbelievably long lines waiting, waiting, waiting (along with 430 other students) to register, get our room keys, find our luggage, get a seat for orientation, etc. I realized quickly that I would have to shift my expectations...or rather, leave all expectations behind in order to make it through this process.
There were moments in the day when I felt sad about leaving home, nervous about what I would encounter here and questioning if I had made the right decisions. This, I am told, is totally normal and will happen throughout the training. So the emotions bubble up here and there but I try to just feel them and then let them pass.
Already, I have met many wonderful people, including my great roommate, Brittany Milove (also known as BLove). I feel so blessed to have her for my roommate. She is very bright, easy going about "room stuff" and positive! I'm looking forward to getting to know her better as the weeks go on.
Today we had our first orientation session with Bikram! As you would guess, he was full of passion, energy and enthusiasm for this life changing yoga and rather blunt about the way he runs this training! Our mission: Listen to the rules; give it 110% all of the time and have fun. Either you're in all the way for the nine weeks... or you're out. You choose.
OUR FIRST BIKRAM CLASS!!!!!
We also had our first class in the world's largest Hot Yoga Room. The hotel converted the Grand Ballroom into our yoga studio for the nine weeks.
OMG!!!! It was HOT!! Thank goodness they told us to be in the yoga room 30 min before class. It think it took the entire 30 min to settle down the panic I was feeling inside. I have never been in a room so hot. I managed to stay in the room but believe me it was not easy. Several people had to be carried out of the room by staff. I think I managed about half of the postures. It was CRAZY hot in there. Today it is hard to imagine 2 classes like that a day for nine weeks. Everyone says they take it easy on you the first week! If that's easy...hard is going to be really scary. This is one time in my life when I can say that you have to just take it one moment, one breath at a time.
***Our class was filmed for the Today Show. I'm not sure when it will air on TV but keep your eyes open for it.
We've been told by Bikram and staff that it is best to immerse yourself in the yoga training and not get caught up with facebook and emails and what's happening back home. Just focus on this experience. So, I have turned off my cell phone and plan to update this blog whenever it feels right...no particular schedule. (Given the class we had tonight...no promises on anything!) It will likely be on Sundays when we have our "day off" from training.
This is a picture of little Baci "helping" me pack. You can see he was not very happy about me leaving.
There were moments in the day when I felt sad about leaving home, nervous about what I would encounter here and questioning if I had made the right decisions. This, I am told, is totally normal and will happen throughout the training. So the emotions bubble up here and there but I try to just feel them and then let them pass.
Already, I have met many wonderful people, including my great roommate, Brittany Milove (also known as BLove). I feel so blessed to have her for my roommate. She is very bright, easy going about "room stuff" and positive! I'm looking forward to getting to know her better as the weeks go on.
Today we had our first orientation session with Bikram! As you would guess, he was full of passion, energy and enthusiasm for this life changing yoga and rather blunt about the way he runs this training! Our mission: Listen to the rules; give it 110% all of the time and have fun. Either you're in all the way for the nine weeks... or you're out. You choose.
OUR FIRST BIKRAM CLASS!!!!!
We also had our first class in the world's largest Hot Yoga Room. The hotel converted the Grand Ballroom into our yoga studio for the nine weeks.
OMG!!!! It was HOT!! Thank goodness they told us to be in the yoga room 30 min before class. It think it took the entire 30 min to settle down the panic I was feeling inside. I have never been in a room so hot. I managed to stay in the room but believe me it was not easy. Several people had to be carried out of the room by staff. I think I managed about half of the postures. It was CRAZY hot in there. Today it is hard to imagine 2 classes like that a day for nine weeks. Everyone says they take it easy on you the first week! If that's easy...hard is going to be really scary. This is one time in my life when I can say that you have to just take it one moment, one breath at a time.
***Our class was filmed for the Today Show. I'm not sure when it will air on TV but keep your eyes open for it.
We've been told by Bikram and staff that it is best to immerse yourself in the yoga training and not get caught up with facebook and emails and what's happening back home. Just focus on this experience. So, I have turned off my cell phone and plan to update this blog whenever it feels right...no particular schedule. (Given the class we had tonight...no promises on anything!) It will likely be on Sundays when we have our "day off" from training.
This is a picture of little Baci "helping" me pack. You can see he was not very happy about me leaving.
Tuesday 12 April 2011
4 Days and Counting....
The List: Notes in Orange were added after training.
Passport
Electrolytes - Critical when you're sweating it out in 2 hot classes a day (Mostly used Rajashree's recommendation: Water, Lemon, Sea Salt & Honey.)
Vitamins/Hemp Seeds/Healthy Skin Greens
Mini Cuisinart Blender (for my morning breakfast shakes) So happy I brought this with me. Used it almost every day!
Stainless Steel Water Bottles (2) - Worth it to invest in a good one that keeps your water cold during class.
Laptop (cables/cords)
Ipod/iphone & Earbuds
Camera / extra batteries
Journals/note books/fun pens
Destiny Cards - Wrote about these in my blog. So great to have but not something I am recommending to others necessarily
Mala Beads
Reiki and Mantra Books - just in case I need them (Did not use these - absolutely no extra time or energy to look at books)
Meditation Chair (Backjack) Used it every day in posture clinic. Many people were envious! Worth hauling that around the airports.
