It’s been a while since Bikram has done an interview so if you haven’t got an opinion about the man this new one, with the Chicago Tribune in advance of his workshop there next weekend, should help. There’s not much he hasn’t said before including the usual reference to “American circus yoga” but aside from saying there is “no crime” in India the shock-inducing rhetoric is minimal. My favorite quote is his response when asked why he’s so strict with his teachers,

In India we say an empty barn is much better than one full of naughty cows. I control my kingdom like a gangster.

I guess I should start calling him ‘Don’ instead of ‘Boss.’

Talking with “hot” yoga founder Bikram Choudhury

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[This is the first in a series of posts that will briefly outline the benefits of each posture in the Bikram series.]

Posture 1 of 26

Standing Deep Breathing

Benefits: Most people only use 10% of their lung capacity. Pranayama Breathing teaches us to breathe more efficiently and fully. This exercise calms the mind, increases concentration/focus, detoxifies the lungs and mind, reduces stress, reduces blood pressure, increases oxygenation of the blood, increases circulation. It also increases flexibility of the rib cage and is good for the voice.

Issues & Maladies: Procrastination, indecision, holding back, insecurity, emphysema, asthma, shortness of breath, breathing problems, high blood pressure, indigestion.

Body Parts Affected: Lungs, thyroid, para-thyroid, pituitary gland, pineal gland, spinal cord, diaphragm, stomach, small intestine, abdominal organs and muscles, rib cage, shoulders, wrists, fingers, neck .

Notes: The sanskrit word Prana is usually understood to mean ‘universal life force’ (or energy) but the word that I like to use is ‘vitality’. Definitions of Ayama are more broad and include, ‘restraint,’ ‘control,’ ‘development,’ and even ‘to lengthen or stretch.’ Put together you have Pranayama. There are various forms of Pranayama Breathing exercises but they are all rooted in the idea of using the breath as a means of increasing one’s inner life force or vitality.

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Marćia Riley, 57

How often? When I lived in the city, I averaged two/three times a week. Now that I’m in McDonough, I barely make it twice a month…(sigh)

How long? A year before you opened [2001] - I’ve been attending Bikram Yoga Decatur since it opened and continue to enjoy the practice, staff and atmosphere.

I own EA Incorporated which provides services in the area of written and oral communication skills (training, writing, editing, proofreading, transcribing to corporate, government and academic clients).

Benefits Seen: Health-wise it’s been GREAT!! I have three damaged discs in my neck and the heat helps tremendously. My body has really toned and I can actually see hips now!! Tummy was about 33 inches (pre-menopause spread), it’s down to 27 now. The practice has kept me flexible and energized. When folks ask how do I stay in shape, I proudly encourage them to give Bikram a try.

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There will only be one morning class each day this weekend (Saturday 9 am and Sunday 10 am) to accommodate the Anatomy of a Yogi workshop.

Schedule Page

Workshop Info

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update - This W/D is no longer available.

We have a perfectly good, used, low-energy, high-efficiency, ventless washer-dryer that we don’t need (we bought a larger model). It washes and drys in the same tank, plugs into a standard 110v wall outlet and doesn’t need to be vented. The only down side, and the reason we replaced it, is that it’s not ideal for large or heavy loads. You can read about it at the distributor web site.

This washer sells new for $1400. I tried selling it but no-one replied and I haven’t been able to find any charitable organizations that accept washer/dryers. I am now willing to give it to anyone who will come pick it up. It’s the shape and size of a standard washer and only a little heavier. I do not have a hand cart or dolly and we’re on the second floor.

Anybody? It’s taking up space in my closet and I hate to see something useful be un-used.

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Carl McClatchey, 34

How Often? 3 times a week.

How Long? 2 years.

I am a hobbyist musician and career accountant with a degree in philosophy. I live with my wife in Decatur GA. Bikram yoga has transformed me by adding a physical and meditative practice to my life in a way that is directly applicable to my daily experience, fulfilling for my mind and immeasurably beneficial for my health.

Benefits Seen: Among the many benefits of Bikram yoga, I have experienced significantly greater patience, concentration and mindfuless accompanied by greater flexibility, higher energy level and overall improved physical condition.

