Fight or Flight

Standing Bow

Its 105F degrees and 40% humidity and you are fighting against the heat and the beads of perspiration. 90 minutes and 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. What has it taught me?

Some say its a torture chamber and its killing yourself. Some attest to a stronger back and healthier body. This is Bikram Yoga.

My first experience was rather interesting as I breezed through the 90 minutes of class without panting nor dizziness as many have claimed. I loved it since it reminded me so much of dance. I can just hold the positions just like my dance pose. All that perspiration felt like I worked really hard while all the time I was positioned on my yoga mat. I wasn't running on the thread mill for 5 km. I wasn't having a rehearsal for a full length repertoire. I was just stretching my body and holding for 6-10 seconds. At the end of class, my towel was wet, my hair was dripping like I fell into the pool and my costume was drenched. I enjoyed every bit of it.

I took class almost everyday and sometimes I did double. As I proceed and learnt more from a fellow yogi the proper placement of the body, class got harder and more challenging. I felt that each class was more difficult than the last. That's when I learnt how to train my mind to just FOCUS. Regardless of the heat, regardless of the perspiration getting into my eyes, I have to just breathe and not give up. I learnt about perseverance and just pure Focus. Bikram's very own words were "Use your Bull-dog determination, Will power and Bengal Tiger Strength".

Coming out of the heated room, I carry the same attitude I developed in there to the outside world. No matter what I encounter, whatever distractions that come, I have learnt to tell myself to Focus and get my job done. When I'm doing the 5 km runs, sometimes the heat is scorching and the stitch is killing me, I remember how I have to Focus and not give up. I clenched my teeth and pushed myself even further and run faster.

In life, there are many distractions and obstacles that we encounter. Close your eyes and just breathe and tell yourself that you can do it. Focus and never give up.

A need to move

Matters of the Heart - Centre Dance Ensemble @ Herberger Theatre

(Dancers - Jas L, Christa C & Lisa C)

My first encounter with dance was watching my elder sister perform at Victoria Theatre. She was wearing a blue leotard, baby blue tutu and blowing bubbles on stage. That vivid image stuck with me all these years. I have to move and I cannot stop moving.

I grew up studying ballet, tap and jazz. I just love to dance. I know that's my passion. Until one day, when I was asked to perform for my church in Australia, I knew dance was a higher calling. I did a simple worship dance. After the piece ended, people were tearing and one lady came up to me and said " I felt God's presence as you danced."

When I dance, I feel a deeper connection with my creator and I just forget about all the inhibitions within me. When I move, I know I have found my purpose and calling. And I know He can use me to reach out, touch lives and change hearts when I dance for Him.

I'm moving for Him.