In April of 2001, I was driving on Bee Caves Road when a Yoga Vida sign caught my eye. A quick internet search told me this was hot yoga. Hmmm… what was that? I had been in a dance company for 10 years but had recently “retired” and was looking for something new. I had tried Pilates, I had tried the gym, I had tried running, but nothing felt good. I contacted an always-up-for-anything-adventurous friend to try a 90-minute hot yoga class with me. I remember two things about that class: my legs shaking during the second part of Awkward Pose, and my friend asking me a question and me answering (out loud) while everyone was in Savasana (Oops!!).
Since then, Bikram yoga has been an ever-present component in my life. During that time, I’ve transitioned my yoga goals from “Doing the most beautiful bow pose in the room” to waking up every morning feeling healthy in body-mind-spirit. When I can take 3-4 classes per week, I’m able to handle life with ease. When I am out of town or miss my regular classes for some reason, I have an achy lower back, stiff joints, feel depressed and am full of negative self-talk.
When asked why it wasn’t necessary to change things up from the 26-posture series, Bikram’s explanation was that it’s like brushing your teeth. It’s just something you do every day. It’s not meant to be exciting; it’s meant to keep you healthy. The longer I practice Bikram yoga, the more I appreciate these words. Over the last 20 years, I have practiced those same 26 postures:
· 3 times a week, 7 times a week, 11 times a week, 2 times a week, 4 times a week.
· While I was a full-time engineer, a full-time mom, and a full-time yoga teacher.
· As a 33-year old, a 43-year old, and now as a 53-year old. I still feel like a 33-year old and I believe it is because of this yoga practice. It’s like time has paused, and I have been able to remain youthful in body and youthful in my outlook about life.
· Through the heartbreak of divorce, and through the joy of a new marriage.
· Through 9 months of pregnancy, while recovering from a Cesarean section, while breastfeeding. While being injured. It’s such a valuable lesson to tell your ego to be quiet and accept what is possible in the moment.
· After losing grandparents. After losing pets. After losing a job.
· While being a mom to a 1-month old, a 1-year old, and a 12-year old.
· In a room that was too hot, in a room that was too cold, in a room that was just right.
· In studios in Texas, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, Canada, in a warehouse in Los Angeles, a tent in Las Vegas, and a hotel ballroom in Honolulu.
· In classes taught by Bikram, Rajashree, Emmy, Craig… so many classes and seminars with senior teachers… so many classes from first time teachers. Favorite teachers. Not so favorite teachers. But I have learned that every one of them has a lesson or some insight to offer to me.
· I’ve cried in Savasana, I’ve fallen asleep in Savasana, I’ve thrown up after Savasana (ha!)
· I’ve been awed by yoga champions and inspired by beginners accomplishing things they 
never thought possible. I’ll never forget the student who told me she hadn’t been able to wash her face with both hands due to arthritis until she began practicing Bikram yoga. To see a lightbulb go off in a student’s head after I have given a pointer that helped them, has given me more satisfaction than any engineering job I’ve ever had.
· I’ve made best friends and cherished acquaintances.
· In this last year, I’ve practiced at home in a room with a mirror, two heaters and a humidifier. A situation I never thought that I would tolerate or enjoy. But I’ve been so grateful for the opportunity to continue my practice. The yoga is the same, but I am different every single day. Thank you to all of you that have supported me on my 20-year Bikram yoga journey. I hope to still be working on that bow pose for another 20 years.