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Brooke Freedman
Summer moves along, we look forward to the Fall and the New England Regional Yoga Asana Championships. Last year at this time, I was kicking around the idea of giving the Championships a shot. My practice had come a long way since I first started back in 2006, and I had finally found real consistency. Still, I was hesitant to jump in and participate in the Championships and commit to the preparation that would go with it. I was nervous about being up on a stage in the company of some really serious yogis and yoginis. On more than one occasion I thought “what business do I have competing? I can barely make it through class some days!” Beyond that, I felt overwhelmed by committing to an even more rigorous practice schedule. With a 1 year old and a 3 year old at home, plus a very demanding job, I couldn't imagine committing myself to anything more…I already felt stretched so thin.
I wavered at first. I was in, then I was out…then I recalled Bikram’s words “No choice, no excuses!” So that was that, and with all of my bull dog determination, and Bengal Tiger strength - I committed myself to 12 weeks of preparation for the Championships. It is truly amazing what happens when you make a commitment like this. The greatest rewards I received as a result of this commitment are highlighted below:
Endurance: I went from just barely making it through class to feeling more strength and energy with each posture. I no longer fell out of postures half way through, had to sit out after every other one, or lay like a limp rag after class - and the meaning of “yoga as a gas station” became so much clearer.
Strength: In the 12 weeks I spent preparing for the Championships, I literally watched my body change. I had two children in the past three years, and could finally see my abs again and saw definition in my arms and legs that I never had before, even when I was working with a personal trainer (pre-Bikram).
Flexibility & Balance: I never thought I’d be the girl who could actually hold Standing Bow the way it is meant to be held. The term “like a Japanese ham sandwich” only made me hungry. My flexibility and balance improved by 200% in a very short window, enabling me to take my practice to a very different place. Sometimes I catch a glimpse of a posture in the mirror and can’t believe that it’s me.
Determination: One of the things I have always worked for is consistency; with varying levels of success. I have found that I have a lot of drive, but the ability to be consistent has always eluded me…too many peaks and valleys. My preparation and participation in the Championship changed all that so drastically. Every single thing in my life has improved as a result of the determination that I practiced for 12 weeks to get up on that stage. Beyond my yoga practice, my career has benefited, and my family has benefited from my ability to function at a very high level without pause. It is not exhausting, it is exhilarating.
Training for the Championship was hard, fun, exciting and rewarding. Being a part of a team; other students, teachers and our coaches, was a tremendous experience. It was truly a team effort. The day of the event brought butterflies, then calm. Everything you have worked so hard for comes together, and the most amazing peace falls over you. Everyone in that room is cheering for you and wants to see you be the best you can be. It is really not a competition, it is a demonstration of your commitment to and love for your practice.
I encourage all of you to give it a shot this year. It doesn't matter where you are with your practice today, only where you want to go.
“No choice, no excuses!”
Feel free to ask about anything if you see me in the studio. There is a wonderful support system in place to help you meet your goals. You just have to be willing to try.
Good luck!!
To learn more about the Championships, join us at one of these information sessions:
Saturday, August 20th
Back Bay - 1:30pm (after the 11:30 class)
Harvard Square – 2:00pm (after the Noon class)
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