Call Me Crazy.....

I may need to be committed. I realize the vast majority of people will read what I am about to write and think that I am 100%, certifiably, nuts-e-coo-coo, insane. And you may be right. But I am going to try it anyways.


I am going to take the plunge into a 60 day Bikram Yoga Challenge. Yes that is right. 60 classes in 60 days. (but it will prob be more like 58 unless they have a class on Christmas and New Years for the die-hards) Gulp. But I have read many documentaries and testimonials of people that have done this very challenge and it is nothing short of amazing. And I can think of a long string of reasons why I shouldn’t be able to do this or even think about taking it on. I do, after all, work full time, have a husband that travels for work occasionally, a 10 month old son, 2 dogs, 2 houses, the holidays and countless other commitments. I thought about all of this. I really did. And I came up with the fact that I don’t see my life slowing down anytime in the foreseeable future. I am always going to have a more than full plate, so there is never going to be a "good time". The trick is, making time for myself in the midst of the chaos. This is something we mommies are not generally good at. But I need a change. I need to be inspired and reenergized to give more. Somewhere along the way (and not just since Porter) I have gotten heavy, out of shape, unstylish and tired. After much contemplation, I have ended up back at this point.

What is Bikram Yoga, you ask? For those of you that don’t know, Bikram yoga is a class that is a series of 26 postures (asanas) and two breathing exercises (pranayamas), which is suitable for all ages and levels of ability. Each posture stretches and strengthens specific muscles, ligaments and joints needed for the next posture.

Bikram Yoga is the original hot yoga that’s been featured in the press and on television, famous for it’s miraculous healing ability. It is a very specific 90 minute series of 26 yoga postures and breathing exercises taught in 105 degree heat. Each pose is a challenge based on personal abilities; each pose addresses a certain area of the body, bestowing specific and powerful health benefits.

Bikram Yoga touts benefits ranging from weight loss, to spiritual re-birth, increased libido, stress reduction, to increased mental acuity and everything in-between. I used to practice, but it is expensive, then with my pregnancy, I switched to more conventional yoga, but stopped about 30 weeks pregnant. Now, after 10 months, I am ready to return.

So, I have talked to my husband and asked for his support. I have gotten a 2 month unlimited pass to Bikram Yoga Tempe for $39 (thank you Groupon), I put the $50 yoga towel I want but won’t splurge for on my Christmas list, and carefully mapped out my class schedule. There is about 50 classes a week, ones after Porter goes to bed, and during his naps on the weekend. Me and me alone will be the only reason if this doesn't work.  I have no more excuses!

I have to dust of my yoga mat and get ready mentally. I intend to write a blip about my class and how I am feeling every day, and publish them on my blog once a week. I am going to be direct, honest and blunt so incase any 4 letter words or smart mouth comments make their way in, you were warned. But I want to document this challenge and journey so I can look back and see how far I have come. Plus, writing and publishing will help keep me motivated and accountable. My 60th day will be on my son’s first birthday. I want to be able to look back on this best most challenging time in my life and have a record marked by one of the most important dates of my life, Porter’s birthday.

Some of the Reasons Why I want to do it are:

• Health

• Creating a  personal shift/change

• Start a new healthy habit/hobby

• Take better care of myself and re-prioritize

• Healthy pre-next-baby body, eventually (soon) I want to get pregnant again and having a in shape pre baby body helps. Yoga really helped my pregnancy so I would like to be in a routine before the next one comes.

Some of the challenges I expect are:

• Finding making the time every day

• Fatigue. Physically and emotionally

• My “lazy” self-sabotaging brain to take over and want to give up after a week

• Finding a baby sitter when Neil travels

• Having to let some other stuff go to make room for the undertaking (i.e. cleaning, laundry, cooking, TV shows, social commitments)

• Not snapping at Neil when I feel overwhelmed, because it was my choice to do this

• Honoring my commitment during close weeks here at work

• Feeling lonely in my quest, and finding comfort in that

Some of the rewards I am hoping for are:

• Increased physical strength

• Mental clarity

• Increased self confidence

• The satisfaction of follow through

• Satisfaction of trying something new and being “selfish” for a bit

• Loss of some LB’s (although strangely this isn’t my main motivator)

• Emotional cleansing/perspective tweak/mind body connection

• Heightened sense of spirituality and connectedness

• Desire to eat healthier

I have loved yoga for a good, long while now. I believe in it’s healing power and I believe in the mind/body connection. Yoga is like church for me.  Bikram Choudhury (founder of Bikram yoga) says “Give me 60 days and I will change your life.” So, ok, I’ll give it a go. The only thing left to lose are the shreds of my sanity! The challenge is in the journey. My reward will be my health, both mental and physical (and maybe a pair of lulu lemon capris *hint*hint babe :). I give a lot to a lot of people and this is my way of making sure that I can maintain that long term. My family is the most important thing to me and the stronger I am, the more I can give. It is all about rebirth, people!

“ It’s never too late, you’re never too sick and you are never too old to start from scratch once again.” –Bikram Choudhury


*** First Class is tonight, so hopefully I will not want takes-backs after I post this! I made today my final decision day, so heres hoping I make it through.  As of now, I can think of about 9,000 other things I would rather do........