Day 61: Last Days!

I can't even begin to write the "oh my God it's over" post. Really. That'll take time. And you'll get it, not to worry. So instead, I'll just tell you about the last day.

First off, thought, how about that Rabbit!?!?!? I had no idea what I looked like in this posture and thought it was total shit. Well, how about that right there??? I went up for help with this one too, as it, along with the backbend, are ones I have worked hard to improve but wasn't 100% sure I was doing it right/well, etc.

Today started with morning class with Rajashree. It was really different from her teachings earlier in training, and honestly, a rougher class than any of us anticipated. It was good for me when it ended :) Jill too, for that matter. We all went to the salt water pool and took a dip before lunch.

After lunch, we had a slew of announcements wrapping things up, and then Bikram did posture clinic (from Half Tortoise to the end). As noted, I went up for Rabbit as I struggle with my hyper-ended elbows, but turns out, he said my posture was "excellent" and that I was "very flexible." He also asked about my (plastic surgery) scars and then went on to say that super flexible people are very prone to being overweight. He said, "you just have to eat a little and exercise 2x/day." Awesome.

Our final yoga class was wonderful. Bikram taught a upbeat, 85-minute class to the letter. It was super energized and we were all focused, and happy, and excited, and in the moment. He stopped for just two demos and a little song interlude but otherwise it was a rockin' good Bikram Yoga class. I was next to Todd, and we had a good time together. People were a little more relaxed with a bit of talking and photos and whatnot. Jill took class (her second double this week! and her 7th class in 5 days!!! what a girl I have!) and enjoyed it, too. We were all a little shell-shocked when it was over - it's just crazy to think we don't have to do two-a-day forever. And good to think that too. My body is about done with all this.

We jumped in the ocean after class with a slew of others before heading to dinner at 100% natural, where they were slow, so Jill and Jennifer's husband Dennis ended up bringing our food to us at the lecture hall. It was funny and fine, everyone got to eat and life went on. We were just all so happy about being done we really didn't care about the restaurant service being crap today.

Finally, our last 'evolution' of training was Bikram's Shitali Breathing lecture. I found it really enjoyable and the breathing exercise itself - it is a cooling breath - was crazy for me. He made us promise to never to it more than 10 minutes for the first 6 months, and after experiencing it, I see why. I felt like my head left my body! I couldn't feel anything above my neck. Weird and cool. No pun intended. Well, maybe a little. Anyhow, it was a nice ending.

Tomorrow is graduation! Enjoy the copious photos of today, I couldn't resist, you know, it's just that sort of day in your life - a big one.

Last Day in Pictures:
Class #93, rougher than expected with Rajashree; Pre-lecture announcements with Rowena, Julia & Craig; Christian & I at our last daytime lecture; Posture clinic with Bikram; Pix from the final yoga class - the 4 of us who hung out for most of the training - me, Christian, Todd & Jennifer (funny how we met them at orientation and just happened to be in line in front of them to get in the door - Todd had a Lebowski shirt on that I recognized...); me with Marshall & Leah, two group 14'ers I was especially close to; me and Luke(alicious!); Tara, me and Niki, two of my favorite Canadians!; of course, Christian & I pre-last-class; during class photos - I practiced next to Todd which was perfect! After shots of class #94 with Todd, Christian, and Jill. Bikram's final lecture on Shitali Breathing, and me and Boss!

Day 60: Almost there!

The mood here is kinda interesting. It’s a mix of anxiety – anxious to go home, anxious that it’s going to end, and anxious about “what’s next?” for a lot of people here. It reminds me of the keyed-up energy of Weeks 6 & 7 – but with a more positive vibe. Everyone is excited at the same time – I know I am – to actually graduate and be lucky enough to go and give this yoga to others!

I’m not going to write too much as I want to keep my time here at the end to really experience it, but also I want to capture what’s been happening so I can look back and remember! Anyhow, the run-down of Wednesday…

We started with a brutally hot Jim class (he’s back from San Diego) that ran a little long but felt like an eon. I practiced near Christian for the first time since Day 2! It’s so funny, we just liked different parts of the room at first, and then ended up on different lines due to groups. He had a rough time and I was glad to be near him to give him a squeeze now and then to let him know it was going to be ok. I myself felt like I was just flopping through postures, it was insanely hot and the energy in the room was just…spent. In the end, we all lived of course, but a bit worse for the wear. And we thought they were gonna let us coast....oy!

Lunch was fun and followed by the advanced class demo! It looked hard as hell and was fun to watch (as opposed to doing it). Bikram and Emmy and most of the staff participated. Some postures were phenomenal! Seeing 82-year-old Emmy bang out some of these moves was insane and inspiring all at once. Bikram of course, was a kick in the pants, helping people, doing postures and just offering his own special breed of commentary. We then had a little talk from the new management company about the franchising agreement that was signed in early May, and what that means in terms of the "business" going forward, including opening your own studio and what that will look like.

