Day 9

Evening class. As most of the evening classes this one was extremely busy, and hot! I feel now that I have settled into the practice and I move from one posture to the next one automatically, without thinking. I am also trying not to come out of the postures too quickly but take my time to release and do it with control. Totally stopped wiping sweat off my body especially face and I am actually starting the to like the sensation of it just freely sliding down my skin. It's cooling me down...Great teacher tonight, made the whole class lough out loud with a couple of anecdotes. I love when this happens, lying down on floor, exhausted, sweat dripping into your eyes and you just laugh. It's like endorphin induced, pure, raw, happiness. While telling one of her funny stories she said something to the lines of funny stories happen all the time when you practice yoga a lot, you just notice things, which is not surprising - yoga develops different awareness. This made me think about the changes I've been experiencing and I can for sure say that I definitely pick up on stuff a lot more than before. Feel a lot more grounded with mind a lot more still that I am simply able to absorb a lot more that is going on around me. I read a bit online about yoga and awareness and here are a couple of quotes. Food for thought.

Developing awareness...

What is Awareness and how do we develop it? These are two of the most common questions asked when it comes to this subject.

Awareness is a connection that occurs in the deep parts of your brain. It is a deep level of understanding not just of one's self but of one's surroundings. It is a sense of togetherness with the many parts of the mind and incorporating the body to become "whole."

Awareness can only come about from an open minded attitude and a positive state of mind. It goes to the core of one's self, a yearning to learn more about yourself and/or your surroundings.

A person who develops this state of mind can feel every part of their body, and they are in touch with there senses. They are proactive and will always think first and move second. They don't fly of the handle so to speak. They are continually in a state of control.

Yoga develops awareness of what is taking place in the moment. It allows you to perceive thoughts at their early stages, before they have acquired any real emotional power.

Awareness is a powerful skill to learn however it is only learnt by taking the journey inwards. It is something that you can't learn at a class in university but it can be learnt by the practice of yoga. (Source: www.yoga.org.nz)

...one more thing about bikram yoga and the mind.

The Mind

Bikram yoga helps you to develop a focused and calm mind, reduces stress and increases your awareness of your body & mind.

Focused and calm mind: Bikram Yoga is challenging. With a regular practice of even one or two classes a week you slowly develop a deeper focus and calmer, more relaxed mind, as well as an amazing awareness of your whole body.  As this develops you will find you are able to increase your level of precision and intesity within the poses.  This process works because Bikram Yoga is intensely physical, it forces you in to meditate, to focus, to be aware of your breath, and to disengage from all outside thoughts.

Stress Reduction: Physical activity is good for relieving stress, and this is particularly true of Bikram yoga. Because of the concentration required, your daily troubles, both large and small, seem to melt away during the time you are doing yoga. This provides a much-needed break from your stressors, as well as helping put things into perspective. The emphasis yoga places on being in the moment can also help relieve stress, as you learn not to dwell on past events or anticipate the future. You will leave a yoga class feeling less stressed than when you started.

Body Awareness: Doing yoga will give you an increased awareness of your own body. You are often called upon to make small, subtle movements to improve your alignment. Over time, this will increase your level of comfort in your own body. This can lead to improved posture and a greater self-confidence. (source: www.sohotbikramyoga.co.uk)