My schedule for the last three weeks and the next two, kept me from doing any Bikram yoga classes. I was out of town for most of that time and there were no studios within reach. The weeks I spend up here in Arlington are only doable exercise wise because I have a Koko Fit Club up here. I go everyday. I do cardio and mat work on the days between strength training, so all exercise is not forfeited by being away.
Today was a cardio day for me. After my elliptical workout I unrolled my mat and began my regular ab work and stretching. After the stretching I found myself enjoying a nice savasana with my eyes closed. Suddenly I felt my right leg bend up and my hands grasping my knee for wind removing pose. I thought I might as well do two sets. Then I settled back into another savasana. After the savasana I did a sit-up and laid on my stomach for the floor series. Before I knew it I completed the whole floor series, complete with savasanas.
It was like my Bikram deprived body was Bikram possessed. On the drive home I was coughing and my head hurt. I realized my sinus problems came back and just that little bit of Bikram was moving them again. Thinking about it more, over the last three weeks my sleep has been off – waking at 3am. I’m also craving bad food over good food.
I’ve got two weeks more to be away from the studio. I’m going to be a “hot mess” when I return. I’m not looking forward to that day. I’m going to suffer because my body has to repair all that has gone out of sync these past weeks.
I consider this an experiment. I can say with conviction practicing Bikram has to be a consistent, life-long practice to reap the benefits. Yes, it’s hot, it’s hard, it’s not fun, and that’s how it’s supposed to be. And I miss it. My body misses it. It truly does fix a lot of things that get knocked out of whack by living daily life. We abuse our bodies and its systems by sitting way to much, driving, bending, eating bad food, etc. and a consistent Bikram practice straightens all of it out.
The thing is, the straightening out is terribly uncomfortable. As with most things in life:
Often the worst of times are what lead us to the best of times because all we go through inspires us to grow into our very best self. ~ unknown
And so, as another day goes by, I plan on returning to class on Monday August 12, it won’t be pretty, but it’ll be necessary, and…I have written.
Wait a minute… it is supposed to be Koko on Monday and bikram on Tuesday, I thought!! I will miss you :((((