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"The best thing was the time I spent with friends there. I made friends that I really cherish."
Posted 2008-07-08

Testimonial 1

My adult life has been full of uncertainties; I've been going through the motions mostly, walking a path that has been chosen for me. It seems I’ve been repetitively bracing myself for the future, keeping my options open for awaiting opportunities. As a result, in my academic career I’ve never fully committed myself to anything one thing in particular, instead it’s always been more of an idea; success. Through college and university I remained uncertain of what I wanted and thus decided to take some time off and work for my father’s financial consulting firm. Getting my feet wet in the 9-5 business world, I immediately knew that this lifestyle wasn’t meant for me. However, I’d made a commitment to my father to stay for at least one year. It was during this time that I began practicing Bikram Hot Yoga. It was an escape from the daily routine, something to look forward to at the beginning of the day. I was surprised by how regimented the classes were; I had done hot yoga at different studios before this and was unaware of how disciplined the practice could be. After speaking with one of the instructors about the advantages of Bikram I decided to continue with Bikram, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I immediately began noticing the changes in my life. Physically, I was more fit and comfortable then I had ever been. Although I have been weightlifting and running for years, I’ve never felt this good about my body. After only a few months of practice, I decided to quit smoking, a task I had been struggling with for the past year; with yoga it was easy. I simply couldn’t smoke while attending class five times a week. The irony of lighting up a cigarette right after class was almost unbearable. However, the biggest changes have been spiritual and intellectual. Through yoga, I have become so much more aware of myself and my surroundings. I am able to focus on the things and people around me, openly and without judgement. It’s like a barrier has broken down and allowed me to see situations in a much healthier way. I have been rebuilding broken bridges with my family finally able to see them as people rather the inherent roles they’ve acquired. Mom, dad, aunt uncle and sister; they are all imperfect people, just like me. It’s like a fog has cleared as I mindfully navigate through it breathing, finally seeing everything and everyone clearly. I am happier now more than ever. I have always been told that I could do anything, but it has recently come to my attention that a person needs the drive to follow through. I finally have this drive, which pushes me to go to class every day and go beyond my limits. I believe that Bikram Yoga has motivated me in every aspect of my life, and pushed me harder physically and emotionally than ever before. The opportunities attainable through this certification seem limitless. Being a traveler, I see myself discovering the world through yoga, through different studios; and while these studios all have the same core, each will have its own student culture from which I can learn. The lifestyle of yogis vary across the world, and as I’ve always been at ease surrounded by people I can only imagine the possibilities to further extend my social grasp and to take with me the many varying cultures into my own practice. Consequently, the idea of teaching yoga, of passing on what I’ve learnt to others, gives value to my practice and further encourages me to dive deeper into my practice. The certification is not simply a means to an end, but more a test of my will to persevere, to better myself and other students through yoga. Unifying my body, soul and spirit, strengthening my determination to succeed, this adventure is an endless journey with constant benefits. If I get out what I put into my class, then I want to put myself entirely into my practice to live and share the benefits of Bikram Hot Yoga. Breathe, meditate, concentrate, and let it all go. Namaste

