Javi Hairston

Javi and I were sitting across from one another at Quintessence, where we had met for lunch. This was several months ago, when the weather was still pleasant and we weren't getting blown away by the wind just yet. Life got in Javi's way of completing the challenge back then-- but she recently completed it.

Tell me, how did Bikram enter your life? 
To be honest, I'm not sure exactly how I heard about it.  I believe I was just surfing on the net for a yoga class. I remember taking other yoga classes and being really bored and not feeling like I was getting a work out so when I saw this one took place in a sweltering hot room, I figured why not?  The cheap intro week was also a good selling point.
 
Funny, I remember thinking "Heck Yeah!" when I saw the "10 classes for 10 pounds" add back in Fulham. How was your first class?
I went alone to my first class and I remember it being really hot and smelly. I was completely turned off and decided this actually wasn't for me.  I don't think I was in the right place mentally.

Yea, it can get a bit musty. But you came back... and you decided to do the 30DC. Why?
I tried the 30dc a few months ago and again, it was bad timing. I had a lot of stuff going on and couldn't make class the priority.  I came back because I felt I owed it to myself to complete this challenge that I was so eager to do in the first place.  Plus, I started to really enjoy class and look forward to it.  Especially the way I felt after.  And when I finally was able to do a toe stand with no hands supporting me, I knew I was making tremendous progress thanks to consistently coming daily.
 
Yup. It's that 'after-class glow on our happy shining faces', as Georgia describes it, that keeps us coming back for more. Are there any injuries or aches or pains...?
I suffer a lot from lower back pain which has gotten better in the practice but comes back from time to time.

Yeah, maintenance is key. Aside from the sometimes smelly room, is there anything you dislike about the practice?
I dislike the fact that I'm so sweaty and funky after.  I haven't had a decent hair day the entire month :) However, I love the way I feel during the practice and the way my body has changed. I love the mental strength that has developed with the practice and the amazing sense of peace I experience right after class.

Yeah, I think that's one of the thins I don't like either. Washing your hair every day makes it kinda frizzy sometimes. But I'll take frizzy any day over, I don't know, sluggishness I suppose. How come you decided to do the 30DC?
I wanted to see a change in my body, to overcome a challenge, to achieve something and maintain a commitment to myself and my health.

It's the best commitment there is. Do you have other intentions for your challenge?
My intention was to complete the challenge and to see a change in myself as a whole.  I was able to complete the challenge as of today!! I most certainly noticed a change in my body and my attitude. I am more selective about what I eat and I am open to trying a raw food diet which I would have NEVER even half way entertained before.  But I think somethings go together.  You wouldn't leave class and run to McDonald's...
 
True, true. I think we all run to the nearest fridge for a zico. Tell me which is your favorite/least favorite pose.
Favorite posture is toe stand (now that I can do it) because it's really mind over matter and requires a lot of patience.  I willed my way into doing it better everyday.  I literally talked myself into it like "balance, balance, put your hands together woman".  Least favorite is floor bow pulling pose.  This pose hurts and it's the one pose that is most difficult or me to do.  I hope that with time I can hold it for the entire time it's supposed to be held and stop pretending that I'm doing the pose.

Gorgeous, I think you got something going on for sure. It's so amazing what happens when you tell yourself "do it, do it, do it," "balance, balance, balance." Slowly our bodies start listening to our minds, and slowly we start having more control over our minds, so the end result is a strong mind and body. Well done. See you around the hot box, lady.

---

This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar.