Half Moon, Lock the Knee and an endless Hindi movie

This is a big update, it has been a busy week and free time is becoming more scarce.

Bikram is with us full time during the first two weeks of training and posture clinics during this time have been dedicated to Half Moon pose. That’s right, during these two weeks I will hear the dialogue delivered by each student. All 430 of us. One. By. One.

If I don’t have the dialogue for this posture permanently imbedded into my subconscious by then, I have "a screw loose in the brain" as Bikram says.

This process is important – not just for the learning, reinforcement and confidence it brings – but also for Bikram to meet each and every one of us. We introduce ourselves, where we are from and then deliver the dialogue.

We were given some advice in preparation for this:

“Bikram is a mirror. He will reflect you. He doesn’t care whether you like him or not. He will treat everyone differently according to their needs. Comments will be direct and honest. He will find the weakest point in you. Take a pin and prick it. Continuously. Until you are bullet proof.”

He has been fascinating to watch and his comments hit the mark EVERY TIME.

Energy, breathing, timing and personality draw the most attention.

And there is a story for every situation. Here is one example, relayed to an American man who was overdoing it. Adding his own embellishments to the dialogue, only to stumble and lose himself completely:

“When you milk the cow, you have to know when to stop. Leave some behind for the baby cow. If you take too much, the cow will become angry and start to pee. Just one drop will ruin all the milk. Know when to stop. “

Today was my chance to deliver.  I introduced myself and where I am from – which prompted Bikram to talk about how popular yoga is now in regional towns outside the big cities. In his words, “There is nothing else to do there. Let’s go bowling, or let’s go to Bikram!”

I was prepared and was able to enjoy the experience. I could see him nodding along during the posture and when it was over he smiled, gave me two thumbs up and said “Excellent. Amazing. Why waste any time. Thank you. Next person please.”

First big milestone over.

I am adjusting to the frequency of classes and marvelling at the new strength in my leg muscles from so much ‘locking the god damn knee.’ I am already noticing the difference in postures like Awkward, Standing Bow and Balancing Stick. Nine classes down, just 89 left to enjoy.

The variety and quality of the senior teachers is amazing. I am really cherishing this aspect, knowing I will probably never experience classes quite like this again and will chase this experience for the rest o f my life.

I've had some ups and downs getting my hydration levels right, finding what works, what to eat and when, dealing with my neck injury flaring up. I had a terrible class Thursday morning. The air was heavy, I had pins and needles in my hands and feet, pain in my neck and tears streaming down my cheeks as I forced myself to get through it. But what a difference a few hours makes. By 5pm in the evening class I was laughing at Bikram (who was bouncing around like a kangaroo demonstrating Awkward and screaming at someone “I’m not selling cheesecake. I’m selling nails”) and feeling invincible. I’m learning a lot about my mindset. Control the mind and I can control anything.

On Wednesday night I had my first introduction to Bikram’s movie nights. You always remember your first. We watched ‘Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai’ – translates to ‘Say You Love Me.’ Or in my language ‘Endless. Hindi. Movie.’  Seriously, you take a look and tell me if you can follow this plot: Kaho Naa... Pyarr Haih

We’re just getting started.