Hot Yoga gear - everything I own - about 7 outfits - Remember NO GREEN
Lulu Capris/yoga pants Tank Tops, Skorts & Jackets for posture clinics - Nothing GREEN
Flip Flops, sandals, running shoes
Bathing Suits!!
Jeans, T-Shirts, Jacket
Cosmetics
PJs
Dress for Graduation (and all accessories)
*I was going to buy a rice maker or grill for cooking but decided to wait until I get to LA and see what is available at the hotel...and from other students (maybe they will share). My roommate brought a microwave!! Lucky me! We also bought a kettle that doubled as an egg cooker and veggie steamer. Was too tired to do any serious cooking.
I would add:
1) Ear plugs (just trust me! You'll want these. I was lucky, a friend gave me a pair...great during movies that are too loud, trying to study dialogue and people are talking around you, roommates may snore at night, etc.)
2) More comfy clothes for lectures and movie nights.
3) Plate, a good knife for cooking and a few containers for leftovers.
4) Drying rack for wet yoga clothes...we bought this once in LA
5) Yoga mat spray - disinfectant
6) Small first aid kit - Tylenol, Advil, Gravol, bandaids, antibiotic ointment, etc.
It's hard not to let nerves kick in. I am excited about the adventure ahead yet feeling that I need to have everything ready before I go. Of course, all of this is mixed in with the emotions of having just left my job and many special friends. I realize that this means I am moving toward a new way of life...leaving behind the security and comfort of what I had. For today, I'm just trying to keep my heart open, my mind quiet and remember to breathe.
Sunday 10 April 2011
The Journey Begins
Friday was my last day at work. Did I really just leave my management job with a great company....to go to yoga teacher training???
The day was filled with mixed emotions. I was happy and excited to be beginning my new journey. Yet at the same time, I felt so sad to be leaving the people that I work with each day...some I consider to be close personal friends. It was an overwhelming day of well-wishes, generous gifts and kind goodbyes. I came home exhausted from all of the attention....still trying to process the decision I had just made.
For the past 5 years I have been working in Human Resources for Andrew Peller Limited. Most recently, I was responsible for HR for Western Canada and have been based in Kelowna, BC CANADA. The job was a demanding one and often filled with great trials and challenges. To maintain myself in the role required long hours and left little time for the things I was longing for in my life. Although I love helping people, I was feeling disconnected, tired and burned out.
The decision to leave evolved slowly over time, as I made changes in my life...little bit, little bit, little bit at a time. The big shift started with my first Bikram Yoga class back in the fall of 2008 (which quickly became one of my greatest passions). Soon after, a visit to my very first Spiritual Life Coach, Debra Kine, (Inner Dwelling), a remarkable woman who helped me see my way through the pain and fear I had been living in...to a place of healing. Along the way there have been many, many wonderful friends and many books that became my teachers as well (see my list of favourite books). And then, most recently, my second Spiritual Life Coach, Lori Pinnell (InnerWorks Consulting) who helped me take it to the next level and to take responsibility for being my full, true self. And so...one morning...I woke up and just knew in my soul that it was time to make a change.
First step was my application to Bikram Yoga Teacher Training Spring 2011. When my application was accepted, I gave my one month notice to the company that I was resigning. Now, the day has come and I am officially resigned from my job. The journey begins....
Some wonderful going away cards and gifts from my co-workers:
The day was filled with mixed emotions. I was happy and excited to be beginning my new journey. Yet at the same time, I felt so sad to be leaving the people that I work with each day...some I consider to be close personal friends. It was an overwhelming day of well-wishes, generous gifts and kind goodbyes. I came home exhausted from all of the attention....still trying to process the decision I had just made.
For the past 5 years I have been working in Human Resources for Andrew Peller Limited. Most recently, I was responsible for HR for Western Canada and have been based in Kelowna, BC CANADA. The job was a demanding one and often filled with great trials and challenges. To maintain myself in the role required long hours and left little time for the things I was longing for in my life. Although I love helping people, I was feeling disconnected, tired and burned out.
The decision to leave evolved slowly over time, as I made changes in my life...little bit, little bit, little bit at a time. The big shift started with my first Bikram Yoga class back in the fall of 2008 (which quickly became one of my greatest passions). Soon after, a visit to my very first Spiritual Life Coach, Debra Kine, (Inner Dwelling), a remarkable woman who helped me see my way through the pain and fear I had been living in...to a place of healing. Along the way there have been many, many wonderful friends and many books that became my teachers as well (see my list of favourite books). And then, most recently, my second Spiritual Life Coach, Lori Pinnell (InnerWorks Consulting) who helped me take it to the next level and to take responsibility for being my full, true self. And so...one morning...I woke up and just knew in my soul that it was time to make a change.
First step was my application to Bikram Yoga Teacher Training Spring 2011. When my application was accepted, I gave my one month notice to the company that I was resigning. Now, the day has come and I am officially resigned from my job. The journey begins....
Some wonderful going away cards and gifts from my co-workers:
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