How has Bikram Hot Yoga changed my life?

Blogging, Creative non-fiction, Emotional wellbeing, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspiration, Life's little moments, Personal, Positivity, Wellness 1 Minute

Dynjandi Waterfall - Iceland
Dynjandi Waterfall, Iceland

I had the privilege of being asked to write a story on “What makes me thrive over 50.”  It gave me the opportunity to reflect on the life lessons I have learned on the yoga mat.  What makes you “thrive and feel truly alive?” 

Click on the link to read more.  

via https://www.womenlivingwellafter50.com.au/how-has-bikram-hot-yoga-changed-my-life/

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41 thoughts on “How has Bikram Hot Yoga changed my life?”

  1. Great article! I don’t do a yoga class, but 10 little poses in my at home fitness routine that keep me flexible and get me centered. I fall over a lot too more on one than the other.😀

    Hiking and being outside in nature feeds me and keeps me going.

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  2. Yay you, Erica! I enjoyed reading your guest post. Although I’m a workout junkie, I’ve never really done much yoga. I’ve had two back surgeries and years ago, I had a bad experience in a yoga class.

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    1. Hi Jill, There are many different ways of staying mentally and physically healthy. Different stages in our life, too. I cannot imagine the challenges for you with your back surgeries. You likely have learned what works for your body. Thank you for your kind comment:)

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  3. Hi Erica – I left a comment on Sue’s blog. Your post resonated with me as I’ve been practicing yoga since the mid-90s. Glad you tried and enjoyed Bikram Hot yoga. Namaste!

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    2. Love this! As I approach my 200th Bikram class I’m grateful for this practice. I also love seeing your smile in the far right, front row spot in class.

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      1. Hi Diane, 200 classes! Wow! You also “get it.” Interesting how we rarely talk to each other yet appreciate the presence of each other in the room. Always a treat to see you in class. 🙂Thank you for reading and your thoughtful comment:) Erica

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  4. I’ve never done yoga but would like to try. Sounds like you do “get it” from the lessons you learned on the mat! Good for you!

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    1. Hi Dee, There are many types of yoga. It is a very inclusive, welcoming, kind environment. I wish I would have started yoga 40 years ago. I am still on a huge learning curve re: lessons in all parts of my life. Everything that keeps us healthy so we can play with our grandchildren, as you well know, Dee🙂Thank you for your kind comment:)

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      1. They say yoga is excellent for those of us with arthritis and fibromyalgia due to it being low impact. Maybe I should try it.

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    1. Thank you for inviting me to write this story, Sue. I narrowed down the Life Lessons on the yoga mat to 10. The lessons are infinite. It is an honour to be included in this series with these inspirational women:) Erica

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    1. Hi Joanne, You already lead a healthy lifestyle. I didn’t think I wanted or needed a classroom setting. Bikram yoga lends itself to a group setting on many levels. Thank you for your supportive comment. 🙏

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  8. Those are 10 wonderful pints you made Erica thank you. I’ve never done Bikram yoga. My late mother was a hatha yoga teacher and the stories from grateful pupils are legion. The very elderly, who were confined to wheelchairs got up and walking. But this would take me forever. The breath is everything!

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    1. Hi Susan, Thank you for reading. Our classes are very inclusive, every age group and various health challenges. You are right, breath is everything. Thank you for your thoughtful comment:)

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  9. Hi Erica! I am a big fan of yoga myself but I’ve never tried Bikram! It’s not likely that I will either because I get plenty of HOT living in the desert. But I do admire those who can tough it out and it certainly sounds like it has been an amazing experience for you. Of your 10 points I particularly like . 1) doing your best…and yes, best is different every single day. 2) Flexibility…this was my word for the year of 2018 and I still keep it near and dear to me. And yes, flexibility in body, mind and soul! 3) Balance….because hey, this is something I do my best to remember all the time. Thanks for these great reminders and how great to learn a little more about your life journey. ~Kathy

