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I was a study of paradoxes. I smoked cigarettes as a teenager because it was “cool” but quickly found myself addicted. I also was a vegetarian since the age of 8 because I was philosophically opposed to the killing of animals. I earned an undergraduate degree in literature but didn’t really know what to do with it. My lack of focus and direction came to a screeching halt the day a doctor told me I had cancer and needed immediate medical treatment.

The phrase “turning on a dime” became very real. Saving my life became the most focused thing I have ever done. The cigarettes were gone the same day the doctor uttered the “C” word. Days later I embarked on the most difficult year of my life. I had radical surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and subsequent major surgery to address complications from the treatment. I was left with a body full of toxins, a sensitive digestive system, chronic back pain, and most difficult to deal with—lymphedema from the waist down. Sitting or standing for any period of time resulted in swelling of my lower extremities accompanied by pain. I had several bouts of cellulitis, which is stage II of lymphedema and requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. Third stage lymphedema is called elephantiasis –where your legs become so filled with fluid they are huge with the skin as hard as an elephant’s. Not a great prospect for a 28 year old!

My focus continued and I received a Master’s Degree in Technical Writing. I also searched for ways to restore my body and deal with the side effects of the treatment, which I will have for the rest of my life. I did acupuncture, drank wheat grass and found Bikram Yoga. Slowly my body responded. My edema was controlled by all the compression postures, which returned the lymph from the lower extremities to the general lymphatic circulation. Each class brought not only greater strength and vitality, but gave me hope that I could stay cancer-free and lead a normal life. The more I practiced Bikram Yoga the healthier I became. I guess you could say I owe my recovery to Bikram. It was such an important part of my life that I renewed my focus with a decision to become a Bikram Yoga instructor.

The intensity of the training was another phenomenal experience. I felt release of many things both physical and emotional. Chemical toxins, memories of pain, acceptance of my reality, and a sincere dedication to the healing powers of Bikram yoga all were released and accepted during my intensive training.

My unfocused life became very focused. You might say it was divine intervention, fate, or a catalyst for finding myself! My life has been a wonderful journey and I am grateful for all the experiences, which have led me to a vocation that satisfies my inner soul as well as my mind and body. I wish to share the healing power of Bikram Yoga with all who are in need and I thank the universe for my focus.
Namaste.