Bikram 101

As an experienced yogini of vinyasa, power, kripalu & kundilini styles of 8 yrs, I stumbled into Bikram yoga for my first time a few months ago as a way to support a friend new to the practice, and curious about the hot style. I had no idea how deeply I would be changed by it. The heat felt healing to the body and bitter truth of the dialogue medicine to the mind. I found the philosophies behind the dialogue to the parallel the challenges we struggle with in daily life – courage, fear, determination, patience, & discipline. The more of these qualities I brought to my practice, the more they became a part of my total life. I felt that as my practice grew stronger, so did I. There is no hiding in Bikram yoga; no more excuses. I was able to confront and tackle faulty personal belief systems I had put on the backburner for many years and for the first time in a long time, I began to see myself as worthy and deserving of great things. I attribute this change in thinking to Bikram, the dialogue, and yoga sequence. My yoga teachers in St. Charles have been generous guides and role models and I am so grateful and appreciative to have found this practice and opportunity. Additionally, it has been especially encouraging and inspirational to go through this experience with other challengers and share these changes together. Sweat sisters are amazing!

A few weeks into the 30 day challenge my employer announced my job would be outsourced to India this summer. This allowed me to extend the 30 day challenge to 101 days since overtime at work was no longer expected. I am excited for a career change which will give me an opportunity to put these new skills to the test and realize my potential. I am still working toward my own vision of success but know that Bikram yoga will be there to challenge and push me to keep growing stronger – deepest thanks to you Bikram!

Diedre Rose DiBlasi lives in Gilberts, IL and has practiced yoga as a hobby for more than 8 years. She is also an artist and makes yoga and spiritual inspired jewelry and paintings and has ambitions of owning her own business in the near future utilizing her passions. She is looking to connect with like-minded people who want to encourage the pursuit of personal fulfillment in all people. You can contact her at diedrerose2001@yahoo.com.