Renee Crocker
Yoga Teacher
I was dragged along to my first Bikram Class at the Wellington studio by a couch surfer whose name I can't recall. I was in my early 20's at the time and can't fathom how my exceptionally unhealthy body convinced me that attending a second class was a good idea. But it did, and I went back time and time again, and there began my journey back to health and mind/body connection. I've had long periods of obsessive and zero practice in the 20 years since, but my connection to this sequence has remained strong.
Six years ago I decided to leave my job as a Primary School teacher and drag my 3 year old to Bali to partake in a 6 week Bikram Teacher Training with Evolation Yoga. I spent the first day crying on the beach wondering why I thought that was a good idea… it was years since I had last practised at a proper studio and I was overwhelmed with the study/the practice/the mothering… a real crisis... but day two was better and by the end of the six weeks I was certified and convinced that it was one of the best decisions I had ever made. I never intended to actually teach, as I didn't have a studio near by, the training succeeded in reigniting and refining my home practice (in the greenhouse by summer and by heating my tiny house too much in the winter).
My son and I relocated to Napier last year and I've adored being near a studio again. I dusted off my old dialogue and accepted the challenge when Meghann asked if I would be interested in teaching. So far teaching has felt very natural if a little nerve wracking.
I love the repetition and focus on alignment.
I love the meditative aspect of the bright lights and heat.
I love the self awareness (and confrontation) that the full length mirrors bring.
I love Bikram Yoga.