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    1. Hi Kathy, I have attended other types of yoga classes the past few years and I have enjoyed the variety. One of the reasons I have stayed with the Bikram series is that I really like the teachers (teachers always taking classes with us, too) and the students at this studio. We may only talk for a couple of minutes before class, yet there is the concept of Community. Interesting on the life lessons. As you know, they are infinite. Thank you for your thoughtful comment:)

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  10. Erica, I loved your list of lessons! Yoga has so many wonderful things to teach us. I haven’t tried Bikram Yoga. I’ve really only taken a class at my gym that incorporates yoga, pilates, and tai chi. They do offer yoga, but in the past, it hasn’t worked with my schedule. Now that the youngest is close to driving age, I may be able to try some of those. There are also some yoga studios that I’ve been considering checking out. This has given me the inspiration to make sure I do that when I return home!

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    1. Hi Amy, Nice to hear from you. I realize this is a busy time in your life especially year end celebrations with your children. And you are away from home. I did other forms of fitness over the years including a lot of running. I always had aches and pains and injuries. I wish I would have started some form of yoga sooner in life. It helps on many levels. Enjoy this precious time with your family. Thank you for stopping by and your thoughtful comment:) Erica

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  13. Hi Erica – I already popped over and read your post on Sue’s post and remarked. Loved your yogic “points.” One thing you mention in the comments section here and I meant to add to my comment on Sue’s blog. The teacher can make a big difference in yoga. Some are more centered on the ‘physical’ side of yoga – the poses, and going beyond your comfort level. Others are more centered on the ‘spiritual’ side of yoga – the breathing and meditating. I like a combination of both, although I’m past the time of shoulder stands and the plow. I still do a ‘mean’ down dog, though. 🙂

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    1. Hi Pam, Very interesting, good point on the teachers. I learn something from each one of them. The classes can also vary depending on the teacher’s state of mind. I do feel more relaxed in some classes where I can just focus on my breathing, my mind, relax into the pose. I am definitely not a shoulder stands and plow kind of lady😊

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  14. I responded to your post on Sue’s blog as well.Yoga has been central to my life for many many years now, and I really appreciated and enjoyed your post and ten points in particular. I find classes no matter where we are in the world.. from Turkey to Vietnam to Laos to Spain ~ with our nomadic lifestyle it is what keeps me grounded and in the present moment.

    Peta

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    1. Hi Peta, I have attended yoga classes and done yoga when we are away from home. I agree as to how it keeps me present and grounded. I enjoy the anonymity of yoga classes away from home, especially when diverse cultures and strangers are together in the same room. There is a feeling of being united on this planet:)

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  16. Excellent post on Sue’s blog! 🙂 Exercise and fresh air keep me going. I joined a local Soaring Seniors group for cardio/stretch and yoga about 6 months ago. Our group is keeping in touch on Facebook while we’re social distancing and that is really helpful. Have been walking 1-3 miles 4 x week for years and now have new moves to add to daily routines. 🙂 You’re doing great, Erika!

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    1. Hi Bette, I greatly appreciate you reading this post. Even the name “Soaring Seniors” makes me smile and I know it would be a fun and energetic group. The combination of cardio/stretch/yoga is perfect. I enjoy walking outside and I hope it is a privilege that will not disappear.

      Bette, I have checked on Amazon.ca the past few days and I do see the kindle edition of “Dog Bone Soup.” You had mentioned a $.99 gift offer right now and it is listed as $4.73. I don’t mind paying that price either. Is there a gift code or do I just scroll through and the price changes? I honestly don’t mind the $4.73, although I thought I would check with you before I purchase it. We will stay connected. 🙂

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      1. Thanks so much for checking on Dog Bone Soup, Erica. The book is only on sale in US & UK, but I don’t want you to buy a copy at full price. Just give me your email address and I’ll GIFT you a copy from Amazon right away.

        Our Soaring Senors is going to have a Yoga video available for us online tomorrow and I’m very excited about that. I had a chance to walk outdoors a couple days this week and soon the weather will be perfect for taking long walks and exploring the woods and fields at will. Can’t wait…

        Take good care of you and DO SEND me you email, so I can get a copy of Dog Bone Soup off to you as a gift from me. I hope you enjoy it and tell your family and friends about me. ❤ Hugs!

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