I was reminded of a valuable lesson this weekend

I was reminded of a valuable lesson this weekend when I went to Pure Bikram Yoga in Austin, get there early. I use to get to yoga early, set up my mat where I wanted to and relax. I've gotten lazy, or maybe over booked, either way I was rushing to make class the two times I went this weekend.

This resulted in me being on the last row my first class and having to squish in for my second class; both not satisfactory to me.

As I was leaning over in Standing Head to Knee, I was thinking to myself, "darn it, I should have gotten here earlier, I can't see my knee!" I don't know how people manage to go through class on the third or fourth row, you can't see what the body is doing.

After mentally scolding myself for not getting there earlier, I decided to let it go. I accepted the challenge of being on the last row and tried hard to not let it steal my peace.

Then, because I didn't learn my lesson the first time, I got there right before class started again on the second day. I walked in and the sign-in sheet had 54 people on it. Oh dear! I hoped that wasn't just for my class, that maybe that was the sign in sheet from another class too but no, when I walked in, mats were literally mat to mat. I stood there and just stared for a second trying to quickly scan the room. Of course, as I would, no one looked at me, they didn't really want to have to squeeze in one more. Heck, I don't blame them, I wouldn't want to either.

After a few seconds and two or three more people coming in, people started to shift around and I found a spot on the third row next to the pole in the middle of the room. Could I see myself? Heck no. Did people sweat all over my mat and towel? Absolutely. Was I pretty sure I wanted to wash with anti bacterial soap after? Of course. Was it an awesome class? DUH! Heck YEA! Sweaty, energized, motivating class. Who cares I might have put my face in someone's sweat during Locust Pose. I struggled through class and gave my 100% and left satisfied and feeling great.

Next time you go to Bikram Yoga, or any yoga for that matter, try being in a place you don't normally set up. It will change your perspective and challenge you more in class. And for all you third and fourth row people that come to my classes, get up front, it will change your life. :)