So recently I have been searching, desperately, for a form of exercise that will not only bring balance to my physical body but also my mental and spiritual body. As a child and adolescent I always participated in sports, which meant for me that exercise was fun and exciting. As I grew older, I took up the practice of boxing and kickboxing at a little hole in the wall gym. During those five years I was in the best shape of my life. I had two children during that time and always managed to just bounce back gracefully. It was also critical to my mental well being. Since moving to Arizona, five years ago, I have been unable to find a method of exercise that is fun and exciting. Something that I can’t wait to do after work, something that takes my mind inside for a bit, something that brings challenge every time I show up, something that is just not down right boring and procrastinateable (hahaha that’s one of my new made up words). I have joined gyms, multiple times. I have taken up hiking. I have hired personal trainers. I’ve tried running, walking in the neighborhood. Nothing seems to stick for long. Nothing pulls at me the way I’ve been pulled at before. However, not long ago…ta dah! I found a new adventure…As I prepared for a recent trip to NYC, I was contacting friends that live out there and found out one of my friends from back home, Colleen was practicing and actually instructing something called Bikram Yoga. I thought, hey I’ve taken yoga plenty of times but have never had the courage to try that “hot yoga” maybe this is my chance to explore in the safety of a class that a dear friend will be teaching. I went searching the internet for everything I needed to know and was instantly eager for the new beginning! I felt like this was exactly what I had been searching for and if I liked it enough I would find a place to practice back here in Phoenix. Well, last week I adventured to NYC and more importantly to the Lower East Side Bikram Yoga studio to take my first class. AMAZING! I could have never prepared myself for my level of satisfaction with the experience. It’s funny how with every stage of life you are drawn to different yet similar experiences. There was a time and place for group sports in my life, as with boxing. And most recently Bikram yoga. The form of exercise being different each time but the draw to the function and purpose so similar. The function and purpose of those 90 minutes is what my mind, body and spirit have been craving. I am so grateful to my friends, Colleen and her husband Christian for the warm welcome to a beautiful practice. I have been inspired to be well to myself for at least 90 minutes at least three to four times a week. I encourage everyone to try “hot yoga” just even once. The practice is not for everyone and you may not make the same connection but there is no doubt you will find some clarity, even if it’s clarity that you are not ever doing Bikram Yoga again  I, myself, will be sweating myself clear for some time to come.