Bikram Hot Yoga Houston Blog

Balance the energies of effort and rest. This is always a challenge in a Bikram Hot Yoga class, because we strive to push ourselves beyond all of our limitations. For maximum benefit, push to your personal edge, then back off very slightly so you can maintain the pose. Hold steady in that ultimate expression, and then relax, let go, ahhhh.... Enjoy the sweet result of your effort; stillness and peace!

I read this wonderful sentence several days ago "Let your practice be a refuge from the need to control". I found it to be incredibly wise advice; advice that can be applied both within the classroom and in our daily affairs.

Nothing makes class more miserable than focusing on trying to control the heat, the teacher, another student, etc. Peace of mind flies out the window, you are consumed with negative thoughts, and anger sets up with you on your yoga mat and melts all the ice in your water bottle! How much more delightful is it when we accept the particular "flavor" of class that day and focus on what we love instead of what we dislike?

To take refuge in your yoga practice, releasing the need to control, is like putting honey in hot tea - not only is does it sweeten it, it's also medicinal!

Today the entire world practiced yoga together! Yoga means union in Sanskrit, and today millions of people around the world joined together to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama. What an incredible day; what an incredible experience!! Today is the first day in my entire life that I've felt proud to be an American. I've always been very, very grateful, but today was the first day I felt proud.

Of course he's just one man, we all must do our part. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "we must be the change we wish to see in the world". So Amen Everybody.... Let's get busy :-)

www.whitehouse.gov