On the Dialogue, and Being Beautiful

Photographs via Lululemon.

I recently read a post on Facebook about the Bikram dialogue. The writer references Bikram Choudhury's reflections on a problem I've heard a lot of yogis talk about when it comes to the difference between Bikram yoga and other forms of yoga. A lot of people get caught up with how strict the Bikram dialogue can be.


The Boss himself puts it this way:


"People always say to me -- and you may be thinking this right now -- 'Bikram, don't you know a dialogue is when two people are talking with each other? Since you're the only one talking in class when you give instruction, this should really be called 'the Monologue.'


Let me tell you something: My English may not be perfect, but I know the difference between a monologue and a dialogue. When my teachers and I are talking to a class, tell you what to do, there is a response. From what we can see as you struggle to perform the asanas properly, your body is giving us information as well -- it is talking back. There's a connection, there's communication, and that's why it's a dialogue."


Have you ever taken a Bikram class and come out feeling like the teacher was delivering a monologue?


Me too. But guess what? That means we weren't listening.

When you take class with a great teacher -- and you turn your listening on, and truly engage with the dialogue -- the results are different.


Your body sings.


The teacher has your back; you don't need to worry about making decisions. You can get out of the way, go along for the ride, and move with the words.


One of my favorite Bikram teachers ever (who now has her own studio) used to say this at the beginning of class:

Your body; my words.

Try your next class with that as your mantra, and see what happens. You may be pleasantly surprised at how you can let go and just do your yoga.


You may be surprised by the way you stop judging yourself, or letting the mirrors become distractions instead of a method for connecting with your true self.


Once you let go, you are beautiful.