Starting Over...

I usually love new beginnings...

I am almost embarrased to start posting here again because it has been so long, but I will...

It's not that I haven't been evolving since my last post. When I logged in, I saw that I had 9 titled drafts just waiting to be written. The last post was on July 15th. If you're wondering, I did not complete the 60 day challenge. On day 56, I had to go out of town unexpectedly and could not make up the days in time. I gave up the challenge, but continued to practice Bikram 3-4 days per week until late October, when I took a much too long break from Bikram.

At that point, I had just cut off all of my hair- 21 inches and 12 years worth of beautiful locs. I dontated it to a patient of mine who was struggling with hair growth after chemotherapy. She has had it made into a wig and I have absolutely no regrets. However, I was terribly disappointed to learn that "Locks of Love" no longer accepted dred locks for their wigs, as if little brown girls are not losing their hair to cancer treatments.

This is PRETTY close to the quality of my locs, without the blond pieces...

This is PRETTY close to how I looked afterthe transition, without the blond... and the "Bee Stings"

In October, I also completed Atlanta's Inaugural 13.1 half-marathon as a training run for the Mystery Mountain trail Marathon in Chatsworth, GA. Yes, I selected a trail marathon as my first marathon... not so bright, yet it was exhilerating!

Fort Mountain Park in Chatsworth, Georgia

The next week, I flew to NYC to meet my cousin to celebrate our birthdays! While there, I went to the NYC Trapeze school. It was an incredible experience (I should have blogged about it). I can't wait to go back!!

I didn't realize that Jigga and Alicia were watching me fly through the air in Neeew Yooork!

In October, I make MY New Year's resolutions, commitments, goals and list of other "stuff I wanna do" before my next birthday. I used to make 5 and 10 year plans, but I had too much time to procrastinate, so they did not work as well. I need these annual check points. The point of all of that is to say that another Bikram challenge showed up on this list and yesterday, I began.

I am 3 weeks away from Atlanta's ING half-marathon and my training has been dismal. I won't back out of this one, but I may not sign up for another. My biggest thrill in running is telling people that I run. My ankles are weak and my will for running is weaker. I have never gotten a runner's high and the most that I can say about even my best runs is that "I'm not hurting as much as usual and I met my goal." I hate training, skip a lot of training runs, then push myself to catch up to where I really should be. It's not healthy- emotionally or physically. OK- I may run a few more races, but I'm not gonna like it! All of that to say that I am really looking forward to seeing how Bikram can improve my training. It has always been helpful in my recovery, but I rarely have time to both race train and practice Bikram regularly. This time, starting now, I am going to get it done.

Day 1, Class 1
Randy 6:30

I had been communicating with a few of my instructors, threatening a comeback, and yesterday, I finally made good. Eric, the owner, was at the desk and Randy was at the top of the page as the 6:30 instructor. Life is good, especially when it's familiar. The first thing Eric said that I must feel 10 pounds lighter without my hair. I don't. My hair never felt as heavy as it looked to everyone else. However, I will admit that in the few classes that I did take after I cut it, savasana felt entirely different, as if I were sinking into the ground. I am really looking forward to more classes without the perceived distraction of hair.


I was sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, in anticipation of my return. However, just before class, I started to feel hungry, so I stopped to get a "nutrition bar". I knew that it was a mistake even before I purchased it. I arrived to class early, selected my spot in the second row, and enjoyed the heat, while laying on my tummy for 20 minutes. I was so exited to begin, but not too cocky. Afterall, my Bikram practice can change from day to day. Who knows what season to season is going to look like?



Now, half-moon has never been my favorite posture, but I have never had to sit out... until this class. Yes! Parts of the second posture had me squatting... as did parts of chair, bow-pulling and standing separate head to knee. It was that so-called "nutrition bar" that was a-brewing in my tummy. This was definitely not one of my better classes, but sadly, it was not my worst, either.

Speaking of moons, there is a beautiful full moon right now. I have been admiring it all weekend.

I am not usually distracted by the sweat, but my eyes were burning. MAN! It's my hair products running into my eyes and they are on fire!! I never had this problem with the locs. I can't win. Tomorrow, no products in class. As a matter of fact, I may need to look for different products altogether. If my eyes are responding to this, I can only imagine what's happening to my brain as this permeates my scalp.

