Trust the Process

Week one down. 8 more to go. This week was all about adjusting to a new environment. As soon as I checked into the Hilton I unpacked my 4 suitcases and my carry on. We were told a refrigerator would be provided in our room. Of course my room didn't have one. So when I called to request one, I was told I was going to move to another room the following day. Argh! They tell me this AFTER I unpacked everything! Welcome to Vegas. Welcome to teacher training!

There's approximately 300+ students here from all over the world. Some people are speaking English for the first time. It's amazing to see so many people who share my passion. Last Sunday we all registered and had an orientation. During orientation we had the pleasure of meeting Rajashree, Bikram's wife. She's the best! She's put us to ease, telling us to "Trust the Process". Coming into this training I have tried to make no assumptions of what to expect. I don't know what's to come. Throughout my life I have tried to plan and anticipate everything. Now I am trying to go with the flow. I don't have any expectations in training other than becoming certified at the end of the 9 weeks.

I'm finally here. Last year around this time, teacher training was only a thought for me. I remember a two hour conversation I had with Heidi (the manager/teacher @ Renton). She was very supportive and helped me this past year to make my decision to be here. From that point on, I knew I had to find a way to get to training. I was longing for something in my life. Something was missing. My relationship was headed south and I needed something to keep my focus. Yoga kept my mind clear. It helped me get through the hardest time of my life. I am so ecstatic to be a part of this teacher training.

Monday we finally got to meet Bikram! He's quite the entertainer. His presence captivated the entire room! He taught our first class. The room wasn't heated to his standards. It took several classes for the heat to turn up. As soon as the heat was on people started vomiting in class and some had to be escorted out from being dizzy or nausea. The staff immediately made bio-hazard bins in the back of the room for people to use for their vomit. Throughout the week Rajashree taught our morning classes and Bikram taught the evening classes.

We finally got "schedule" for the training.

Monday-Friday

8:30 yoga class

2 hour break to shower and eat (some days we get less time)

lecture/posture clinic

5:00 yoga class

2 hour break to shower and eat

9:00 until whenever for evening lecture

Saturday 8:00 yoga class. Then we are free for the rest of the weekend.

I have limited time to do anything, let alone eat. I don't have internet at the hotel. The Hilton is charging $14 a day. No bueno! So I log on when I can. Thank goodness for my Blackberry! We were each given a food card with $610 to use throughout the hotel. Everything in the hotel is over priced! A bottle of water is $3.50! So I'm using the card sparingly. My roommate and I got a few groceries. It's difficult to find healthy food that doesn't require much cooking. I have a small fridge and a microwave (provided by a fellow local student). My quick meals this week were ramen or turkey sandwiches. I splurged on sushi in the hotel the other night. During my dinner break, I hand wash my two yoga outfits in my bathroom sink then hang my clothes on the shower rod to dry overnight. I'm living in a fancy dorm! My room gets cleaned daily but I have limited resources. It's a little yoga bubble. Sunday through Saturday I never left the hotel.

I've met great people and I'm looking forward to meeting more. Everyone has their different reasons for being here. It's great hearing what has drawn people to the training. I absolutely love how yoga brings people together!

More posts when I can log on once again. Farewell for now!