Well, I got to see the newly renovated studio a few days ago. All I can say is, "Wow!!". It looks really cool. Now there is a full window looking in on the chamber, and increased retail space. The showers/changing room are very cool, and a water dispenser has been installed to cut down on plastic bottles. The lobby/retail area has been redone in a classic Western motif -- befitting the town "Where the West Begins".
Yes, the new Bikram Fort Worth is ready to go with a full slate of classes tomorrow.
Sweetie and I, however, will not be there.
I got to talk to the new owner, who completed training last spring and was one of our instructors under the former owners. She is a great person, with a solid vision for the studio. Anyone who reads this blog knows that Sweetie and I were on the work-study program under the old regime. For now, there will be no work-study at the new studio.
Let me say this: I am not angry. I am not upset. (In fact, I was kind of expecting this.) I understand the situation fully and hold no malice to anyone affiliated with the new studio. I texted the owner earlier today to wish her luck, and tell her that we would be back ASAP.
So, what to do in the meantime?
1) Practice at home: Sweetie and I were discussing converting our spare room into a practice area. A couple of space heaters and a CD player are needed, as well as a mirror on one wall. We could (theoretically) practice anytime. Drawbacks: 1) I think it would be too easy to say, "I'm too tired... need to do laundry/fix dinner/clean house/ etc." and we wouldn't practice at all. 2) Never used the CD before. Will we tire of the same voice/words/cadence time after time? 3) No live instructor to call out corrections -- perhaps preventing an injury or a bad posture.
2) Try a different form of yoga: There is something called Karmany Yoga about 8 minutes away. Meanwhile, about five minutes in the opposite direction, there is a new studio going in: Sumits Hot Yoga. It hasn't opened yet, so I've had no chance to check it out. Bikram is the only yoga I've ever tried. Perhaps I need to try a few different types?
3) Just put the mat away: There are other forms of exercise. Lots of things I could do. I don't think I could just give up yoga (in some form) forever. I enjoy Bikram (well, I enjoy the benefits) and I want to resume as soon as possible. I NEED that time to myself to decompress -- I have missed that aspect more than any other: the chance to push everything aside and just worry about my breath and my postures for 90 minutes.
So, the dream of resuming Bikram is only delayed, not denied.
If you have any suggestions on anything I covered, please feel free to leave a comment (especially when it comes to home practice). I would very much appreciate it!!
Namaste.
Mark! I'm glad you're considering a home practice. I think it will be awesome and much less avoidable than you think. ;) Once your room is set up, I hope/think you'll be compelled to use it. As far as the voices go, I wonder if some of your former teachers couldn't be convinced to make a recording of their class for you (I bet they would!). All that being said, other types of yoga are great. Just make sure always that the teachers are certified. I really hope you don't put away the mat. For you and (selfishly) for me. Because I enjoy reading about your journey. Thanks BTW for the testimonial. It's going up today. :) Best of luck! Let me know if I can help in any way.
ReplyDeleteHi Mark!
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving a comment on my blog. It was great to see the Regional Yoga Championship! I recommend it to anybody who gets a chance to see it. Very inspiring and just leaves you feeling really good, because you got to cheer on the participants too.
Regarding the home practice... I have used Bikram's CD a few times. I am traveling for business soon (for three weeks) and I plan to practice to it again then. I have not gotten sick of Bikram's voice yet, but like I said, I've only done it a few times. GY's idea is great! Maybe once you get sick of Bikram, ask your fave teachers.
You have only touched on the negatives of a home practice... one of the major positives for me was: no driving to the studio (time and money saved)! Also, no lines for the shower :)
I will be watching this space to see what you decide to do :)
Congrats on your guest appearance on GY's blog!
Take care
Simmm
Hi Mark,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear there is no work study for you at the new studio. Home practice is a great idea if you have the space. GY's suggestion to get your teachers to record their class is brilliant. I know some teachers record their classes anyway to see how they are progressing. You never know there might be a teacher in your area willing to teach you for free at home - their karma yoga.
Look into other yoga's too. I've heard Summit Yoga is pretty cool, it's to music & set up by Bikram's nephew. Keeping hot yoga in the family. If you have a Lululemon store near by they offer free classes in different yoga's.
Hope you keep up your practice, as I too enjoy reading your blog adventures. :-)
Hey Mark! Thanks again for your comment on my yoga garden sanctuary post recently. I wanted to send you a link since I just posted a follow up about how to set up your own Bikram studio at home. Here are the tips! http://aliveinthefire.blogspot.com/2012/01/your-own-sweat-box-how-to-set-up-bikram.html
ReplyDeleteEnjoy and namaste,
Rachel