I have completed four classes at my local Bikram Yoga Jacksonville studio here in Neptune Beach, Florida.

This experience is definitely helping me to "push my edge". Here are a few examples:

1. I am having to push through the discomfort of going from a hot humid Florida June day into the hot humid conditions of a Bikram Yoga studio (not the most pleasant thing in the world).

2. I am going at a time of day (4:30 pm) session when I am usually kicking back with my afternoon cup of tea or coffee or taking a nap.

3. There are poses in this class that I simply do not want to do due to physical or psychological reasons. The physical: my knees and low back are not what they used to be due to old injuries. The psychological: I am afraid of hurting my knees and low back anymore. I am also afraid to go backwards (which we are required to do with the backbend poses).

First edge: the hot, humid conditions of the studio.

I can't sugar coat this. It is an intense environment. I think it is designed to give us a cardiovascular work out and the heat probably makes it less likely to injure our ligaments and joints. It is not comfortable, however. The first half hour is probably the hardest part for me. I have thoughts of "what am I doing here"? The most helpful thing is to just concentrate on my breathing so I don't freak myself out and bail out of there. I find after the first half hour or so I am less anxious about my discomfort and really getting into the experience...

Second Edge: the late afternoon time.

The hardest part is just leaving my cozy home and getting myself to class. Once I am there, the last thing on my mind is having a hot cup of coffee or taking a nap. Ha!

Third edge: My physical and psychological limitations I have put on myself.

Here is where I have to really have faith in my instructor, the process, and myself that this is in fact, good for me and will not do my body harm. It is quite exciting that after just a few classes I am starting to do poses that I have been afraid to do my whole life. I am feeling a new empowered confidence begin to well within myself. I can tell how strong and flexible I will become if I stay with this. I will also be less fearful and anxious...

Another clear benefit that I am experiencing from Bikram Yoga is a more calm mind. Those of us prone to anxiety and insomnia can really appreciate this. My instructor makes it a point to tell us not to think. He will be our brain. We just do. Somehow, that really helps me to focus and be present. It is also a relief to get a little break from the clattering of my mind.

I have a couple of days before my week long pass is up. I will then decide whether to commit to more Bikram Yoga. Do I want to keep pushing my edge...? I will let you know in a couple of days...   ; )

In peace,

Debra

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