It's 8:15 and I've got 10 mins free time to write a couple of lines on my blog. Bikram's wife Rajashree is back for a couple of days, so has been teaching us and lecturing us. It was quite emotional seeing her again as she thought the morning classes in week 1 - when, I must admit, I was unsure I was actually going to survive week 1 :-) - it was really so challenging in all respects. And now I can do her classes and keep my calm and controlled breathing, and even the vomiting amongst the team has stopped! So it's a whole different experience ( I think I didn not mention, the side effects some students have been suffering here in the first couple of weeks, and vomiting is quite normal, there are even special little bins for that purpose)
My practice has become stronger this week despite my very sore knees, but aches and pains are quite normal - but maybe by next week things will calm down and we will build more strength.
I can't believe it's just about 3 weeks to go now - on one hand I am glad to finish this amazing and intense training, on the other hand I think I will miss it terribly and hence I am making a real effort to live in the present and make the most out of every day.
But there are moments when things are dragging, when I am feeling flat, have no energy, wake up in the mornings at 6:30 stiff, tired and sore and unmotivated - but we all keep going, keep going.
We are having another Bikram lecture tonight, most students now take one of their bedroom pillows with them and other things, in case we get a 4am session and would have to camp over in the lecture hall!! Last night we were very lucky and as Bikram's wife cooked dinner for him we were let off early, i.e. 11:15 pm.
Let's see what tonight brings.
The sun is still shining here, every day, and it's getting hotter.
Love the evening Yoga classes - soak them up and get all the energy I need for the training.
I will miss the heat and practising with 280 students - very much.
Lots of love,
Katherine xxxx
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Saturday, 10 May 2008
Week 5 turning Week 6 - Saturday night
Well, the last 48 hours have been truly super intense.....with Bikram back the lectures have started again and as mentioned in my previous blog on Thursday night I got to bed at 2:30 am. Well, a surprise was then to come on Friday night, with another lecture and continuing watching the epic film until 4:15 am!!! Now I am trying to write my thoughts in a positive and humorous way, although I pretty much lost all humor last night. Given the late night on Thursday we were already very tired at 9pm when lecture started and then when at midnight Bikram said, now Movie on, I really was pretty upset. I was laying on the floor between chairs trying to get some rest, and so did most of the people. It was just impossible for me to keep my eyes open. I only slept about 3 hours max as I could then not get to sleep when we finally got to our beds. And this mornings class, was, as you can expect, not a pleasure, although the teacher was this years Yoga Champion, a lovely lady and was a great teacher, but my body, mind and soul where in 'closed' mode!
I and everybody here have to keep positive, be motivated and keep the energy going. But after the last 2 nights the balance has become a little unbalanced......
I've got a lot of studying to do but just could not manage it today. Slept for 2 hours in the afternoon.
Missing home, England, my friends and family and Chiswick Yoga Studio. I am often in class and then imagine I am in one of the London Yoga studios doing a class there.
Well, good bye for now from a tired and aching Yogini (but still smiling, I am going to concer this!)
Katherine xxxx
PS: check out Jen's blog for a more detailed report about this week and a photo of a body sleeping on the floor in the early hours of this morning......
I and everybody here have to keep positive, be motivated and keep the energy going. But after the last 2 nights the balance has become a little unbalanced......
I've got a lot of studying to do but just could not manage it today. Slept for 2 hours in the afternoon.
Missing home, England, my friends and family and Chiswick Yoga Studio. I am often in class and then imagine I am in one of the London Yoga studios doing a class there.
Well, good bye for now from a tired and aching Yogini (but still smiling, I am going to concer this!)
Katherine xxxx
PS: check out Jen's blog for a more detailed report about this week and a photo of a body sleeping on the floor in the early hours of this morning......
Friday, 9 May 2008
Week 5 - Friday!!
Only have a couple of minutes for a brief update - well, the dreaded and famously most difficult week 5 is nearly over and I am pleased to report that I still have all my bones intact, albeit pretty sore and my mind is also still fully operational!!
It's been an intense week and last night Mr. Bikram kept us up till nearly 2:30 am with lectures and watching the Maharawad....(apologies, forgot the spelling, but it's the famous Indian story about life). And tonight we have another lecture. So this mornings class at 8:30 was surreal, I was so tired, had slept about 4 hours and just did not have the energy. But again, this evening, was all good with Bikram teaching. The evening classes I love and need them very much to get my energy back. The morning ones are a bit like tourture as the body is so sore and aching - but I make it more a meditative class.
