Keepin' it Real.

I don't love saving the best for last. I would eat my dessert first, everyday if I could and sometimes I do. However, in regards to the Bikram Teacher's at Hot Yoga Saratoga, I've been saving sharing about Cindy, the owner and my first instructor.


There are people you meet in your life that change you. Something they say or may do, strikes a certain something within you, and makes you take action and control of your own life. Cindy is that person for me. Don't get me wrong, I have had this experience on more than one occasion. My 1st grade teacher, helped me to fall in love with learning. A college Psychology professor's take on the field fueled my drive to go to grad-school. My dad's love of sports and his outlook on health shaped my athletic career. However, Cindy's life changing effect has more to do with my mindset, my actual take on life as a whole, not a specific venture, hobby or goal.


If I had to describe her in one word, that word would be, "real."  With Cindy there is no hiding, what you see and hear is what you get and what you get is a strong-willed, determined, FEARLESS, caring person. On and off the mat, which is so essential to have as a teacher. She accepts her faults and her frustrations with grace, and she sure as heck doesn't preach to be someone she's not. That fluid transferability into the classroom benefits her students immensely. She empathizes (not sympathizes) with her students because when she isn't teaching, she is right there next to you busting her ass on the mat without complaint. Her practice is a clear depiction of her life. Cindy's bio on the Hot Yoga website shares her previous employ as a lawyer, but her passion, at the current time was found elsewhere, leading her to open the studio.


The only difference between you and the people you admire is that they chose to take those first steps towards their dream. They put themselves out there.  Cindy puts herself out there.


Cindy.

 My decision to to start yoga was something I can be proud of. It was the beginning of my journey to be the best version of myself, which is really HARD to do. It is hard to practice [yoga, optimism, assertiveness, kindness, etc] everyday and to be the best version of myself takes SO much effort. We all need reminders and inspiration to get out there and do something. I get mine every time I practice next to Cindy, take her class or meet her on the dance flo’. 

I think she is helping us realize, during this challenge, that the more you push yourself, the higher your expectations become for your life and the people you want to have in it and eventually unfold that way. 


...Oh, and she's a ginger. Oh, and she can do the pose pictured above, after a big meal and several glasses of wine, as proved at dinner last night. boo ya. get it woman!




'This one's for you!"
Thank you, Cindy!


Class #17 tonight!