Question:
I noticed on Bikrams web page and hear my instructors referring to the "dialog." I happened to mention that they have memorized and repeat a "monologue" as there is no tolerance for others to particpate -- and did I ever catch hell!
"No, it's a dialog," they tell me. How is that I ask and never get any sensible reply. Now don't get me wrong, Bikram-style yoga has been great for me physically and mentally and I love my instructors (even the nazi one) BUT, one person spewing out directions is NOT a dialog.
Answer:
Don't expect your Bikram teachers to have the answers you seek. It's not only not in their training, but it's not planned into the practice. If you want modifications, the whys, the benefits, the contraindications and/or a more targeted practice, you must go elsewhere. Bikram teachers are trained to spiel. Actually knowing the difficulties you face, it should encourage you as a the teacher you want to be, to explore other options to enhance any Bikram you might teach. "Grin and bear it" is horse hooey and those people should be smacked with their own, wet speedos. The only WRONG is pain. There is always a modification for injury or body type. This frankly p!sses me off as a teacher who knows.
What you're asking to find would be at an Anusara or Iyengar studio. Ashtanga discourages modifications as well, which is why you'll hear me (rant) about how the better Ashtanga teachers have a background in the aforementioned traditions. So do better (if one may use that term) Bikram teachers.
Also, don't think women can't understand about man parts. Ever heard the term "B&B?" No, of course you haven't because Bikram doesn't assist! Anyway, 'round here, a teacher will move to assist a woman in on, say a bound twist. S/he'll say, "B&B!" And the woman will move her Boobs and Belly out of the way. So don't think you're all alone!
As for being x-military and a Republican? Come 'on down to the ol' District of Columbia. You'll meet all kinds of your ilk in class. We leave professions, politics and religion out of the yoga studio. Some mention, advocate and teach spiritualism, but that's personal development and not religion.
I must (rant) make an observation: We research our doctors to treat parts of us. Kindeys, uteruses, prostates, teeth, skin, and the wart on our bums. Why does the public insist on handing their entire bodies over to yoga teachers without looking into their qualifications or the yoga which would be the best for our bodies at this point in our lives? Just because someone teaches or has memorized a series of physical movements doesn't mean they (sorry Emily) know squat. Yet we insist on assigning them this undefined knowledge or connection we can only barely verbalize ourselves. Rhetorical question, but think about it. You're not getting the answers you want. Why....? Because they do not know. Nor, frankly, do they have to care, which will not be evident in the seminar you take.
Try something else for answers. I'm willing to bet if you can get past the mental attraction to the sweat, you'll open your body like crazy and someone will know where to tell you to put your parts.