Posture clinic is going good, still a bit nervous though - but I guess that is normal. We have so many visiting teachers here which is fantastic.
3 weeks and 4 days to go!!!!!!!
I still can't believe that I am actually very close to becoming a Bikram Yoga Teacher - this is so unbelievable and so amazing. It is truly an honor and a very valuable gift to possess.
Sorry, my words are not flowing very well tonight and it might all not make that much sense what I have written.
I AM TIRED, VERY TIRED :-)
Off to get a coffee now before our 9pm lecture.
GOOD NIGHT
K THE YOGINI XXX
It's been an intense week and last night Mr. Bikram kept us up till nearly 2:30 am with lectures and watching the Maharawad....(apologies, forgot the spelling, but it's the famous Indian story about life). And tonight we have another lecture. So this mornings class at 8:30 was surreal, I was so tired, had slept about 4 hours and just did not have the energy. But again, this evening, was all good with Bikram teaching. The evening classes I love and need them very much to get my energy back. The morning ones are a bit like tourture as the body is so sore and aching - but I make it more a meditative class.
Posture clinic is going good, still a bit nervous though - but I guess that is normal. We have so many visiting teachers here which is fantastic.
3 weeks and 4 days to go!!!!!!!
I still can't believe that I am actually very close to becoming a Bikram Yoga Teacher - this is so unbelievable and so amazing. It is truly an honor and a very valuable gift to possess.
Sorry, my words are not flowing very well tonight and it might all not make that much sense what I have written.
I AM TIRED, VERY TIRED :-)
Off to get a coffee now before our 9pm lecture.
GOOD NIGHT
K THE YOGINI XXX
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Week 5 - Tuesday - THE MASTER IS BACK
We have Bikram back!! Nobody knew if he would even arrive this week, due to the death of his best friend. So tonight, for our 5pm class he actually practiced class, he was close to the podium, about row 3 next to Craig and some other teachers, very soon into class we heard him shouting and correcting students next to him. It put a smile on my face and many other faces!! Yes, we have shouting and complaining Bikram back, he brings life into our class!! Halfway through he told the teacher off (senior teacher, can't remember his name but graduated I think 1998) for being to soft and that we are just wimps and need to f..... get better. Anyway, from then onwards it was only shouting, that we are wimps, should f.....get in to the posture etc....but in a fun way, or at least that is the way I took it - but great energy in class - it was really what I needed tonight as I felt a bit lethargic all day.
I delivered Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Post this afternoon and received really nice feedback, basically saying I delivered the dialogue like a teacher. Well, I could not wish for a better comment but am cautious writing such comments as the delivery is always different, from posture to posture, and I do want to learn and improve. I am working with Cara, one of my Group 10 friends on projection and speaking more forceful (Mum and Dad, don't worry, this is only for my teaching, not in everyday life!) and it really helped with my delivery today.
But I still get heart beating and a feeling of nervous every time I get up to present. I really hope that will fade but it's still there.
Tonight we kick-off at 9pm with Bikram lecture and remembering his friend.
TOMORROW WE ARE HALF WAY THROUGH TRAINING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND I AM STILL HERE AND HANGING IN THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I owe many of you who wrote me emails an answer and I do apologize for not yet having responded. I have little free time and tend to use the moments to write to you all but I promise to get back to you very soon.
All of you, my family and friends are in my thoughts.
Sunshine and warmth from Acapulco,
Katherine the Yogini xxxx
I delivered Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Post this afternoon and received really nice feedback, basically saying I delivered the dialogue like a teacher. Well, I could not wish for a better comment but am cautious writing such comments as the delivery is always different, from posture to posture, and I do want to learn and improve. I am working with Cara, one of my Group 10 friends on projection and speaking more forceful (Mum and Dad, don't worry, this is only for my teaching, not in everyday life!) and it really helped with my delivery today.
But I still get heart beating and a feeling of nervous every time I get up to present. I really hope that will fade but it's still there.
Tonight we kick-off at 9pm with Bikram lecture and remembering his friend.
