If there’s one thing we’ve all learned these past almost two years, it’s that the world needs more compassion. While it’s true that some people are innately more compassionate than others, did you know it can be learned or enhanced as well. Not only is it important to have compassion for others, but also towards yourself.
The calmness of yoga makes it a perfect way to practice or enhance this. By focusing on the present moment and accepting and noticing yourself as you are, you can start to integrate more kindness and self-care into daily living.
Having self-compassion not only helps you navigate through life’s challenges, but also shows a decrease in anxiety and stress and an increase in happiness, confidence and physical health. This in turn makes you more likely to forgive, compromise and provide support to others, something so desperately needed in these times especially.
Bikram yoga at Arts & Hot Yoga does exactly this! It’s a set series of 26 postures, including 2 breathing exercises, each of which is performed twice in the 90 minute class. The poses are from classic Hatha poses and are designed to move fresh, oxygenated blood to 100% of your body.
Rachel, the owner, is the most compassionate instructor, allowing people to take sips of water and breaks as needed and even cracking the door to let some cool air in if it looks like we need it. (trust me you don’t normally see this in Bikram classes!) She has an incredible energy and passion for what she does and her explanations of the correct way to do the postures, along with modifications make it easy to follow and make improvements little by little.
Each posture has a specific purpose. They all work every part of the body to give all the internal organs, veins, ligaments, and muscles everything they need for optimum health and maximum function. They are done in a specific, unchanging order, to achieve the desired benefits.
With the heat turned up, 105 degrees, hot yoga has the ability to give your heart, lungs and muscles an even greater, more intense workout. Arts & Hot Yoga uses FAR infrared heat, different than most studios that use forced air. “This FAR infrared heat provides a therapeutic, deep penetrating, detoxifying form of heat that expels toxins, heavy metals and pollutants from the body, providing significant benefits. FAR infrared heat promotes a stronger immune system, better cardiovascular health, and speeds up the healing process in soft tissue injuries such as tears, pulls, and sprains”. This is just one more huge perk at this studio!
It is a blessing being able to practice at Arts & Hot Yoga. The studio itself is absolutely beautiful, including the most amazing floating glass ceiling! Rachel displays and sells featured artwork from talented local artists and has super cute merchandise in her boutique with brands like K-Deer and Spiritual Gangster. 🙂
In addition to the 90 minute Bikram class there’s also a 60 minute one. It’s a condensed version with a little less heat, 95 degrees. I actually LOVE this class and feel like it would be a great introduction to Bikram, especially for someone maybe a little hesitant about the 90 minute class. They offer a Yin Yoga and Meditation class taught by Nicole that is SO beyond relaxing! Yin aims to restore length and elasticity to your muscles through seated and back poses. She also does an awesome job teaching their Glowga special events classes. Glowga is a themed glow in the dark flow class with a guided meditation and a dance party! Yes, I said dance party!!! I attended the 80’s themed one and it was CRAZY FUN!!!
So maybe this is the answer to all the world’s problems…;) By practicing Bikram yoga these are just some of the benefits you may see: reduced stress, more mindfulness, weight loss, glowing skin, increased flexibility, A N D, drum roll, more COMPASSION, both towards yourself and others. Hope to see you on the mat! #grateful #selfcare #compassion