Afternoon class was our final Craig class. It was amazing – that man has a gift. It was one of my best classes of my life I’d say – I did my deepest backbend, I held the 2nd part of Awkward about 45 seconds (!!!!) – there was a contest, the winner held it for 3:28 and got to go up and teach the second set (breathlessly). It was good fun. Craig was inspiring and humble. I was next to Marshall, who was celebrating his 28th birthday, and it was a nice class for most of us. We headed to dinner for his birthday afterwards.

Our final evolution of the day was posture clinic with Bikram which was ended mercifully at 11 p.m. We went through up to Fixed Firm, and will finish tomorrow. I am loving this part and these lectures a lot! It’s a happy fun time. ☺ Tomorrow is it. The last day. It is hard to imagine actually teaching a class – and hard to believe I did this. I’ll do plenty more reflecting for y’all soon. But for now, wish me luck on my LAST DAY!!!!!!!!

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Pix: A much skinner version of both me and Christian above; Marshall, Sukh & Leah, 14'ers and friends; Class #91; Advanced demo; new Mgmt. company lecture; Class #92 with Jill; and postures with Bikram.

Day 59: Reflecting Begins

It’s not over until the fat lady sings. Or, perhaps, until the small Indian man sings. But wait, he sings all the time, so let’s just say it’s not over ‘til it’s over. Still, I can’t help but find myself reflecting a bit while I wander about these last few days in paradise. Don’t get excited though, I don’t have the time to write my reflections here and now – and then what would I have to write for you all over the next few weeks??

Wow. Tuesday done. Only two days left…4 yoga classes to go..two (potentially) sleepless nights…just a couple more buffets. It’s hard to believe! Ok, getting on with what we did today…

Morning class was with Emmy, and unlike yesterday’s 2-hour class, it was only about 15 minutes over. It was good, but we were all beat from getting to bed around 3 a.m. Monday night. I have to admit, some of my phenomenally deep-feeling savasanas may have actually been, well, sleep. Good class though, or, good enough for this point in the game.

After a nice breakfast-for-two at the buffet with Jill, afternoon lecture was around the postures again and we got up to Triangle. I am loving this part so much! If ever I come back to training, I will aim for the final week. I think this is a talk anyone would get a lot out of every time. Bikram showed a perfect triangle using a towel (see photo of Luke), and he helped a lot of people who struggle with their triangle. It was a nice afternoon!

Afternoon practice was a flawless Jason Winn class. Wow. What a class! It was just perfect and good and I was in love with yoga during it. This is a feeling we’re not exactly basking in a lot these days…so it was nice. Christian reported having a stunning class as well, and Jill loved it too.

At this point, it’s the “we’ve broken you down and now we’re building you up” time. Most agree the room isn’t quite so debilitatingly hot at this point, still it’s humid as all get out, but the heat isn’t killer. The lectures are nice and start a little later and they actually give us breaks again! It’s like being back in Week 1 and 2.

…except for the fact that my body is about done with all this. My low back feels like someone welded it into one hard, tight mass. My neck and shoulders, a favorite place to hold tension, is also rock solid (and not in a good way). Everything else is holding up just fine, but truth be told, I’m pooped in many ways. Oh, and my body also graced me with my third period in nine weeks! How about that?! So many report not having had one at all while here – apparently, I’m takin’ it for the team. Wee-haw.

Jill and I snagged a cabana and had a picnic dinner looking at the ocean. It was perfect and lovely! We have snacky meals at home a lot, and it was fun to just do 'our thing' together - we made cranberry tuna salad, had nuts, cheese, crackers, chocolate and chips. It was a nice relaxing way to spend time together, eat and just continue re-connecting after being apart for so long :)

Evening brought another batch of postures, up through Toe Stand. Then Bikram didn’t have the videos he had hoped to show us, got a little perturbed and just sent us to bed at the civilized hour of 12:15 a.m.! How exciting! Also, they told us today about festivities for Friday’s graduation! We graduate at 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., then a nice celebratory buffet, bonfire at 7 p.m. and then we rented out the club/disco here at the hotel and are having an outside DJ come starting at 10 p.m. Oh, and there will be booze. Amen.

Class #88; Posture Clinic with Bikram; Class #89; Dinner on the beach with Jilly; Evening lecture.

Bonus Post: Backbending with Bikram!

As mentioned yesterday, I went up and had Bikram help me with my backbend. Christian kindly took photos for me - again, yes, I know the knees are bending but it was interesting to see my flexibility capability (my deepest backbend ever to my knowledge), and of course, to get help from the Boss himself!

Day 58: The "Lasts" Really Begin

Whoa.

The last Monday. The last this, the last that. You can't help but feel this way! Craig spoke today about graduation, how the day will work, etc. and the reality really started to kick in that we are really almost done.

Now, in the yoga room, I don't think there is better news to be had. I can speak for myself when I say...I'm about sick of yoga. I mean, let me explain. I love the yoga! You all know this. I know this. But passing up the 90 class mark (with my weekend bonus classes) it's just sometimes feeling a little tedious. Usually this feeling is most apparent while waiting for class to start - once I get past half moon I'm good to go. But it feels like the end of a long race...you're rounding the bend and your body is finished but your mind has to will it forward. So, I'm spending a lot of time willing myself forward!