TOMORROW WE ARE HALF WAY THROUGH TRAINING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND I AM STILL HERE AND HANGING IN THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I owe many of you who wrote me emails an answer and I do apologize for not yet having responded. I have little free time and tend to use the moments to write to you all but I promise to get back to you very soon.
All of you, my family and friends are in my thoughts.
Sunshine and warmth from Acapulco,
Katherine the Yogini xxxx
Monday, 5 May 2008
Week 5 - Monday night
Well, today was a sad day, we only had the morning class Yoga and the rest of the day no training as one of Bikram's closest friends, the sun of his Guru B. Gosh had passed away this morning. I do not know any details - Bikram was supposed to arrive today and will now be coming later in the week only, or even next week. So let's see. I think all the teachers here were quite shocked and sadend by this news.
So it was strange, as I was all hyped up for Monday and this week and then we were told after class that we had the day off and time to do whatever we think appropriate. I studied dialogue by the pool, met up with some of the girls and this evening I finally ventured out of the hotel complex with Simone for some dinner at the 100% natural cafe. It was truly great, cheap and very tasty food and lots of Yogis there. It was such a treat to eat non-hotel food. We then checked out a nearby hotel and had a little walk which was nice. We bought some extra food (brown rice, spinach, broccoli, tofu) for take-away so I have my dinner sorted for tomorrow and Wednesday.
My knees are really hurting during Yoga so todays one class only was a bonus. I will have to take it easy on the knees this week.
Friday in 3 weeks I will see my sweetheart again, it's unbelievable - actually the time is going by fast and I am realizing that I really do need to enjoy the moments, be present and make the most out of this adventure here in Acapulco. But it will be so wonderful to see my dear husband again. For those of you who don't know, Armond is coming out to Mexico at the end of my week 8 - the training finishes week 9 on Friday with a graduation ceremony, at which, if all goes well, I will be present!
Well, the remainder of this week will be very busy no doubt, with a lot of posture clinic and Yoga classes.
Wishing you all a good rest of the week and love from sunny Acapulco,
Katherine xxxx
So it was strange, as I was all hyped up for Monday and this week and then we were told after class that we had the day off and time to do whatever we think appropriate. I studied dialogue by the pool, met up with some of the girls and this evening I finally ventured out of the hotel complex with Simone for some dinner at the 100% natural cafe. It was truly great, cheap and very tasty food and lots of Yogis there. It was such a treat to eat non-hotel food. We then checked out a nearby hotel and had a little walk which was nice. We bought some extra food (brown rice, spinach, broccoli, tofu) for take-away so I have my dinner sorted for tomorrow and Wednesday.
My knees are really hurting during Yoga so todays one class only was a bonus. I will have to take it easy on the knees this week.
Friday in 3 weeks I will see my sweetheart again, it's unbelievable - actually the time is going by fast and I am realizing that I really do need to enjoy the moments, be present and make the most out of this adventure here in Acapulco. But it will be so wonderful to see my dear husband again. For those of you who don't know, Armond is coming out to Mexico at the end of my week 8 - the training finishes week 9 on Friday with a graduation ceremony, at which, if all goes well, I will be present!
Well, the remainder of this week will be very busy no doubt, with a lot of posture clinic and Yoga classes.
Wishing you all a good rest of the week and love from sunny Acapulco,
Katherine xxxx
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Week 4 - Saturday morning
Finished my 11th class on week 4 of my training. Had my fellow blog-buddy Jen to my left and 2 Swiss yoginis from Zurich behind me - that was nice - but class was quite though, it's just that I think we are all getting physically and mentally exhausted, which, given we've done over 40 classes in the past 4 weeks, is probably normal. I've just comforted a girl who got cramping during class and was saying - it is just though at the moment. And, as a surprise, we did not have Craig as a teacher this morning, but Mr. Tattoo, Jim Callet, one of Bikram's oldest students. It was a good class but 1.50 mins long.
