Time is Flying

      I can't believe that in TWO weeks I will be in San Diego!  For the longest time, training seemed so far into the future.  Now that it is around the corner, I have so many mixed emotions/feelings for it. Sometimes, after a particularly difficult class, I find myself driving home wondering what I am getting myself into!  For the most part, however, I am very excited for training.  I look forward to the energy in the room practicing with so many other people and the fact that for 9 weeks, 100% of my time will be directed towards learning yoga and focusing on my own practice.  I'm nervous for the content I must memorize and the CRAZY hours we will be keeping.  I'm hopeful I won't struggle too much with the dialogue so I will be able to enjoy my very limited free time in San Diego.

      I had a dream last night that I forgot to pack random things I didn’t think I would need. So, needless to say I am starting to get a list together of what I need to pack.  I am also trying to figure out what I am going to feed myself while I am there.  Unlike past training sessions, food is no longer included in the very high tuition cost. This was a little unsettling for me because we are staying in regular hotel rooms with no kitchens.  I don’t know what the cost of eating out will run me while I am there, so I’m trying to figure out well-balanced meals I can make myself to stay within my budget.  I am seriously considering smuggling in a mini toaster oven that I could cook some prepared stuff from trader joe’s.  I guess we’ll see what the set-up is once I’m there!

      This past Saturday, I met another teacher trainee from the Ann Arbor studio.  My studio director mentioned her to me a little bit ago, offering the idea of us being roommates.  I was all for it, but wanted to meet her first just to be sure!  She practices with her mom too, so they both came to class.  She seems super nice!  I think rooming together will work great, not to mention it’ll be nice getting there and having a familiar face! 

Practice, Practice, Practice

I knew these weeks up to training would fly by, but I didn't realize just what all I needed to accomplish.  I work 5 nights at my restaurant, but could usually count on one night getting the call off.  Now that training is around the corner I can NOT miss any more work!! Not only for insurance hours, but of course money! I need every dollar I can make right now to cover my bills while I'm gone.  It sadly makes my job a little more depressing knowing I can't get that phone call in the afternoon letting me take the night off! Oh well..

On top of work, I'm trying to keep my practice up.  I've been 3 days this week, but missed yesterday and today.  My muscles have been very fatigued and weak this past week. Not sure what is up with that.

Practicing this dialogue has been a challenge in itself! It's the same dialogue every class, and I hear it constantly.  Here I was thinking it shouldn't be too difficult! Ha, was I wrong!  While I know the general dialogue, I do not know Bikram's.  It has to be word for word.  I'm getting confused by all of the little words and phrases.
An example would be:  Weight IN the heels; Weight ON the heels! YOUR heels, THE legs.  Stuff like that switches back and forth constantly!
I've recorded myself saying the dialogue which helps.  I have had to replace sirius in my car with my own boring voice going over the dialogue.  People in cars next to me probably think I am crazy.  Seeing  me talk to myself, then get really upset and reset the CD.  It seems to be helping though!

So this holiday weekend will be dedicated to practicing both the dialogue and yoga.  At some point I need to get a packing list together...

A little background info

For those who are not familiar with Bikram Yoga, it is a form of hot hatha yoga.  The 90-minute yoga class consists of 26 postures practiced in a heated room (ideally 105 degrees and 40% humidity).  There are countless benefits to practicing in the heat.  Detoxification through sweating occurs instantly, flushing all of the glands and organs in your body. The heat keeps your muscles warm and loose, which is optimal for stretching.  It also thins the blood and flushes veins and arteries, lowering cholesterol.  The list goes on and on…

FAQ of Bikram Yoga

The 26 postures- click each pic to see benefits

I’ve been practicing Bikram Yoga for about a year and a half.  I was looking for something different to add to my workout routine to increase flexibility while maintaining a cardiovascular workout.  Shortly after starting my practice I realized the profound impact it had on my day-to-day life and started thinking about teaching. It is something I could do at any stage in my life, in addition to another job or not.  I did some research and set my intentions to attend the Fall 2010 training.

The training will be held in San Diego, CA.  I will spend 9 weeks living at the Town and Country Resort and learning everything I can to be able to teach others the benefits of the yoga. 

Here is what my schedule will be like from Sept 19 until Nov 20^th:

MONDAY-FRIDAY

8:30- 10:00a.m - Bikram Yoga Class

10:00-12:15- Lunch Break

12:15-4:00- Posture Clinic/ Lectures

5:00-6:30- Bikram Yoga Class

6:30-9:00- Dinner

9:00- WHENEVER-Posture Clinic/Lecture

SATURDAY

8:00-9:30a.m-Bikram Yoga Class

SUNDAY

  DAY OF REST!!!!

Generally, my night will conclude around 11 p.m or midnight.  When Bikram himself is in town, however, we can expect to stay until 2 or 3 a.m L I think I read a previous training blog where they were released at 5 a.m. one night/ morning.  The idea behind that madness is to force us to realize we can always make it through regardless of the situation, or lack of sleep!  For those who know me, you know I am a very spoiled sleeper! I can barely open my eyes with 7 hours a night and I’m very happy when I get 10.  So, needless to say, that is probably one of my biggest concerns heading into this training.  (I know... poor me J)

With amazing support from Jeremy, my family, friends and work, I will leave Sept 19^th for San Diego!