Bikram Yoga College of India

I fell in love with Bikram yoga in Burlington, Vermont. I loved it because the practice not only left me feeling alive, but because the community was encouraging and engaging. I moved to Portland 2 years ago, one of the major deciding factors in moving here was the number of studios there were. I was excited to start practicing and to enjoy a new community but when I began at John Landing’s studio I was completely repelled by the social climate. Of course there were a few friendly people but for the most part I felt as if I didn’t belong. After a few days attending, there was not one instructor that reached out to me, even after my own attempts to get to know these people that I had hoped would be in my life at least 5 days a week. I was so discouraged by the lack of community and at times out right rude instructors and students that I never went back. I have tried practicing and Fremont and Alberta as well and have found that they have the same shady, arrogant and off putting atmosphere. Now, I know I could ignore these the social factor and enjoy the practice, but you get naked in front of these people. You put yourself in the most awkward positions in your life in front of these people. Also, being part of a Bikram community was completely essential for my dedication to this practice.