Jill joined me for BOTH classes today - her first ever double! And, what a double: Emmy in the morning (she's back!) and Bikram in the afternoon. She did great - I was so proud of her not to mention just delighted to have her in the room, sharing the experience. Of course it also warms my heart that she does "the yoga" and likes it enough to dedicate to it (she'll tell you, "I don't love it, but I like how it makes me feel).

The morning class was wicked low-energy; Emmy none-to-pleased with our perceived lack of progress since she left in Week 2 didn't help. Of course, in our defense...it was Monday morning of Week 9...not exactly a class I'd have laid money on for energetic :) At one point during a long set-up for Triangle, I counted 15 people in my view who were sitting down - I was only in row 5! Plus, a handful behind me were down. That said, I had a tremendous-feeling floor series! It's been rough on the floor in the mornings for me, so having such a good one felt great.

Afternoon class was great, a nice, high-energy, good-mood Bikram class. He of course was himself and said some crazy funny things so Jill got a good taste of him for her first time in his class. I had a really nice practice. Lately my 2nd part of Awkward, my Triangle, Standing Head to Knee and Toe stand have been my focus. Big news!

1) I held the 2nd part of awkward both sets without falling out
2) Strong triangles
3) I PUT MY FOREHEAD TO MY KNEE on one side, one set, but I DID IT for the 1st time ever!
4) I got BOTH hands up on my right side in Toe for many seconds, as opposed to a sort of clap at the end ;)

These things keep me going and make me excited.

Otherwise today, Bikram started his posture lectures. In the afternoon, he went through half moon, awkward and eagle. He asked for volunteers who had "bad ones" and I ran up for backbending because I want it to be better soooooo badly! So, in front of everyone, Bikram helped me achieve the deepest backbend I've ever seen (Christian has a photo I'll post as when I get it). At the end, my knees bent, but he said for demo purposes, that was ok, as it showed my flexibility and what I am capable of. It was super cool having help from him! I went up without hesitation and was really glad I did! In the evening, we got up through Standing Head to Knee. These talks are so amazing, he talks about how to teach beginners, what we should expect to see and how to help them. Very useful and interesting, and he's so engaged and excited about this part, it's really cool.

Jill took me out on a little date - we broke out of the compound and went to 100% Natural for dinner. It was really nice and I was excited for her to experience it since we all have loved it so much over the months we've been here. :)

The icing on the cake was our "break" at 11:30 p.m. before a compulsory film which was actually pretty fun: Om Shanti Om. Sadly, like many Indian films, it was quite long and I couldn't stay up for the whole thing (I got to bed by 2:50 a.m.), but watched some. I went back during the break and put Jill to bed - it's been so nice having her here. It's almost like a transition back to 'real life' having her here this week - just getting me used to the idea of leaving this incredible experience by reminding me how wonderful and rich my life is at home!

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Jill does a double! Morning class #86; lecture shots; the film guy; advice from 100% natural (click to enlarge & read!); class #87!

Day 57: Lazy-ish Sunday

Today was so nice! Waking up with Jill was surreal, at first when I woke I was utterly confused and forget where I was for a minute. Isn't that funny when that happens? Anyhow, we did end up at 11 a.m. yoga for a nice, chill (so to speak) class - it was only 98 degrees and Tim, the Aussie who's been here volunteering for like 6 weeks, taught a fantastic Sunday class. Jill cruised through with flying colors and said after final breathing, "Honey, that was the coldest Bikram class I've ever taken!" I assured her we'd make up for it tomorrow, no problem.

We then spent the day by the pool, ordered lunch, I worked on dialogue and Jill read her book, got some sun, etc. Then tonight was my group #14 dinner! It was really fun, we kept it easy and close by and all but 1 person showed up (we missed you Joshua!). I read my little piece I wrote for the talent show, and Roy told us a nice story about how grateful he was to us. It was also fun to eat Italian food! Basil is something I haven't had in ages!

Well, it's the last week folks. Can you believe it!?!? I can't. I am going to be so sad to have this experience end, but also I'm super excited to get back to real life. Last week, Bikram talked about the new franchise program that is now the only way you can open a studio. It has some good and bad to it, but makes the prospect of someday opening a studio look a little different than my vision. I trust the right thing will happen for me! In the meantime, of course, my job is to become a rockin' good teacher...and to that end, I'm going to be teaching a "mock" class on Thursday, June 12th at Noon at Hot Yoga of Laurelhurst! If you are in Seattle and would like to come, let me know! Saiko is coordinating it for me and will be there to offer me feedback after. I'm terrified and excited! Otherwise, I'll be working to get some classes as soon as possible in June and will keep you all posted....

Finally, I just wanted to say I will be keeping up with the blog for a little while after training. I plan to give an updated packing list based on what actually was useful, what I didn't have that I wished I had; and all that. Plus, I think over the first few weeks the reflections on this experience will be interesting to capture and of course, I'll talk a bit about how the teaching is going! So, please stay with me! :)
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Jill & I after class #1 (here at training, anyhow, she has done plenty of Bikram before!), and me after my 90th!!!; By the pool, and (the one looks all Charlie's Angels, eh?) shots of Group #14 dinner out!