Yogi of the Month

Each month, we celebrate a student who brings special light to the studio as Yogi of the Month.

January 2013, Karen Merritt

Karen, can you please tell us a little about yourself?

Mother of three adult children, educated, life long learner, divorced and, living now in Rehoboth Ma. I am a Real Estate Broker who is affiliated with Keller Williams, East Side Providence RI.

What inspired you to try Bikram Yoga?

I wanted a yogi butt. Lol no, well, sorta. Since my early twenties, diagnosed with “borderline ovarian cancer” I've pursued a path of health and wellness. I've tried many different types of exercise from being a runner to hours on the elliptical to strength training, to a life as an amateur body builder. But, for me, exercise was always something I did, outside of myself , if that makes any sense? I exercised to keep myself healthy...It was more or less a chore.

You're the first student at the Boiler House to attempt a 60 Day Challenge. What inspired you to take a 60 Day Challenge? What are some of the benefits you're seeing from the Challenge? And, how have you stayed so motivated and positive through the Challenge?

I'm the First student at the Boiler House Bikram Yoga to attempt the 60 day challenge! I'm so thrilled to hear you say that I am. Coming from a family of four girls, with a hand-me-down middle child mentality, you have no idea how excited I am to hear that I'm the first at something (smile).

What inspired me? Wanting a brighter future for myself and the people I love.. Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram Yoga, says Give me 60 days, and I'll change your life. If you think about it, 60 days to change your life, is nothing. It's really nothing, and quite doable.

Some of the benefits I'm seeing from the challenge? I think Derek said it best,
”One day you're moving from the couch to the TV and the next day you're moving…..out of the house.” (smile) In other words, Bikram yoga not only allows you to stretch your arms and legs to where you never thought possible before but it also and, more importantly, allows you to stretch your...I think...your ability to love. As maybe it's the opening of your heart that enables you to expand your life. As fear, opposite of love, restricts us in so many ways. So, I guess what I'm trying to say, Bikram yoga has opened my heart and I'm not so scared anymore. And, it shows as my 60 day challenge progresses I'm doing things (career related) that I've waited a life time to do...I'm working on making a dream come true.

How have I stayed so motivated? Faith. I have faith that Bikram Yoga will change my life in 60 days.

Besides this time in the Challenge, what are some of the overall benefits you've received from your Bikram Yoga practice?

My diet has completely and easily changed since practicing Bikram yoga. Amazingly enough, I no longer have urges and cravings for sweets! Once, adhering to a high protein low carb diet (similar to that of Atkin), I've switched over to a high carb low protein Vegetarian diet.

And, again, I've done this with complete ease. Since the start of my 60 day challenge, I've just wanted to drink herbal tea or water, and, eat: veggies, fruit, potatoes, and brown rice.

Overall, I feel more at peace. I feel like the path I'm on is the right one for me....I will continue my practice at the Boiler House and so my life and the people I come into contact and the world in general will benefit.

What do you like most about the Boiler House studio?

I love that I'm nurtured to bring out my best self.Everyone there, including the people who come to practice, want goodness, and vitality and health. What a wonderful common objective....it's a source of great energy for me and when I get out into the world and do what I do, I 'd like to believe I give it all back.

Can you give us some words of encouragement for those considering a regular practice?

I think the Boiler House has everything one needs to live a life of health and wellness. It has an A team of people who are knowledgeable, caring and supportive and it also has a Studio that is what I'd consider to be the best Bikram Yoga studio in Rhode Island, if not the World! Yes, that's right, the World. From what I understand, Derek, the owner of Boiler House Bikram Yoga, has practiced Bikram Yoga in Studios all across the globe...and I'm sure, having that knowledge base enabled him to take the best and leave the rest. Therefore, we are, all, truly blessed to have The Boiler House Bikram Studio, here, in little RI! Thank you Derek, Eric, Sam, Katie, and Lynn for all your hard work and making the world a better place.

Namaste,
Karen

December 2012, Bobby Ducharme

Bobby, can you please tell us a little about yourself?

Born in Philadelphia, raised in South Jersey, college in New York. After graduation, work at the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington DC for almost five years. Move to San Francisco in 1981. Live in California in San Francisco, Marin County and Mendocino County. Begin work in HIV Prevention, Education and Counseling in 1995 in CA. Move to RI in 2002. Current part-time gig in HIV Prevention at Miriam Hospital. Also a theatre actor, director and producer. Appeared at Perishable Theatre and the SF Gamm Theatre. Grew up a geek, not good in sports. An 11th grade gym teacher first introduces me to yoga. Instead of forcing me to team sports, he allows me to teach myself yoga. In my Junior year of High School, I begin my first yoga practice an hour a day during gym. Many years later in 1999, start yoga classes with Mary Pafford in Ukiah, CA . In Rhode Island, start practicing at Eyes of the World. Receive teaching certification from Tom Gillette in 2010. Open The Heart Spot, a yoga and healing arts studio in Johnston in October 2012.

