Bikram Yoga: Returning From A Hiatus

It’s easy to make goals but to actually follow through and act on them is a whole different story. Keeping a regular Bikram practice is very important to me, during the winter months I made sure I was going at least 4-5 times a week; but unfortunately as life gets busy my regular practices have died down significantly. My practices were becoming so infrequent. I was only going once a week and I hate to admit this, but there were weeks where I went without practicing bikram. This past week I made sure to fit Bikram yoga back into my busy life, and may I say that returning from a hiatus was a different experience, to say the least. 

My first day felt like it was my first time as a student practicing Bikram. I was completely exhausted, my legs were shaky and I was losing my balance and falling out of postures. By the time we hit the Triangle pose, (Trikonasana) which Bikram yogi’s call the “Peak of the Mountain,” I needed to take a knee. It was incredibly disappointing to sit out on a posture that I used to do so well. So now you ask what I learnt from this experience? Like learning to ride a new bike, you take each class one day at a time. As I lay on my mat, I got a chance to reflect on my practice. I thought of myself as a new student. In moments like this, listen to your body, take it slow and do each posture to the best of your ability. Don’t let your hiatus bring you down, and most importantly don’t give up. Know that you can always try again the next day. I now have some insightful expectations to follow when I go through these breaks and thought I’d share them. 

• Focus on yourself - Let go of the stresses of your day, let go of your personal life and work life and use that 100% focus on your body
• Breathe - Sometimes we forget that Bikram requires you to use 80-20 breathing in certain postures. Remember to take a full breath and release 20 percent. Retain 80% of your breath to oxygenate your muscles.
• Listen to your body - Bikram yoga should never hurt. Make sure your only going as far as you can, don’t push yourself too hard and take it easy on yourself. Look at your reflection in the mirror and avoid the mistake of imitating the yogi next to you
• Rest if needed - Don’t let your ego get in the way of taking a knee or a “sit-out”. It’s very easy to feel overwhelmed and the heat does not make it easier. There is absolutely no shame. 

I hope you found this post insightful. When you experience a hiatus remember to inhale, exhale and let go. 

May the Spring and your practice of Bikram yoga continuously awaken within you the fresh energies of your source. via Bikram yoga KW