Winter Yoga, Wing Night & The Greatest Feeling

A crowded class reminds you to find your private practice. Photo via Coffee and Yoga.

Class was super crowded last night at the studio. Lots of beginners around. Looks like a lot of New Year's resolutions have been set!


The mats were lined up in neat rows, lots of yogis packed into the room. All the commotion and bustle really pumped me up. I warmed up with big smiles, and energy coursing through me. I love a good crowded class.

Breathe together, move together. That's the yoga. Photo via Lululemon's Flickr photostream.

What's funny is I arrived there with my good friend Lindsay, who's a Bikram teacher and massage therapist at the studio, and we both entered the Hot Room separately to set up our mats. Little did I know, I had plopped my stuff down right next to hers!

The close quarters made for an inspiring class. Linds is a super yogi and having her next to me during the postures gave me the motivation to push a little harder, focus a little stronger, and let go of the crazy energy from the beginners in the room.

That's Lindsay at her Teacher Training in Acapulco. She is an incredible yogi!

Being close to other yogis in the room also brought my thoughts to Teacher Training. I seriously can't wait to be there!


On some days it feels like I've got a lot of preparing to do before I go. I want to have at least the first four  postures down before Training, plus I could really use a challenge or two before I kill myself for 90 minutes... twice a day, for three months! Ha.


On other days, though, I feel ready to pack up a little suitcase and get my ass to the Big Tent right away. I've got my wardrobe of tiny shorts and sports bras, my set of yoga mats, my Bengal tiger strength and English Bulldog determination. I've got my open mind and willingness to let go. I'm ready, right?


And especially after crowded classes like last night's, I just can't help but imagine the energy in the room with Bikram up front and a bunch of advanced, eager trainees lining the floor from wall to wall. It has to be electric!

Standing Bow next to Standing Bow. Gotta love a crowded class! Photo via Lululemon's Flickr photostream.

Regardless of when I get to Training, I am very grateful to know that it is a goal I will turn to reality. It's not a "new year's resolution." It's a life goal. It will happen... "eventually or in the future." (And for those who are curious, it's looking like Fall 2011 is going to be my time, but nothing is set yet. I will keep you posted for sure!)


I can't wait to get back to class -- both at Bikram Yoga Evanston and other studios in the area. One of my goals this year is to expand my practice into new forms. I am hoping to buy a few DVDs for at-home practice (to meet my budget), as well as review some local studios on the blog (and hopefully score a few free classes here and there). There are plenty of cheap or free community classes as well!


The greatest feeling of all is to be surrounded by your fellow yogis as you work through class.


The surrender, the energy, the love in the room: it's overwhelming and wonderful. All at once. All together. All you need: your yoga!