Well, our group 10 is meeting for brunch and I will go for a swim in the pool today despite that I have to learn at least 5-6 postures this weekend.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Lots of love,
Katherine xxx
Well, our group 10 is meeting for brunch and I will go for a swim in the pool today despite that I have to learn at least 5-6 postures this weekend.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Lots of love,
Katherine xxx
Friday, 2 May 2008
Week 4 - Friday Evening
I can't believe that I am writing the number 4 above in the heading of this entry!!!! I honestly did not believe at the beginning that I would make it to week 4....just a quick entry tonight as I am very tired and as we got Friday night off I will shortly go to bed for some desperately needed sleep. It's been another amazing and intensive week, delivered 5 postures in posture clinic, and overall got good feedback altough my english accent and politness is sometimes critised. I need to work on being a little tougher and more forceful. Anyway, keep notes of all the feedback I get and will work on trying to do it the right way. Altough, a lot of students love the english accent and the way I deliver the dialogue....
The Heat is on.....they have upped the heat in the Yoga room and that has yet again been another challenge for all of us. I am slowly getting used to it and drink about 2 litres of water before even leaving the yoga room....generally the morning classes are though and my body is hurting and stiff, the evening classes are much better. We have had some great classes and some, well, less enjoyable classes, had a rocking class with Craig on Wednesday night, it was just amazing, 280 people giving 110% energy in the room, god I will miss such classes when I am back in the UK.
Last weekend we had an earthquake, 5.8 richter scale.it was in Mexico city but we felt it quite a bit here, luckily I was in Robyn's room practicing dialogue but I panicked as I had a bad experience in Eilat a couple of years ago and it really scares me....
I have done approximately 44 yoga classes in 4 weeks, I was not sure that I would actually be able to do this but what I am learning on this training is that we are capable of so much more then we think we can do. This is an amazing discovery.
I go through high and low's, one moment I am exctatic, the other moment I am crying. And that's what we are all experiencing here. But the overall feeling, as I am feeling right now, it just WOW absolutely amazing, amazing, amazing - I think only now I am beginning to understand what this Bikram Yoga is really all about and am discovering the heart and root of this yoga and the 26 postures.
Bikram is back next week so we will have some nice and juicy lectures ahead of us. It will be great to have him back as it feels more complete when he is here.
Sorry I have not been emailing many of you personally but I literally don't have any spare time and the weekends are taken up studying and studying, but I will be in touch very soon again.
Simone and Robyn have become great friends and we give each other support and help and encouraging words when needed. Robyn's family arrived today - she is over the moon to finally seeing them after 4 weeks and I met them before class today. It's so strange seeing her now suddently as a Mum...Lauren and Hayly are lovely girls.
Well, I will sign-off now, my eyes are almost closed.....
Sending you lots of love and sunshine from Mexico,
Katherine the Yogini xxxxxxx
The Heat is on.....they have upped the heat in the Yoga room and that has yet again been another challenge for all of us. I am slowly getting used to it and drink about 2 litres of water before even leaving the yoga room....generally the morning classes are though and my body is hurting and stiff, the evening classes are much better. We have had some great classes and some, well, less enjoyable classes, had a rocking class with Craig on Wednesday night, it was just amazing, 280 people giving 110% energy in the room, god I will miss such classes when I am back in the UK.
Last weekend we had an earthquake, 5.8 richter scale.it was in Mexico city but we felt it quite a bit here, luckily I was in Robyn's room practicing dialogue but I panicked as I had a bad experience in Eilat a couple of years ago and it really scares me....
I have done approximately 44 yoga classes in 4 weeks, I was not sure that I would actually be able to do this but what I am learning on this training is that we are capable of so much more then we think we can do. This is an amazing discovery.
I go through high and low's, one moment I am exctatic, the other moment I am crying. And that's what we are all experiencing here. But the overall feeling, as I am feeling right now, it just WOW absolutely amazing, amazing, amazing - I think only now I am beginning to understand what this Bikram Yoga is really all about and am discovering the heart and root of this yoga and the 26 postures.
Bikram is back next week so we will have some nice and juicy lectures ahead of us. It will be great to have him back as it feels more complete when he is here.
Sorry I have not been emailing many of you personally but I literally don't have any spare time and the weekends are taken up studying and studying, but I will be in touch very soon again.
Simone and Robyn have become great friends and we give each other support and help and encouraging words when needed. Robyn's family arrived today - she is over the moon to finally seeing them after 4 weeks and I met them before class today. It's so strange seeing her now suddently as a Mum...Lauren and Hayly are lovely girls.
Well, I will sign-off now, my eyes are almost closed.....
Sending you lots of love and sunshine from Mexico,
Katherine the Yogini xxxxxxx
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