June 22, 2009

So I've started taking bikram yoga classes, and the masochistic part of me loves the 120 degree room. I sweat in places I didn't know could actually sweat, such as the middle of my forearm, my eyelids, my ears -- not the lobes, but the cartilage-y part that people like to pierce for what reason I don't know. Many of those people are actually in my class. They say hot yoga brings more flexibility and a sense of peace. I can only guess that sense of peace that flitters in and out during the 90-minute session is due to the melting of my brain. At one point I saw black spots and the instructor stated, "If you see stars, that means you're connecting with the universe in your brain." Later: "Bend your body like it's a grilled cheese -- there should be no space between your legs and chest -- make me believe you're a grilled cheese." And near the end of the hell: "If you get dizzy and lose your balance, find your eyes in the mirror. Focus on yourself. That will steady you." Ahhh Daniel-San. Now those are the wise words I was in search of. Very smart those yogis. Must be the heat.