What inspired you to try Bikram Yoga?

My sister-in-law, Diane Ducharme, opened one of the first Bikram studios in Boston in 1995. I tried a class once when we were visiting, and didn’t care for the experience. Shortly after moving to the East Coast in 2002, I spent a week in NYC and did Bikram yoga every day. I suffered through those classes, and eventually found my way to a heated vinyaasa practice at Eyes of the World. Over the years I have tried Bikram at studios all over the country (including Key West FL and Ukiah CA). I had a massive tear in my right rotator cuff and bicep, and had surgery in February 2010. I currently have an strain in my right psoas and hamstrings. Diane, Lynn and other teachers always speak about the healing aspects of Bikram yoga. So when Boiler House opened, your generous offer got me into the door to try Bikram regularly. I found that I really like the heat.

As the owner of another Yoga studio - can you speak a little about the differences and similarities between 'styles' of Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient science that joins together the body, mind and spirit. The ancient yogis spent most of their time sitting and meditating. Over time, they needed a break, and began to move the body. The practice of postures, or asanas, developed over time as a way to keep the body limber, but really wasn’t practiced regularly in India until the mid-1800s. Since yoga migrated to the West, there are now many different schools of yoga, each with a unique style of practice and philosophy. In this integration into Western culture, many yoga enthusiasts see it as another form of exercise, with vigorous “power” yogas and vinyaasa flow yoga that work up a sweat. However, all yoga has the same humble goal: an attempt to still the mind to fully integrate the breath and body as one.

Why is the practice of Yoga, regardless of style, so beneficial for people?

One of my newest teachers, Carolyn Oberst, teaches something she calls Middle Path Yoga. She explains it best: “the practice of Yoga is a system of exercises and breathing techniques that was developed in India many thousands of years ago. These exercises produce certain effects on the body such as: improved flexibility, range of motion and increased strength, and on the mind, such as: increased concentration, calmness and feelings of contentment. Due to these effects the regular practice of yoga helps to relieve stress and prevent disease. Energy and vitality are increased, and it promotes the healing of many disorders.

Yoga teaches self-awareness and self-knowledge. It develops sensitivity first to oneself and then to the world around you. It teaches compassion and how to open the heart center. So in addition to the physical and mental benefits, there are emotional and spiritual ones as well. These effects of a regular practice enhance your life in both subtle and dramatic ways.”

I am continually grateful to all my teachers for allowing me space to grow and change.

What are some of the unique benefits you've received from your Bikram Yoga practice?

I have made amazing progress in standing bow pulling posture with regard to my
shoulder. When I began, I could not get my right thumb externally rotated around
my foot. After just a few classes and some expert instruction from Derek, I was able
to switch my grip so that I got my thumb on the outside of the foot. I am now able to
stretch in two directions, kicking the leg back further. I have also become stronger in
my standing postures. This is amazing to me, as my right hamstring and iliopsoas
are quite tight. But somehow, I can stand and balance on the right leg for most of the
series. When I have difficulty with the right leg, I can always modify at the bar. I think
an amazing benefit of the Bikram practice is merely the fact of getting through a class.
With all the issues in my body and mind, when I make it to Kapaalabhati breathing, I am
astonished.

What do you like most about the Boiler House studio?

To start, it is the most beautiful Bikram studio around. I love the heating and humidity
system, so that even though the room is heated to 107 degrees, the air flow includes
a flush of cool clean air at all times. That makes the room appear slightly cooler, and
easier to practice in. The carpet is great too. The variety of teachers are wonderful.
The people attending classes are beautiful. It’s a wonderful place to be.

Can you give us some words of encouragement for those considering a regular practice?

For years, I was a once a week practitioner of yoga. While I did achieve benefit and my
practice improved over time, it took many many years to feel or see this effect. When I
took the teacher training the first time, beginning in the fall of 2008, I began an almost
daily practice which continues in some fashion to this day. What a change occurred,
not only in my body, but in my mental and spiritual state as well. I can only tell you
that a regular, steady yoga practice without attachment to any outcome is the most
beneficial. Patanjali spoke about these in the Yoga Sutras: Abyaasa (regular practice)
with Vairagya (non-attachment).

