Four days have come and gone since training has ended. I was lucky enough to have my parents and Aunt come down for my graduation. My Auntie Shirley did every single class with us since she arrived, fourteen classes in nine days. She did her first double ever here and knocked out every single posture, what a rock star. My parents did their very first Bikram class, they were lucky enough to have it with Bikram on our very last class of training, and they both lived to tell about it, talk about rock stars!
I went to the make up class by choice on Saturday with Nikki and Auntie Shirley. My body was loving doing the yoga every day so going four or five days with out it will be kind of weird. I know weird is a funny way to describe it but I think that sums it up. I don’t think my body will crave it, it has been sending me signals this week that it is ready for a break.
Sunday was the day the majority of students now teachers were checking out and going home, my room mate included. I spent Sunday lounging around and enjoying my family time, that’s hard to come by these days. After breakfast I shoved all my stuff into my suitcases and switched into Auntie Shirley's room. Eleni’s flight wasn’t until the afternoon so we took our time packing up and getting ready. We left all our unopened food, plastic containers, and cutlery for Maria, our maid who has made the stay as comfortable as possible for us during our stay. It felt so surreal to take one more glance at the room before saying good bye and closing the door behind me.
It was nice not have to think about getting laundry done, going to wal-mart or fitting in a nap. It was Damien’s last night here so we all went for supper. We also took some posture photo’s by the ocean because who knows when either of us will have that opportunity again. Damien also said good bye to his mat in style, releasing it into the ocean. Okay he didn’t leave it there but he tossed into the ocean, I bet that felt good.
Monday was sight seeing day. We hired Alejandro, a cabbie we met one night after eating at Costa Nostra. He took us (me, Mom, Dad, and Auntie Shirley) around Acapulco for the day. We saw the oldest church in Acapulco, the cliff divers, shopped at the mall, stopped at the church at the top of the hill where all the well to do people live and we ended the day with swimming with the dolphins. When we got back I cooked my last gourmet Italian pasta rice cooker meal in Acapulco. Tuesday became a day to enjoy the sun.
Now I sit here at the airport waiting to board the plane. I thought I would miss training more than I do right now. I think it will take a little time for it all to sink in once I get home. I think staying a couple days after training is exactly what a person should do. It gave me a little adjustment time to get used to not having a schedule or seeing a yogi around every corner. My last class was the make up class so that was a baby step into getting back into the room with a mere 40 people. I am actually excited to get into the hot room at home, the people there are so supportive.
The weekend before week nine I was getting a little sad thinking that it was coming to an end. We were told not to even worry about week nine, not to even think about it. When week nine started it sure wasn’t what I was expecting, especially after being told not to worry about it. There was a rumor going around that the chakra doctor had cancelled. One trainee asked the staff straight out if she was coming and once again we were given the run around, saying they didn’t know. The next day we were put into the hot room for an extra three hours to do three mock classes, granted the heat wasn’t on but regardless, we were all sweating and it drained us.
There were a lot of people that began to get irritated and to the point of anger by Tuesday night moving into Wednesday afternoon. I was a little more on the annoyed side, annoyed at being kept in the dark about everything, annoyed at the disorganization and annoyed that week ninewas so frusterating. The mood took a 360 degree angle turn Wednesday afternoon when Bikram walked in and introduced Craig. In a matter of minutes the man was able to relieve some of the anxiety that was created in the last two days. Some how he was also able to capture our attention for the entire three hours he lectured for that day and the following afternoon.
I went to the make up class by choice on Saturday with Nikki and Auntie Shirley. My body was loving doing the yoga every day so going four or five days with out it will be kind of weird. I know weird is a funny way to describe it but I think that sums it up. I don’t think my body will crave it, it has been sending me signals this week that it is ready for a break.
Sunday was the day the majority of students now teachers were checking out and going home, my room mate included. I spent Sunday lounging around and enjoying my family time, that’s hard to come by these days. After breakfast I shoved all my stuff into my suitcases and switched into Auntie Shirley's room. Eleni’s flight wasn’t until the afternoon so we took our time packing up and getting ready. We left all our unopened food, plastic containers, and cutlery for Maria, our maid who has made the stay as comfortable as possible for us during our stay. It felt so surreal to take one more glance at the room before saying good bye and closing the door behind me.