Once we were beyond the standing postures, I was able to re-group and end with a strong finish. I am not discouraged. I have been here before and I know that I can- that I will, get beyond it. I am looking forward to the benefits and the enless possibilities surrounding this challenge. I am also not planning on taking more long breaks from Bikram. Perhaps I've said that before, but I am now convinced that my body feels and looks the best when I am serious about my practice. I have to continue to consistently make it a priority. I entered class sore from the weekend's activities and although I did not have a great class, I am waking up to longer and less sore back and leg muscles. Bikram is defintely where I belong.

Eye Candy

Day 46, Class 39

2:00 with Rebecca

I arrived at class... without a mat. That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the class. I rented one, set-up in the front and went to sleep before class. I was extraordinarily stiff during half-moon, which is not one of my favorites to begin with. I became dizzy in the standing back bend and it felt worse in the second set. I was afraid about the rest of class. However, for a minute, I was inspired by some new eye candy in the room. Where did that come from? Yummy!

Tony Parrish- former NFL STRONG safety

My Standing head to knee pose is getting easier to hold with leg extended, now I am working on bending my elbows. My legs are so long though, I think this could be a while... then there's the getting the head to knee. Well, as Rebecca reminded us, we have the whole rest of our lives to practice the yoga. Dandayamana Janushirasana as demonstrated by Tony Parrish

I started to feel unstable again after a successful standing bow series. On Tuesday, I was finally able to get my forehead to the floor on Standing separate leg stretching pose, for the first time since the hamstring injury. It's been tight, but not painful. As long as I move slowly, I'm OK... Well, that was a few days ago. Today, it was tight again, which made the other side poses a challenge- except for the first set of Triangle. That was easy- because I sat down to regroup. The second set was good though. It must have been, because Rebecca usually corrects my Triangle (asking me to bring my long legs closer together because I don't sit low enough. Today, she didn't say anything, unless she just felt sorry for my-pitiful-self. My toe stands were pretty good and I was ready to fall on the floor after that.

Tony Parrish in Triangle... why not?

I don't think I mentioned it before, but my locust has been so good lately. I mean, my legs are really getting up there. I really want someone to take a picture of my poses. Maybe I'll schedule a private session and invite a photographer (my mom) one day soon.

My legs aren't nearly this high, but is this not amazing?

The rest of the practice was uneventful. But just before final breathing, Rebecca stood atop her soapbox to talk about respecting each other at the end of class, by leaving and shutting the doors quietly. She was pretty funny and very serious at the same time. Now, off to my niece's birthday party. I can't believe she's 14. My God, bless her and keep her.

Catching Up

Today is Day 45 and I should be half-way finished with my challenge, but I'm not. I am further behind than I ever wanted to be, but the challenge is not insurmountable. If I can regain my focus and energy, I should be able to catch up in two weeks, just before reaching 60 days. I just have to do it!



No Excuses!

Because I fell off on blogging, as well, I will do a simple re-cap of the week:

Day 44, Class38

12 pm with Ivey Claire

She has such a sweet and calming spirit. Favorite quote, "might as well go into the next set instead of laying there dreading it". That's so true.

I had a double planned, but had to re-schedule to meet with my web designer. YAY!

Day 43, Class 37

5:30 with Rebecca

I can't muster up the energy to do doubles back to back doubles these days.

Day 42

I had a dinner planned with friends that cancelled, but I didn't have time to stop home to get clothes... actually, it was Wednesday, so I did. I just lied. I guess I just wasn't feeling it. I'll pay for it next week.

Gimmie Five!

Day 41, Class 36

5:30 with Susan

When I arrived to class, Eric the Stoic greeted me with a smile, thanking me for my e-mail and asked if he could use it as a testimonial on the BYD website. SURE! I meant every word. Just remove the names to protect the innocent.

Toward the beginning of class, Susan reminded us that the definition of an asana is to be in a position that is firm, but relaxed. Huh?

The class was a little wierd for everybody. I blamed it on having been away for so long, Susan attributed it to the New Moon (no moon). Susan, who is a great teacher, was calling out incorrect postures and everyone was falling and even laughing throughout class. She is so funny. She makes torture very enjoyable. In her times of seriousness, she suggested that we think of practicing for someone else. I could immediately relate. I know that when I am stronger, more flexible and more focused, I do a better and safer job for my clients and patients. What Susan went on to say was that when we feel better in our bodies, where less likely to be grumpy and ruin someone else's day. OK. I'll take that. She also said that no matter how we feel about a posture, it could always be worse. Perspective, always perspective.

I intended to stay for a second class, but unforeseen circumstances prevented me from doing so...

Seriously? Five days behind, for real? How did this happen?