Anything else you care to add?

I am honored to have been chose Yogi-of-the-Month. Every person at the Boiler House
is the Yogi-of-the-Month. Continue to expand your own understanding of what yoga is.
Experience different perspectives of yoga by taking a variety of classes. Try different
teachers, styles and studios. You will find the best fit for you. To learn more, please
visit my website: www.TheHeartSpot.com.

Namaste.

Jai Baghwan!

November, 2012 Victoria Adams

Victoria, can you please tell us a little about yourself?

I moved to Rhode Island in September after working at the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital. I am currently the teen volunteer coordinator at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. I love being involved in conservation education and RI is a great place to learn about the natural world.

What brought you to Bikram Yoga?

I started practicing about a year ago after a friend insisted I try it. I’ve never enjoyed other types of yoga so I was surprised by how much I loved Bikram.

Since the Boiler House opened you've taken more classes than anyone --and we often see you at 5:45AM — what motivates you?

Bikram yoga makes me feel really strong and focused. It sets a good tone for the day, knowing that even if I didn't finish something at work or get all my errands done, I still did something healthy for myself.

What changes have you witnessed from regular practice both physical and mental?

I’m incredibly inflexible and I can see a lot of changes in my body since I started practicing frequently. I have never been able to touch my toes and now I can! There were several poses I couldn’t do when I first started. In camel, I could only lean back with my hands on my hips. Now I reach my heels and get a nice stretch. Mentally, I feel a lot calmer and relaxed throughout the day. When I practice first thing in the morning, it helps me focus at work and gives me an added boost to get things done.

What is the greatest benefit you receive from your practice?

Feeling refreshed and detoxed after each class.

What are some things you like most about the Boiler House?

I love all the windows and skylights in the studio! In the morning, we can watch the sun come up
and at night we’re surrounded by the stars. It’s a beautiful place to practice. I also love all of the instructors – they each have a unique perspective on the practice and each one has given me helpful instructions so I can get the most out of my practice.

Can you give us some encouraging words for others considering a regular practice?

Taking the 40 day challenge is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself! Practicing regularly is the best way to calm your mind while strengthening your body, so just try to come as much as you can. As Derek says, “Set your intention and then do it!”

Anything else you care to add?

I have a shameless plug for the Zoo Crew! The Zoo Crew is Roger Williams Park Zoo’s teen volunteer program and it’s a very cool opportunity for kids in 8th-12th grade who want to educate the public about conservation and wildlife. It’s a wonderful way to make friends, be active in the community, and make a positive change in the world. If you know of any teens who might want to join, they can find applications at www.rwpzoo.org

October, 2012 John Abernathy

John, please tell us a little about yourself.....

I grew up in Tennessee and have been living in Rhode Island since 1999. I currently work in Human Resources for CVS Caremark. For many years, I worked in theatre as an actor/singer/dancer. I still perform occasionally as a cabaret singer and have recorded 2 CD's which are available on my website www.john-abernathy.com.

What brought you to Bikram Yoga?

Earlier this year, I was given a groupon to try out Bikram Yoga and discovered this amazing practice. Unfortunately, I didn't stick with it. When I saw that a new studio was opening near my house, it was the perfect time to get back into it. And, the $40/40 days unlimited yoga deal was a perfect way to get a really good start.

How often do you practice?

Since the studio opened, I have only missed a few days. Particularly in the beginning, I really do think it's important to try to go as often as possible.

What changes have you witnessed from regular practice both physical and mental?

I definitely feel like I'm getting leaner and stronger. I have never been very flexible, but that’s getting much better. It's not in leaps and bounds but slow and steady. Every class and every posture is a chance to improve. Overall, I feel healthier. I’m sleeping better than ever and waking up with lots of energy.

What is the greatest benefit you receive from your practice?

I feel great!

What are some things you like most about the Boiler House?

The teachers are fantastic and supportive. The studio is beautiful. And, the students are great, too!

Can you give us some encouraging words for others considering a regular practice?

When I first started, people would ask me if I like Bikram Yoga. I would always say “I haven’t decided yet”. If you’ve seen “Men in Black”, I decided they must be using one of those memory erasing pens as you walk out so that you forget how hot it was. But, the heat is important. And, you have to give it time. You will definitely sweat and work hard. But, it’s totally worth it. At this point, I can say that I am enjoying it and plan to continue.

Anything else you care to add?

See you on the mat!