Challenges: allowing my body to connect with my breath by finding the appropriate level of effort, while recognizing and discarding all of the different manifestations of my ego as they appear. The greater challenge is accepting that the level of effort that is appropriate and the manifestations of my ego will be different every single class that I take. And the heat…that’s challenging too….in a good way.

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Twenty years ago I volunteered as an escort at the Feminist Women’s Health Center when Rev. Flip Benham and his misguided flock arrived soon after the Democratic Convention to harass the Center’s clients and staff. It’s been relatively quiet there ever since but Operation Rescue is coming back July 12-19 with a promise to not only harass the clinic but also the employee’s at their homes. In light of the serious violence, and even murder, of abortion provider’s that has occurred through the nation, this time the Center is relying on professional security guards in addition to better law enforcement protection to ensure safety.

The Feminist Women’s Health Center is a non-profit health resource providing a wide range of health and education services. Providing the enhanced security is going to be costly and they need help paying for it. But that’s not the only reason to support the Center. For more than 30 years the Center has been providing accessible, respectful women’s health care and advocating for reproductive health and justice for all women, including those who are under-served due to race, ethnicity, socio-economic level, cultural orientation, sexuality, disability, size, age or national origin.

update - I omitted a key piece of information: we have some pledge sheets at the studio if you’re able to make a donation.

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“In a world of so much furry fury and madness, there is a place where peace can be found, through the unspoken connection: the understanding of the universal soul, found only in the rhythmic inhale and soft exhale breath of yoga.” - Susan Lippert, BYD Instructor

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We ask a lot of our brothers and sisters who serve in the military particularly in times of prolonged conflict such as are happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. The things our soldiers have to endure in combat are bad enough but then the service and support they get upon return are shamefully lacking. The Veterans Administration does a lot but it’s vastly underfunded and ill-equipped to provide even adequate care and support for the thousands of returning combat soldiers and their families.

Veterans commit suicide at twice the rate of other Americans. One quarter of our homeless population are military veterans. The rate of returning troops suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been estimated at between 30 and 100 percent. The range is so wide because the Department of Defense and the VA don’t monitor the mental health of soldiers after they return to their civilian lives. That fact alone is alarming. The truth of war is that it’s effects will be felt by all of society for generations to come. It is vital that we stop looking the other way and admit that we are all responsible for the care and well being of our wounded soldiers and returning veterans.

Thanks to your continuing support of BYD we are proud to be able to support Disabled American Veterans and Soldier’s Heart.

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It doesn’t look like the workshop will sell out so you may still register now or at the door.

We are now accepting registrations at the front desk for the Anatomy of a Yogi Workshop to be held July 19 and 20 (Sat & Sun). Attendance will be limited and early registration is recommended. The cost is $150 per person but if you register before July 12 we’ll reduce that to $125.

The workshop will be approximately four hours each afternoon and will include an optional Bikram class afterwards. Workshop topics will cover emotional anatomy and the chakra system with an emphasis on how different emotions and chakras are activated in the Bikram series.

Paul and Jaylee Balch have dedicated their lives to helping people awaken and understand their innate ability to heal themselves. Paul, as a certified Bikram instructor and hypnotherapist and Jaylee, with a background in psychology and counseling, have followed the guidance of Tibetan and Tao masters and imparted a treasury of knowledge around the world. Combined, they have taught for over twenty years and run seminars in over 14 countries.

This workshop is designed to take your yoga practice to a new experiential level of energetic awareness. It will be helpful to have attended at least a few Bikram classes but all experience levels are welcome.

The four hour workshop will mostly be lecture with some breaks. Chairs will be provided. The studio will provide some light snacks during the break (very light). The room will not be heated for most of the workshop but it will still be somewhat warm due to there being a class beforehand.

Workshop Schedule

Saturday
11:30 am - 3:30 pm, Lecture
4:00 - 5:30 pm - Bikram Class taught by Paul Balch
Sunday
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
5:00 - 6:30 pm - Bikram Class taught by Paul Balch

Download a Workshop Flyer

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