There's No Place Like Home

Day 36, Class 35
Friday, May 22, 2009
6:00 am with Cynthia in Alexandria, VA

I arrived in D.C. on Thursday night for the fabulous, highly anticipated, annual belly dance conference. My cousin picked me up and we had dinner at the Chart House in Olde Towne, Virginia... is that too many silent e's? Anyway, we enjoyed sea bass and drinks and I was all the while preparing the both of us for my 6:00am hot yoga class. I really wanted to go, but I also knew that I had lots of dancing to do over the next three days at BOCA.

The Founder of the BOCA Dance, Yoga and Wellness Expo

Although I am a real morning person, I have never taken a Bikram class this early. I was a little intimidated by it all, but was glad that I could take one while out of town so that I would not get too much further behind. My beloved cousin had to drive me because I don't know how to drive her car that's a stick. She tried to teach me in '96 when I stayed the Summer with her, but I didn't catch onto it. We REALLY did wake up in time to go. I set my alarm, but said that if I didn't feel it, we didn't have to go. I was feeling it like the Jacksons!

When we arrived at the studio, which was at the end of a warehouse row, I was nervous and excited. I never know what these new classes and teachers are going to bring and I always want to represent for my studio. I oriented myself and began to prepare for class. The studio was very open and large compared to mine. It even has spaces for massage therapy treatment rooms. There are obviously other types of fitness classes being taught, but I didn't get a chance to see which ones. My practice was good, especially for being so early... I keep saying that, don't I? Before class, I mentioned to the teacher that I had a pulled hamstring and that I was still taking care of myself in certain postures. Right at the beginning of class, she informed me that they keep ice packs in the freezer at the back of class. I think that's a nice touch... and I took full advantage during the final Savasana, so that it would not be inflamed during dancing.

After class, the instructor said that I had a "strong practice with a lot of focus and discipline". I have also heard similar comments from instructors in New York and at another local studio. I accepted the compliment and e-mailed Eric (my studio's owner) that I owe all of that to them. I don't consider my studio to be strict, mean, militant or unreasonable. I don't think they are Bikram Nazi's, but I do respect them for instilling discipline during the practice and explaining why. Plus, as I've been saying here, all along, they each infuse a tremendous amount of anatomy, physiology, origin, rationale, antecdotes and life lessons that make it easier to get through my practice and my day.

No Savasna for you!

During her opening remarks, the instructor said that it would be OK for someone to leave the class if necessary. Our instructors say "please stay in the room at all times; take a break if you need to, stand there, sit down or lay down and the discomfort or sensation usually passes". I have yet to see one person leave the room. No one left this particular class, either. I just thought it was a little strange that she even put it out there. At this studio, and at others, there was so much wiping and drinking between postures... even drinking sports drinks. We only drink regular water during our classes. Two people came in late to the class and one had to take of jacket, pants and shoes during Pranayama breathing. I had never seen such. That's impossible at my studio, because the doors are locked a few minutes before class. The even instructor let a new student stand in the front, which was terribly distracting. They also use handtowels for every gripping posture. I think I have become a Bikram snob, but I don't mind. I like to practice the way I like to practice. Again, class wasn't bad, just a little lax... one more class out of the way.

Yoga Snob

AT BOCA, I was able to shake my shimmy for 3 days straight, for eight hours at a time. I met and reunited with some of the most fabulous dancers in the world. I learned some nice routines, experimented with different dance styles, and had a fabulous massage at Maisie Dunbar's Spa in Silver Spring, MD. I learned a lot about my yoni and I had a wonderful time with my big and little cousins. I am definitely going to do it again next year.

Amar Gamal and Kaeshi Chai of Bellyqueen

Featured BOCA Instructors and Performers

Bikram or Beauty?

Day 35

I did not go to class today because I am going to a belly dance conference tomorrow and I MUST be fabulash. I had to make a decision between Bikram and beauty. I do plan on taking at least one class in the Metro D.C. area. It's always fun to experience different studios and teaching styles. I am looking forward to it. But for now...

Falling Behind

Day 34, Class 34

5:30 with Susan

So... confession time. I stopped blogging for a while, but I'm catching up now. A week later, I think that "Falling Behind" had to do as much with class as it did with blogging. I don't remember any details from this class, but I'm sure that it was good and that Susan was funny and poignant. This was a 5:30 class on a Tuesday, which means that I was probably planning a double, which I obviously did not do. Foreshadowing...

Immediately after class, I washed my hair right at the studio so that I would be forced to do it when I got home. Five hours later, VOILA!