I'm Just a Bundle of Energy!

What's up everyone? Isn't it a great day? The sun is shining and I'm still feeling the amazing effects of a lovely class last night. So much great energy racing through my body.

So last night I did indeed make it to the 6:30 Bikram class with Maria. And good God I was glad I did! I knew it was going to be a great class when I pulled up to the studio and secured a parking spot right out front. No circling Hancock street tonight. The doors open at 6pm and in I go. At this point I was dragging a little, had a headache and my nose was stuffy. I think I'm still fighting off that cold. Bikram's helping keep it at bay :). Anyway, so I open the hot room door to put my mat down in the hot corner and am immediately pleased. It's nice and hot & humid. Loving it already. That put a little pep in my step. Isn't it funny how sometimes even just being in the studio can make us feel better? I completely forgot about my head and nose. Class was so amazing.  I don't think my words on this post will convey just how great it was. But I'll try.

Before class I was talking to Krissy  about work. She had to fly out in the morning to Dallas to give a presentation and was really nervous. I'm actually one of those people who love presenting. I love the preparation, the practicing and the delivering. I love clicking with te audience and engaging them.  I was giving her tips from the Dale Carnegie 12 week course I finished up a year ago. We gave 2 presentations a night during the 12 weeks. I was telling her the key to any good presentation is preparation, knowing your material and being confident in your delivery. Engaging the audience is important. I suggested she go home after class and practice her presentation OUT LOUD. Pretend like she was in front of her audience and run through the presentation a few times. To me this is the most important part of prepping. Anyway, Krissy, you’ll do great. You've got this! Good luck!

Class last night was crowded, but not really mat to mat. I didn't look at the sign in sheet after class but I am guessing maybe 36-40? Good size. Lots of newbies in the house last night. It’ll be interesting to see how many of them stick around after their 10 day intro special is up. Two newer guys who are in good shape set up behind me and Krissy. I could tell they were looking at little old me and thinking...This girl is little and looks weak, let's get behind her. Well, they would be wrong. Watch out guys, looks can be deceiving. Class starts right on time and I immediately know I'm going to have one of those classes where you feel like a Rock Star. Yay!

Right from breathing I was happy...energized. My mind and body were 100% in the hot room. These are the kinds of classes we love so, so much. It felt like old times when the studio use to be hotter than hot. I was sweating out of the gate, as I should be. I flowed through the standing series and really gave my 100% effort to each and every posture. Thinking about the goals I have set for myself during class and working on them.

Standing Head to Knee: I really love this posture now. I do. The guys behind me at this point were now looking right at me almost looking amazed at me kicking out, pulling my elbows down below my knees and touching my forehead to me knee (though I did loose balance at the end of first set). Well, right side anyway. Left side my hip just would not have it. It just said, not today Traci. I tried though and felt shear pain as I kicked out. Not good pain either. Ouch. Ok, ok hip...relax. I hear you yelling at me not to push it. That was really the only point in class where it hurt.

By the time we hit the floor I was in my glory and having a fabulous class. Devine. I did a pretty good job in Savasana keeping my head in the room. Not perfect but better. At one point I realized I was smiling as I lied there. Lots of sighing from other people in the room...And it didn't even bother me. I didn't let it steal my peace. I worked the standing series hard and I was going to enjoy these 2 minutes to re-energize my body!

Floor series was good. Still no luck with Full Locust. Ugh! Legs get up there! Oh well, keep working on it kiddo.

Camel, oh Camel, I adore you so! Something about this pose I just embrace. I love the feeling in the pose as well as when I come out of it. I was disappointed to see so many people giving up on it last night. I know it's hard for many, but they are missing out on something great! The two guys behind me by this point were just done. Cooked. You know when someone is flopping their arms on the ground and panting...they’re done. Poor fellas. I hope they come back because you could see in time they’ll be good. This Bikram we practice is not like anything else. It's not easy. It takes strength, determination, focus, concentration, flexibility and so on. Mind over matter. We hear that a lot in that room.

Class ends and I'm sad it's over. Truly. It was a nearly perfect class in every way. Maria, you rock as a teacher! The guys behind me say "let's get the hell out of here!" Made me chuckle. Come back guys, it will get better. Promise.

I'm drenched in sweat, my towels are soaked, and I’m a complete bundle of energy after class. Seriously bouncing off the walls. Looking around the studio it looks like most had a tough class. I was kind of in the zone during class so didn't really pick up on it during the 90 minutes. I felt like I had just had about 5 cups of Startbucks coffee! You know you had a great class when it leaves you that energized and elated. You know you opened up what you were suppose to open up. Pure and absolute bliss.

As I’m exiting the studio onto the street, Chris (owner) is coming in. I smiled and said...Now that was a perfect class. So happy. He just smiled back and said...That's great! I get home and the energy is sticking with me. I had to tell myself to bring it down. I thought I would have trouble sleeping because I was so hyper but after dinner and a nice bath I slept like a baby. And here I am today...Ready to go! Bring the work on! Lots of meetings plus my project deadline approaching in 2 days? No problem!

I'm so happy I shut down my computer a little after 5pm and made myself get to class. Like they say in class, it's never a bad idea to show up. Never. I have practiced 3 out of the last 4 days, so not bad. I want to get back to consistently practicing 4-5 days a week. I think that's where I’m happiest. 2-3 is not cutting it for me. I'm not an every day Bikram girl, but I think this is a good target. Still have to get my running in, ya know? So 4-5 days of Bikram is good.

I hope you all had great practices last night too! And don’t you just love the fact that the great feelings Bikram gives us lasts for like 24 hours? I wish everyone could experience this.

Another Audrey Hepburn Quote for you today: “Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.”

Tonight will be a running night for me.  Tomorrow will be another Bikram class.

Wishing you a day filled with smiles!

Cheers...Traci