I had a lovely conversation with Rajashree Choudhury over the weekend. What a pleasure it was to speak with someone who leads from the heart.
Of course, we chatted about Bikram Yoga – what makes it such a popular and unique style of yoga – and what it means on a deeper, meditative level. As Rajashree told me: “The mind can be controlled: it doesn’t matter what circumstance you’re put in, yoga has that power to bring the body and mind together to find happiness. What’s the true meaning of yoga? That’s what my whole class concentrates on.”
We also spoke about the Summer Solstice class that she’ll be leading in Times Square tomorrow at 12.30pm. New York is scheduled to have a 95F day tomorrow – not unlike temperatures in the hot room. Fingers crossed for a breeze (doubt there will be any fans like in the Bikram studio I practice at!) I’m going to be there to document the day so watch this space!
You can read the entire interview with Rajashree here; please feel free to share her words with others.
Bikram Yoga’s Other Half: A Conversation with Rajashree Choudhury.
I also wrote an article with the Summer in mind, but this can apply to yogis the world over. Replenishment is key to combat dehydration, aching muscles, and an overall tiredness from the practice. One of my yoga teachers, Corinne Idzal, shares great insights in this piece about coconut water, electrolytes, and those dreaded sports drinks.
Take a read when you have some time, and again, please feel free to share the information with your yoga friends.
Hydration and Replenishment for (Hot) Yogis.
Enjoy your yoga! xx
Good luck tomorrow, I am sure you gonna have a fabulous day!
Kristina! Thank you! I’m looking forward to it- the temps should mimic those of a hot room
Tomorrow the hot yoga can be done outside!
Sorry I’ve been missing your posts, I have some catching up to do…
So true Karen! The weather advisory is asking everyone to stay home and hydrate. how apropos I wrote a piece on Hydration
Great to hear from you! Congrats again on being Freshly Pressed! Enjoy the catch up (I can imagine!)
Have to go back to yoga.
It’s not a bad idea
Enjoy when you practice again. (DVDs are great too – paul grilley: yin; rodney yee: power)
Thank you for the great info! I. Was at the Solstice. I am a new 1 year Bikram practitioner. My daughter got me into it and just finished LA Teacher Training 2012.
Does anyone know the prayer / words that Rajashree recited at the end of the Solstice class. That was super sublime and enlightening!
Great! I hope you enjoyed reading her interview Guillermo! Congratulations on your 1 year as a Bikram practitioner
AND congratulations on finishing Teacher Training! wonderful!! Where will you teach. Let me ask Rajashree about the prayer/words she recited at the end of class – shall I email you?
Thank you much! It wasn’t me that did the Teacher Training_ it was my daughter. I went to see her the last days for graduation. It was a blast. Took class with Rajashree and Bikram. It was my first double on the day before- OUCH lol. I hope you find the prayer it was so beautiful.
I will try for you Guillermo!
Thank you! Any luck?
Hi Guillermo – I spoke to Rajashree and she said this is the ‘Prayer to the Sun’ that you may find online – translated from Sanskrit. As I didn’t hear it on the day, I must have been up above taking photos, I am not sure which words she shared. If you find the words, will you send them to me too? Thank you! Marina
Hi Marina, I believe Rajashree chanted the Sun Prayer at the start of the class, but at the end of the class she recited another beautiful and inspirational piece. It was a perfect closing! I know it touched the mass of attendees. I told my friend I’d look for it. I doesn’t appear to be the Sun Prayer from what I saw so far_ Was it another piece?
hmmm, not sure. I’ll ask again for you…!
Hi Marina, I understand. If you get the chance, it’ll be fantastic. She’ll maybe think I’m a bit dizzy_ lol. Thank you very much either way xx
Guillermo! Here is what Rajashree passed on to me: “I have CD call kavita as a immotional journey. U can find to buy at
bikramyoga website or itune it is the Mind” Hope that makes sense?? let me know!
Hi Marina,
You are the best- Thank you. I just ordered the CD on her site. It looks promising, but if it doesn’t have that particular selection it’ll be alright too because if it’s anything like what she recited I know it’ll be Devine! Thanks again… I’ll update you the minute I open it and enjoy it. Thank you.
Yes! Do let me know; I am sure it will be a wonderful experience to listen to again. Please do keep me posted!
Hi Marina, It arrived the CD Kavita. I’ve been listening to it over and over. I simply love it. When I’m driving it soothes and grounds me. But, the CD is awesome!!! The last part Journey brings tears to my eyes- my dad past recently. You have to hear it. The part I was looking for is wonderful_ yes it is called Mind. Thank you for finding this out for me! Thank Rajashree for making this – It comes highly highly recommended!
I am so happy you love it and that is giving you some calm relief! I am passing your comment to Rajashree
Thank you!