Featured Student: Shelley Brahan

Who would ever have thought that you could be addicted to Hot Yoga! On June 11th I started practicing at Bikram Hot Yoga in Langford and I haven't been able to take a day off since. I have just completed my 225th day of yoga in a row. When I started I was at a very low point in my life. I had struggled through many medical challenges within my family and felt life to be very unfair and difficult. I found that the more I came to yoga, the more I healed. I now look at life in a totally different way: instead of woe is me, why are things so unfair, I now look at the up side of everything and things which were so unfair are now just a bump in the road. They are the reason we are who we are. I am a much better parent with more patience and understanding with my children.

Shelley Brahan and Colleen Brahan-Howe

My goal when I started was to find a hobby and feel good about myself, and I have found that yoga has changed me from the inside out. At first I struggled through the heat and postures with little balance and flexibility and wondered "why am I torturing myself?"-But after every class I feel great - full of energy and life. I have lost 28 pounds and feel like a new person.

Before I started yoga, I wondered how anyone had the time to attend an hour and a half class (especially those who do the 30 day challenges). I kept making excuses - I have no time, maybe I will start tomorrow, I am too tired today. Any excuse was a good one for me. But here I am making this time just for me. I have three children and work full time so really all we need to do is make the time.

I would encourage everyone to try Bikram Hot Yoga. This is the one place you can be yourself without being judged. It doesn't matter if you're young or old, big or small, tall or short - we are all there for the same reason, to make a difference in our lives and to get in shape.

I have met so many wonderful people and teachers I am proud to call my friends. I feel as though we are one big family.

The best way to start would be with a 30 day challenge, try it - you will surprise yourself. I look forward to coming to yoga everyday! I love yoga so much I have convinced my twin sister, her husband and many friends to come join me, and guess what - they all love it too! The next to come will be my Mom. She has seen the changes in me and says all us "Yogi's" are truly inspiring.

Thank you to all who teach and practice at Bikram Yoga Langford, I wouldn't be who I am today without you all J.

Have a great year in 2009!