Testimonial 2

Over the last three years, my father died, my dog died, the man I thought I would marry left me, my best friend kicked me out of her life and just a few months ago, my mother died. It sounds like a country western song, but reading, meditation and especially Bikram yoga helped me to not only get through the process of loss, it helped me to grow and improve as a human being and truly appreciate what I have rather than lament what I have lost. As a result of my grief and loss processing, I came to realize that life is entirely too short and not to be wasted. While my career in marketing (primarily for high-tech companies) has been rewarding, it is not my passion. I am passionate about three things: my dog and the culture of people who love dogs; teaching and sharing knowledge (as part of my masters program, I taught communication basics to college freshmen for two years and LOVED it!); and I am especially passionate about Bikram yoga. Bikram yoga provides a person with strength, flexibility and balance for their body, mind and soul. Initially I think people concentrate primarily on the benefits that Bikram brings to one’s physique -- it helps your back, it improves your posture, it helps you to lose weight, and more. These are all great things. For me, I come from a family with chronic back problems and autoimmune deficiencies. I am confident that Bikram yoga will help me to avoid those problems as I age. With time, though, I believe many people also realize the benefits it can bring to one’s personae. For me, I have become calmer, in part as a result of the breathing exercises. I have also become more humble – whenever I feel like a rock star in class, I immediately fall out of the pose – there’s no room for my ego in yoga. And I have become much much more patient. Despite intense desire and effort, I still struggle with balancing poses. But I realize that every time I practice (and I’m so grateful it’s called a practice), I learn a little bit more and I improve just a little bit more. I know that with time, practice and determination, I will have rock solid balance. I can think of nothing better than to become an integral part of Bikram yoga. By becoming an instructor, I can fulfill my passion for teaching, and I will be able to share all the benefits that I have received with others. When the time is right, I would also like to have a studio. I am blessed to be in a fairly strong financial position and am confident that my experience, my enthusiasm and my high regard for Bikram yoga will allow me to grow significantly in body, mind and spirit. Thank you for considering my application.

Testimonial 3

I personally have never been so challenged, yet coupled with this challenge is a wonderful sense of peace. A sense of peace that has eluded me for several years that is until I was introduced to the practice of Bikram Yoga.I am a single mother with a fabulous little boy to raise.I feel as a parent I must lead by example,in my attempts to be the best I can be for him...I have come to realize,I must be the best I can be for myself first. This hasn't always been the case in our lives. Two years ago I experienced the greatest despair I've ever felt(DIVORCE). This despair preempted not only my life but the life I wanted for our child. I was consumed with anger and fear that which I dissimulated and quite well I might add. When honestly I felt as though I was falling apart inside and my spirit was slowly dieing.Through the grace of God, great counseling and sheer determination I am persevering.I owe much of this mental state to the art of Bikram Yoga.I'm getting stronger, my mind, body and soul seem to be playing well together. My self deprecating feelings are almost none exsistent and with continued practice will surely give way to the positive energy and goodness God has in store for us. My courage albeit born of despair is only one of the many reasons to undertake the study and learn more about the art of Bikram Yoga. With pure heart and genuine intentions to enhance not only my life... I'd love the opportunity to become a facilitator and help to enhance the well being of those wanting the best for themselves. This would be my desire.

Testimonial 4

I have had such amazing healing and strengthening experiences (both physically and psychologically) since beginning this practice. I used to smoke and tried taking a few Bikram Yoga classes in the summer of 2005, but had such a difficult time with the heat that I did not continue. I did carry on with my other workout regimens such as kickboxing, weight training, Pilates and Ashtanga based yoga. One year later I quit smoking and began practicing Bikram yoga. It was a gift I’d promised to give myself after one month of not smoking (and ended up being after 2 weeks). It is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received! After the 1 month mark, I began bike riding again and felt I could ride for miles and miles. I was amazed at how much my cardio vascular system had expanded from practicing Bikram yoga. I had been taking this body of mine for granted and had actually treated it with such disregard/disrespect- but no more. It has been 8 months since I began practicing regularly and every day that I practice I feel myself breathe a little deeper, and I feel my body changing in these unexpected sometimes tiny, other times gigantic ways. I never knew I could feel so elated about the simplest things: keeping my knee locked for a full minute, feeling the fuel and strength of muscles I never knew I had while performing every day tasks like opening a jar or bottle, getting in and out of the car, playing my cello or fiddle, or simply squatting down to play with my cat. The practice stays with me both in and out of the studio, and with each practice I am more aware of and thankful for my life in its entirety, for myself- mistakes and triumphs alike. I want to share these benefits with others, which is the reason I would like to become a teacher. Time waits for no one and sometimes you just know that something is meant to be shared with and by you. It is what it is. I am looking forward to this grueling experience and to the continuation of my journey.

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