It was nice not have to think about getting laundry done, going to wal-mart or fitting in a nap. It was Damien’s last night here so we all went for supper. We also took some posture photo’s by the ocean because who knows when either of us will have that opportunity again. Damien also said good bye to his mat in style, releasing it into the ocean. Okay he didn’t leave it there but he tossed into the ocean, I bet that felt good.
Monday was sight seeing day. We hired Alejandro, a cabbie we met one night after eating at Costa Nostra. He took us (me, Mom, Dad, and Auntie Shirley) around Acapulco for the day. We saw the oldest church in Acapulco, the cliff divers, shopped at the mall, stopped at the church at the top of the hill where all the well to do people live and we ended the day with swimming with the dolphins. When we got back I cooked my last gourmet Italian pasta rice cooker meal in Acapulco. Tuesday became a day to enjoy the sun.
Now I sit here at the airport waiting to board the plane. I thought I would miss training more than I do right now. I think it will take a little time for it all to sink in once I get home. I think staying a couple days after training is exactly what a person should do. It gave me a little adjustment time to get used to not having a schedule or seeing a yogi around every corner. My last class was the make up class so that was a baby step into getting back into the room with a mere 40 people. I am actually excited to get into the hot room at home, the people there are so supportive.
The weekend before week nine I was getting a little sad thinking that it was coming to an end. We were told not to even worry about week nine, not to even think about it. When week nine started it sure wasn’t what I was expecting, especially after being told not to worry about it. There was a rumor going around that the chakra doctor had cancelled. One trainee asked the staff straight out if she was coming and once again we were given the run around, saying they didn’t know. The next day we were put into the hot room for an extra three hours to do three mock classes, granted the heat wasn’t on but regardless, we were all sweating and it drained us.
There were a lot of people that began to get irritated and to the point of anger by Tuesday night moving into Wednesday afternoon. I was a little more on the annoyed side, annoyed at being kept in the dark about everything, annoyed at the disorganization and annoyed that week ninewas so frusterating. The mood took a 360 degree angle turn Wednesday afternoon when Bikram walked in and introduced Craig. In a matter of minutes the man was able to relieve some of the anxiety that was created in the last two days. Some how he was also able to capture our attention for the entire three hours he lectured for that day and the following afternoon.
If I could have changed one thing in the last week I wish Craig would have been here for at least all of week nine. There is so much to learn from him and I felt like it was just the tip of the ice berg by only having him for a couple days. Having him here seemed to be the missing piece of the puzzle as he was able to connect all the dots for me.
By the end of the week I was no longer sad thinking about it all ending. I tried to enjoy every single breath and absorb everything I could in the last moments with my new Bikram family. I started to think about all the doors this opportunity has opened for me. I am also really glad that my parents came down to share this experience with me as well. When I told them I was going to training they didn’t try to stop me, they questioned why it had to be for two months and in Mexico. When I told them there was a graduation they asked when and booked their flights the following day.
At graduation and in the last class, Bikram talked dircectly to the families telling them how lucky we are, how they probably don’t even recognize us anymore. In the last couple days my parents started asking me questions about Bikram himself, teaching, and the yoga. By them asking me questions gives me the signal that they care, they are interested and want to know more, and that mean so much to me. I think having them come here for a couple days also helped me to better adjust to the coming out of the bubble.
I talked to some people about what they are going to miss when training is over. Some common answers have been:
By the end of the week I was no longer sad thinking about it all ending. I tried to enjoy every single breath and absorb everything I could in the last moments with my new Bikram family. I started to think about all the doors this opportunity has opened for me. I am also really glad that my parents came down to share this experience with me as well. When I told them I was going to training they didn’t try to stop me, they questioned why it had to be for two months and in Mexico. When I told them there was a graduation they asked when and booked their flights the following day.
At graduation and in the last class, Bikram talked dircectly to the families telling them how lucky we are, how they probably don’t even recognize us anymore. In the last couple days my parents started asking me questions about Bikram himself, teaching, and the yoga. By them asking me questions gives me the signal that they care, they are interested and want to know more, and that mean so much to me. I think having them come here for a couple days also helped me to better adjust to the coming out of the bubble.
I talked to some people about what they are going to miss when training is over. Some common answers have been:
'Getting my bed made every day’- I never really thought about this because I always felt bad for the maids. They came in, cleaned and did the same thing every single day. I felt bad because we would come back from class and mess up the neat way they arranged our stuff in the shower, dirty the cup they just cleaned, and use the towel they just folded. I was told to get used to it, it’s their job, but its hard to get used to when you are someone who does everything for yourself.
