Photo source unknown.

Anyone else out there get sick of your own yoga practice sometimes? Lately I've been lacking motivation to hit the hot room (Gasp! Terrible, right? And from a Bikram blogger no less. Well, at least I'm keeping things honest here on Alive in the Fire).

It's like I need a little something fresh in my routine.

Last night I put in an awesome Kundalini class at home (this DVD with Maya Fiennes, who totally rocks). It felt wonderful to do some different poses and breathing exercises, and it totally woke my spine, mind and overall body up in lovely ways.

Bikram yogis, do you ever get a little sick of the 26 posture series?

Find yourself craving a little Downward Dog, Cat pose, or straight up Child's pose?

I know, I know. Bikram says downward dog is not real yoga. He says it is the "American circus" of yoga. He also says the props used in styles like Iyengar make that style "a Santa Monica sex shop."

Well, I say there's a reason certain that Hatha yoga classes have been practicing sun salutations for centuries. And why there's more to Hatha yoga than the 26 postures you find in a Bikram class.

We need them too! We need a mix of standing balancing postures, and spine strengtheners, but we could also benefit greatly from a little Wheel, Crane, and Pigeon here and there.

Photo via Sarah Rhoads.

Maybe it's a silly analogy, but it's a little like my morning breakfast routine. I love cereal. Lately I eat it pretty much every day. But I can't subsist on just Raisin Bran, or only Honey Bunches of Oats. I need some Cinnamon Life every now and then. And on some days: Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Occasionally we need those postures that make us feel good -- like the days we need sweet kiddy cereal in the morning to kick-start our day. Sometimes we need a super challenge, like Headstand or Scorpion.

Sure, we need our solid foundation -- our Bikram classes, and our consistent practice in the Hot Room. In the mornings, we need a mix of nutrients in our cereal, and it makes breakfast more enjoyable if we can try new tastes now and then too.

We need breaks from our own routine. To try a class that's not heated, or go for some postures we've never attempted before.

How will we improve if we don't challenge ourselves?

I can't not mention the Advanced Bikram series here, because I know that class involves a lot of the more difficult Hatha postures, and it really does work your body in completely new ways and expands greatly on the Beginner's class. But bottom line -- Bikram yogis who aren't teachers (and never want to be teachers) should have access to more yoga than just the Bikram series.

So if you're feeling like you're in a bit of a rut and you've got to keep on keepin' on with your yoga... try something new. (And if you can, go for Teacher Training! Take the advanced class. By all means, it's an amazing way to step up your Bikram.)

Or, buy a single class at a new studio or a new DVD from Amazon. Check out a yoga book you've been eyeing at the library for a while now. Take a Zumba class with your friend at the gym!

Choose to see your yoga differently, or yourself differently for a bit. It might just make you realize: you are not a Bikram-only yogi. You've just been a yogi all along.

Sometimes taking a closer look can show you something new. A bride is not only a bride; she's also just a thirsty lady having the best day of her life.

Photo via W. Scott Chester Photography.

PS On a related "expand your practice; it's good for you" note -- I'll be teaching a little yoga workshop tomorrow night! I can't wait :)

PPS I absolutely love Bikram yoga. It is my foundation. I need more of it, just like I need more variety. At the workshop, I'll be teaching Bikram postures (not to the exacts dialogue, but I know some tidbits will work their way in... "lean back, fall back, way back..." Haha. How could they not, after hearing those words so many times?!).

Anyway, I hope this post gets you thinking. Bottom line, in case you were wondering: Bikram is my core yoga, but I also love being open to other styles. I'm also curious: what styles do you practice? Do you Bikram, and then some? I'd love your feedback in the comments below. And here's to a yoga-filled weekend!