There was a period in my life (highly stressed) I was really hooked on Bikram yoga – and had the luxury of time to devote into the practice. All the sweating and the sense of accomplishment felt just so good. You do get hooked.
Then.
Life got a bit complicated.
So
I stopped.
(& gained 20+ lbs – no kidding – no worries, got down 10lb being a Ms. YoYo:)
So it was so rewarding to take Christine’s yin class held at – a bit surprised – at a Bikram based hot yoga studio!? It’s so refreshing that it’s actually an “yin” class but still you are breaking a sweat – not the intense Yang class you pass out from over-exertion (& that’s what many of us wanted to quiet the mind – it feels so good) during savasana at the end but just light and clear, as much in a different way. It’s about balance – when there’s so much yang; we need the yin or we burnout or or breakdown. There’s harmony and a flow when there’s balance. She asked me to test drive the heat and if I can stand it (no problem!) sub for her and I am thrilled to. In this studio, there are no props usually needed for a yin style class BUT the heat serves as that prop. As long as there’s ample fresh air for the oxygenated breath we take, then, I still love hot yoga even though I realize that many yogis scorn it. Whatever works, I’d say, to that prejudice. Whatever works in getting that peace within.
Memory of hot yoga class in Tokyo came back where cool towels and bottled water are provided to each student – it’s about hosting a guest and guests are sacred beings in Eastern philosophy. You invite them into your homes, your heart. Thank you Christine for inviting me. You are a pure light and breath of that fresh air. Namaste.
Here’s a scene from …yet another kind of class – use of props 101? Love all:) Haahhhh just chilling by hanging from the hip hinge.
Counter-Indications? High Blood pressure. You can still do them but some techniques to share in tweaking the pose so it’s accessible to everyone.