Journal Entry July 18, 2025
It’s a beautiful Friday morning, and I’m on my second walk of the day, soaking up the summer before I head back to school next month. The thought of losing this morning ritual of two consecutive walks is bittersweet, but it’s a sacrifice for what pays the bills. My mind, as it often does on these walks, drifts to another practice that has been a constant in my life for over 30 years: yoga.
The Early Days: Bikram and the “Drill Sergeant” Teacher
I was in my early 40s when I first started thinking about getting back into an exercise routine. I had just turned 40, and while picking up a bagel in Westlake Village, California, I saw a flyer for small, in-home yoga classes. I decided to give it a shot. The woman who taught the class was a true believer, dedicated to the traditions of yoga, and insisted on using the Sanskrit names for every pose. She was a bit of a drill sergeant, constantly correcting our postures, but I appreciate that now. Her style was old-school—you were expected to get the pose right, and she was there to make sure you did.
After a while, I found a new studio called Yogahead in Agoura Hills. The owner, Bradley, was a Bikram-trained instructor. This was a completely different experience. Bikram yoga, as it was taught then, focused less on the spiritual traditions and more on the physical practice—a specific sequence of poses performed in a heated room. Bikram believed the heat helped you achieve a deeper practice, a philosophy that has now become a hallmark of many modern studios. This was the early ’90s, and yoga studios weren’t nearly as common as they are today. You had to work to find one, and I felt lucky to have this new studio nearby.
Becoming a Teacher: “If You Want to Learn Something, Teach It”
I dove into Bikram’s system, going about three times a week. That’s when Bradley offered me an opportunity that changed everything: teacher training. I was hesitant; I didn’t see myself as a teacher. But Bradley told me something that has stuck with me ever since: “If you really want to get good at something, you have to learn to teach it.” I’ve found this to be true in so many areas of my life.
I took the course and became a certified yoga instructor. Compared to the rigorous, medically-informed training programs of today, my certification from Yogahead was a simple piece of paper. But it opened doors for me. I taught at Bradley’s studio for a short time and later, at Pepperdine University and even after I moved to Oklahoma in 2005. Eventually, life got too busy, and my yoga practice fell by the wayside. But a few years ago, I came back to it.
The Evolution of Yoga: Compassion and Inclusivity
Now, in 2025, I’m back on the mat. The yoga landscape has changed dramatically. My small town of Edmond, which likely had no studios when I first started, now has over a dozen. Today’s studios are more diverse, often blending yoga with Pilates and other strength training exercises. They’ve also become far more accessible and inclusive.
The biggest shift I’ve noticed is the change in teaching style. The old, rigid approach has been replaced with a more compassionate and personalized one. Teachers now encourage students to “do what works for you” and modify poses as needed. Instead of feeling like a failure if you can’t hold a difficult pose, you’re encouraged to put your knees down or use a prop. This accepting attitude makes yoga accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
Enduring Lessons from a Lifelong Practice
After 30 years, I’ve learned so much from my yoga practice. It has taught me:
- Strength, Balance, and Flexibility: It’s amazing how strong yoga can make you. The continuous practice builds a specific kind of endurance that helps you hold poses for longer periods.
- The Power of Memory: My body remembers the poses I learned decades ago. While I’ve lost some strength and flexibility, my muscle memory is a remarkable guide on my return journey.
- Patience and Endurance: Yoga is a work ethic activity. You can’t cheat your way to flexibility. It requires consistent practice and patience. The ability to endure a challenging pose teaches a deeper mental resilience.
- A Deeper Connection: Yoga, which means “union,” is a form of meditation in motion. It forces you to be in the present moment, to quiet the inner chatter, and to appreciate what your body can do on any given day. Some days, a familiar pose like “camel” feels impossible, and other days it’s effortless. Yoga teaches you to accept and appreciate those variations.
- The Importance of a Practice: I love the energy of a class, but my first teacher taught me that the best practice is the one you’ll do. Whether it’s in a studio, at home with a video, or just a few mindful stretches, it’s more important that you show up for yourself.
I’m not a yoga missionary—I believe the best exercise is the one you will actually do. For me, that’s yoga. It’s a journey that’s taught me about physical endurance, mental stillness, and the importance of grace, both on and off the mat.
What about you? Have you found a practice that brings you back to center?
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