Bikram Yoga El Paseo

 

WHAT IS YOGA??

Bikram Choudhury often asked this question during our nine week teacher training. The answer to this question was very simple. YOGA is EVERYTHING!!! He would then add over and over again, ad nauseam…… and “having isn’t anything unless you know how to use it!” You can have that fancy car but if you don’t have the key that fits in the ignition…………..

Yoga is not just putting your body in a certain posture or mastering the ability to stand on one leg in stillness, its so much more than any given asana. At Bikram Yoga Palm Desert El Paseo, we often use the phrase: “ That’s your yoga for today!” This phrase is universal for a lot of our students questions as well as their statements. A frustrated student walks into the studio stating that a traffic jam made them miss an appointment earlier that day, while another talks about all the amazing gifts their coworkers gave them for their birthday. A third student complains that the person in yoga class was coughing the entire class disrupting peace, while a fourth boasts about their new fabulous outfit they purchased on sale. The response for all of these: “That’s your yoga for today!”

How we deal with our day to day disturbances or celebrations in and out of the hot room is YOGA. How we eat, how we deal in our interpersonal relationships, how we adjust our minds as we move through our daily functions is all yoga on some level. Practicing yoga postures in our yoga classes take us beyond performing the perfect asana but rather creates a unique relationship with ourselves, as well as a bond that allows our vulnerabilities to melt with others. All body types, personalities, ages, and sexes come together to navigate the unchartered waters of life ahead. An amalgamation of all of this and more is YOGA.

Amidst all the trials, tribulations and challenges that I face as a Bikram studio owner, the greatest gift is continuing to learn more about my self as well as to get to know my fellow Yogis on a personal level. Sharing in on their heartaches as well as their  accomplishments has been most rewarding and humbling. Sometimes I feel like Frances, the protagonist in “Under the Tuscan sun.” I never had children of my own but sometimes I sure feel like a proud ‘mama’ in my yoga family. I’ve come slowly and surely to a realization that what I thought I wanted wasn’t necessary for inner peace and fulfillment. There is a plan for us and sometimes its right in front of us and we still cant see it.

How blessed am I that I can continue to learn and benefit from the incredible yogis that pass through the hot room doors!  Sharing their life’s experiences,  their talents and their loving hearts have enriched my own life tenfold. This past week has been truly a gift and is the inspiration of this blog!   In just one week I immersed myself in a piece of the lives of two of our students.    With the first I traveled the globe through the eyes and experiences of Grandmothers.  Along with other Yogis from our studio,   I viewed a very moving documentary, “The Wisdom of Grandmothers.” The documentary took us from Alaska to Russia.  The journey showcased the Navajo who lived off the land to the African American that battled slavery and abuse, as well as a host of others and their life experiences.

Later in the week I got the opportunity to share a slice of life with the second student. This journey actually took me on a  little road trip  to experience the gift of amazing physical mastery and talent.  I would like to place the spotlight on these two very special students!!

Patricia Richards has been a powerful force in our Yoga community for years. At 71 years young, she never seises to amaze me. I’ve equally marveled at her form, strength and balancing ability in Tuladandasana as I have in her uncanny perceptions and spiritual guidance of her healing nature.  Patricia was one of the chosen “Grandmothers” in the documentary.  Her beauty as she moved through an open field with the wind gently pushing back her striking dark black mane revealed her powerful presence on this earth.  Her gift of wisdom regarding how not to let fear block us from asserting ourselves or in reaching our goals and dreams is so simple and  yet a powerful truth that sets us free.

In a discussion following the documentary,  Patricia made yet another powerful statement. “WE ARE ALL GRANDMOTHERS.” My first thought on that could be questioning how I can be a grandmother when I’m not even a mother.

Patricia explained that the word ‘Grandmother’ is really indicative of someone with valuable life experiences that they can share for the good of society. This type of knowledge affords one to open up their hearts in sharing information that helps others grow and learn to become productive members of society.  Thank you Patricia Richards!!   Thanks for being a valuable member of our Yoga family and a giving, loving member of our greater community. We appreciate you and we love you!!

Just down the winding roads of highway 74 through the majestic mountains that lead us to vineyards and wineries emerges the quaint town of Temecula and to their local Old Town Theatre.   Student Jonathan Sharp was performing in the ballet piece of Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical “CAROUSEL.”

What makes this performance so extraordinary is that Jon played in that VERY ROLE twenty (20) years ago. The current cast now at least 20 years his junior, Jon got the call to reprise this role. His partner Rick laughed as he told me that Jon’s reaction was, ‘don’t you know how old I am?’ (Ironically, one of the grandmothers spoke of age being unimportant with what one can accomplish. This is no truer of a statement than in the case of Jonathan Sharp!)

Jon’s perfectly chiseled pecs and flat abs certainly don’t reveal the physique of a man pushing 50 nor the stamina that was required in this most exquisite ballet piece with his young strong ballerina.  The flow and beauty of their duet brought tears to my eyes.  I was mesmerized by Jon’s movements and I can’t even begin to explain the incredible sensation that enveloped my body with emotion during his performance!!

If one’s body is one’s temple then Jon’s commitment to excellence and being the best he can be regardless of age is a true testament to how one contributes greatness at every age.   A consistent Bikram Yoga practitioner, Jon sure has mastered the ‘having it AND knowing how to use it,’ part.  His tremendous discipline, hard work and commitment shined through in this most highly respected accomplishment!!

All the amazing Yogis I come into contact with each day fill my world with love and awe and make me grow richer in spirit!!  I Can’t wait to experience what is lying ahead or around the next corner!! Until then, I’ll see you in the hot room, sweatin it out and learning life’s lessons!!

Namaste!`