Have you ever been about to do a posture in a Bikram class and you think, maybe I’ll miss this one out. I’m tired, hot and the teacher is bugging me? Then, for whatever reason, you go – oh what the hell I’ll just do it – and the posture feels like one of your strongest ever?!!
Being in the present moment and thinking less is life changing. Most of the thoughts that we have in a day we had yesterday and the day before. They are automatic, habitual and unconscious. The more negative thoughts you have, the more you will continue to have. It can become a downward spiral.
Through concentration and mindfulness of your own mind during your practice you learn to see your negative thoughts and let go of them. You will learn to identify outdated thought patterns and beliefs that no longer serve you.
You will learn to find the God Within You.
A regular Bikram Yoga practice evolves the whole being to uncover your latent potential. Every aspect of the practice – the heat, the discomfort, the 90 minutes, the continually talking teacher :-), sharing the room with other people – is designed to challenge you and to encourage you to step up to your higher self, you will have to let go of the negative thoughts, the habitual beliefs, the stories you tell yourself.
How does Bikram Yoga bring you to your God within?
- Decreases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response)
- Balances negative brain chemistry through breath and asanas
- Increases energy channels and bodymind connection through regular practice
- Releases suppressed emotions
One of the most rewarding aspects of your Bikram practice is savasana. As you lie still with a soft gaze and focus on your breath this mindful state allows you to practice awareness and presence.
When you live a mindless life you will react unconsciously to events around you. As you work to become mindful, you respond with awareness to the world. You can centre yourself at will and find a place of stillness and peace within no matter what is going on.
You will find the courage to let go of your negative thoughts and inner conflicts, to see the world from an expanded perspective. This is your true self.
A regular practice will bring increased optimism, happiness and wellbeing. Happy smiling faces are a by-product of Bikram Yoga!