Practicing twice a day- I actually think that is something I can agree with. My body was very much enjoying and eating up the doubles. My body defintely needs a little break for a couple days but I know it will crave it daily.
Having a schedule- I am not usually one that likes to be told what to do, so having a schedule you would think would be hard for me. I actually liked having a schedule, it gave me a purpose and reason to be somewhere. On those days when we got an extra hour before lecture was nice, though I would sit in my room and think, ‘now what, so much extra time?’
Their room mate- As far as Eleni and I go; we didn’t ask to be put together but it worked out that way I believe for a reason. We come from the same studio and talked about room mates before we left but both decided to leave it up to the universe. We got put together and had the option of talking to the staff and seeing if we could switch rooms. We decided to leave it the way it was because who knows what would happen if we asked to be switched plus our schedules meshed so well together. We woke up in the morning at the same time, enough time to eat breakfast, change and get to class; perfect. After the yoga classes, Eleni would head straight up to the room to shower and get ready and I would head to the pool for my salt water swim. By the time I got back to the room, the shower was waiting for me. We went for lunch together (until the last week when Eleni got tired of the food). Supper was easy, whether we made pasta together or ordered room service, we normally ate together in the room, studied dialogue or played on our computers. We would also do our shuttle rides and shopping together on the weekends. The only thing we did not do together was our dialogue, which worked out perfectly okay. I still like to bug her about being a perfectionist, I gave up on that after by little cry at balancing stick.
We trusted each other and were able to vent to each other knowing it would stay between us. I don’t think there was a ever a moment when we completely lost it on each other either. We never yelled or threw things at each others, lol, which I heard can happen. I think we both learned from each other and I think it will continue as we head back to the same studio. If we got one thing out of this, a least we know we can travel together, we all need a good travel partner. Oh and I can’t forget to mention the kicker; neither of us snored so that was glorious.
Practicing with 300 people- I think whoever denies they are going to miss practicing with that many people is crazy. The energy is unbelievable, even on those days when you want to strangle the person next to you for lying down the entire class. One thing I have learnt from practicing with this many people is you never know what is going on with someone. You might be practicing beside someone who was up puking all night or has had diaherra for the last two weeks, but are still pushing through the poses. They aren’t stealing your energy like I used to think. I realized those were the days they needed me, those are the days I sent them my love because tomorrow it might be me, you never know. To sum it up, YES, I will absoletly miss practicing with 300 plus people.
Bikram- This is completely obvious, and he has told us since day one that for the first time in our lives we will miss someone and something; him. The guy can be a little in your face at times, but that is him, and I love it, bring it on. On the last night he lectured when he was just sitting there telling us stories, I leaned over to Eleni and said, “I could listen to him all night until class starts”. There was not one night I fell asleep when he was talking about his life and his stories (watching the Bollywood movies was a whole different story). I plan to return to future trainings and stay connected with Bikram, so the withdrawl shouldn’t last too long, but I know it’s never the same.
Now here is my list of things I will not miss:
10) Atlantis (lecture room) chairs
9) Not feeling safe in my home of two months (once the break-ins started)
8) Shopping at Wal-mart
7) Having to get a taxi/shuttle every time I want to go somewheres
6) Filling up the britta three times a day
5) Getting locked out of my room because the door battery died
4) Worrying about ants/being bitten in my bed
3) Mexico
2) Not knowing what will happen next
1) Chula Vista
I am not really out of the bubble yet so I can’t quite yet reflect on my entire experience, nor do I want to. I hope it takes years for me understand exactly what went on. I am excited to grow and see what the future holds as I have learnt a ton of things about myself. In these nine weeks I have begun to wake up all those sleepy, lazy brain cells, the ones I never knew I had, the ones Bikram talks about. I remember when I was 19 and I told a friend, “I know exactly who I am right now." HA, if only I had heard Bikram’s four pivotal words back them…"YOU HAVE NO IDEA!" (though I probably would have rolled my eyes). The two things I have learned throughout this entire experience is: Don’t anticipate anything and just smile.
With that I leave you with this Bikram quote:
‘When good comes in your life,
don’t get excited and jump up and down like monkey, because bad is coming very soon.
