Bikram Yoga Can Be Spiritual: Finding Gratitude

Testimonial by PURE Bikram Yoga student André D.

I am 45 years old and am staying in Austin for several months while I attend to some family affairs. Earlier this summer I had the good fortune to meet Mr. Tedd Li, an instructor at PURE. Tedd’s expressed enthusiasm for the virtues and benefits of Bikram and I was curious enough to accept his invitation to begin practicing. Upon completing 28 classes in a period of 30 days, my curiosity has transformed into gratitude.

Initially, my expectations were modest. Once I became conditioned to the heat I imagined the benefits would be simply physical. I thought I might possibly gain some benefits from exerting myself in the heat aside from increased flexibility. And that was certainly true; Bikram is a real physical workout! But what I quickly noticed was the calm that followed my practice. I was relaxed in a different way than after other types of exercise I’ve tried. Though even better was my calm mind. I’m usually involved in my own thoughts, but after 90 minutes, my mind is simply, blissfully quiet. For me, determination and willpower are required to persevere during the session. These qualities are valuable both in and out of the studio and Bikram certainly sharpens these traits. I was also pleased to learn how to find some patience in my practice. Bikram has refined my ability to accept myself and my body, a quality that I have been able to carry with me and into my relationships with others.

I have often heard of the “mind, body and spirit” connection that is developed in the practice of yoga. It is an area of great interest in my own life and have been anticipating a kind of “spiritual revelation” over the past four weeks. At first, I perceived a neglect of the spiritual aspect of the Bikram practice, so I put the question to Tedd, who without hesitation explained his experience: That the spirit is in the quiet mind and in the patience we show to others. It is in the self-control we develop in our practice and through these virtues it is our faith that is developed. Faith is necessary, if for nothing else than to continue practicing. The spiritual piece was there all along and I almost overlooked it.

Original source: http://pureyogaaustin.com/be-inspired/bikram-yoga-can-be-spiritual