1. I learned to love myself.
Posture after posture, I made little improvements. My teachers say that progress in the hot room is made in millimetres.
2. I paid attention to myself.
I began to observe my little physical, mental, and spiritual improvements, and I wanted more. I became more dedicated because I wanted to see more progress, and I slowly fell in love with myself.
3. I learned how to be patient.
Waiting for improvements to come in my practice was difficult. I learned to accept that it takes time to change my mind, my body, and my spirit.
4. I learned to take care of myself.
I have discovered that I must take care of my body, and it will take care of me. And when you take care of yourself, you can take care of others.
5. I learned how to be in the present moment.
Savasana, Dead Body Pose, taught me this one.
It looks easy, but there is so much to it. To lie still and think about nothing but the breath is extremely challenging. Each time though, I find myself controlling my thoughts a little bit better. This translates to my life outside the hot room as well. It has allowed me to focus and handle stress better.
6. I made another family.
The great thing about practicing yoga at a studio is that everyone is there with one ultimate goal: to be better than their previous self. I have connected with so many wonderful people, who are all so passionate about this yoga.
7. I learned to never give up.
If you can get back into a posture after falling out one dozen times, sweat like crazy, and stay in the hot room for the full 90 minutes, you can do anything! Bikram Choudhury says, “Falling out of a posture means you are human; getting back into the posture means you are a yogi.” I am proud to be a yogi.
8. I smile more and I worry less.
People cannot believe how much I smile since I started practicing yoga. I often even catch myself smiling during class! I still have bad days, but I have so many more good days than I once did. I feel healthier mentally, physically, and spiritually. I am eternally thankful for Bikram Yoga for saving me.
Bikram Yoga has changed my life, and I highly recommend you to give it a try.