When bad comes in your life,
fight through it, be happy, put a smile on your face because good is coming.
That is life’
NAMASTE
Practicing twice a day- I actually think that is something I can agree with. My body was very much enjoying and eating up the doubles. My body defintely needs a little break for a couple days but I know it will crave it daily.
Having a schedule- I am not usually one that likes to be told what to do, so having a schedule you would think would be hard for me. I actually liked having a schedule, it gave me a purpose and reason to be somewhere. On those days when we got an extra hour before lecture was nice, though I would sit in my room and think, ‘now what, so much extra time?’
Their room mate- As far as Eleni and I go; we didn’t ask to be put together but it worked out that way I believe for a reason. We come from the same studio and talked about room mates before we left but both decided to leave it up to the universe. We got put together and had the option of talking to the staff and seeing if we could switch rooms. We decided to leave it the way it was because who knows what would happen if we asked to be switched plus our schedules meshed so well together. We woke up in the morning at the same time, enough time to eat breakfast, change and get to class; perfect. After the yoga classes, Eleni would head straight up to the room to shower and get ready and I would head to the pool for my salt water swim. By the time I got back to the room, the shower was waiting for me. We went for lunch together (until the last week when Eleni got tired of the food). Supper was easy, whether we made pasta together or ordered room service, we normally ate together in the room, studied dialogue or played on our computers. We would also do our shuttle rides and shopping together on the weekends. The only thing we did not do together was our dialogue, which worked out perfectly okay. I still like to bug her about being a perfectionist, I gave up on that after by little cry at balancing stick.
We trusted each other and were able to vent to each other knowing it would stay between us. I don’t think there was a ever a moment when we completely lost it on each other either. We never yelled or threw things at each others, lol, which I heard can happen. I think we both learned from each other and I think it will continue as we head back to the same studio. If we got one thing out of this, a least we know we can travel together, we all need a good travel partner. Oh and I can’t forget to mention the kicker; neither of us snored so that was glorious.
Practicing with 300 people- I think whoever denies they are going to miss practicing with that many people is crazy. The energy is unbelievable, even on those days when you want to strangle the person next to you for lying down the entire class. One thing I have learnt from practicing with this many people is you never know what is going on with someone. You might be practicing beside someone who was up puking all night or has had diaherra for the last two weeks, but are still pushing through the poses. They aren’t stealing your energy like I used to think. I realized those were the days they needed me, those are the days I sent them my love because tomorrow it might be me, you never know. To sum it up, YES, I will absoletly miss practicing with 300 plus people.
Bikram- This is completely obvious, and he has told us since day one that for the first time in our lives we will miss someone and something; him. The guy can be a little in your face at times, but that is him, and I love it, bring it on. On the last night he lectured when he was just sitting there telling us stories, I leaned over to Eleni and said, “I could listen to him all night until class starts”. There was not one night I fell asleep when he was talking about his life and his stories (watching the Bollywood movies was a whole different story). I plan to return to future trainings and stay connected with Bikram, so the withdrawl shouldn’t last too long, but I know it’s never the same.
Now here is my list of things I will not miss:
10) Atlantis (lecture room) chairs
9) Not feeling safe in my home of two months (once the break-ins started)
8) Shopping at Wal-mart
7) Having to get a taxi/shuttle every time I want to go somewheres
6) Filling up the britta three times a day
5) Getting locked out of my room because the door battery died
4) Worrying about ants/being bitten in my bed
3) Mexico
2) Not knowing what will happen next
1) Chula Vista
I am not really out of the bubble yet so I can’t quite yet reflect on my entire experience, nor do I want to. I hope it takes years for me understand exactly what went on. I am excited to grow and see what the future holds as I have learnt a ton of things about myself. In these nine weeks I have begun to wake up all those sleepy, lazy brain cells, the ones I never knew I had, the ones Bikram talks about. I remember when I was 19 and I told a friend, “I know exactly who I am right now." HA, if only I had heard Bikram’s four pivotal words back them…"YOU HAVE NO IDEA!" (though I probably would have rolled my eyes). The two things I have learned throughout this entire experience is: Don’t anticipate anything and just smile.
With that I leave you with this Bikram quote:
‘When good comes in your life,
don’t get excited and jump up and down like monkey, because bad is coming very soon.
When bad comes in your life,
fight through it, be happy, put a smile on your face because good is coming.
That is life’
NAMASTE
