Longtime Bikram Yoga Columbia student, Rachel Humecky is leaving us for nine weeks in San Diego for Bikram Teacher Training, where she’ll take two classes a day, everyday but Sunday. She’ll also study the various effects of the 26 postures, learn the dialogue, and be generally hazed and abused for the two months that she’ll be gone.

Rachel began her practice six years ago while living in Maui, and found it to be the right thing for her. It has helped her become more disciplined, determined and confident. “When the world around me is crazy, Bikram yoga makes me feel safe and secure. The yoga puts my life into perspective; there’s a constant that is always there that makes me feel good no matter what else is going on. Bikram yoga is my peace”, she says. Training begins on September 19, and as she prepares for this new adventure she has an open mind. “I’m excited for the challenge and can’t wait to see what growth comes from this. I’m not nervous. I’m constantly conquering new fears and challenges and learning to grow. The more I challenge myself, the better person I become. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Rachel is one of our original students, signing up for her first class two days before we were even open. She’s also spent almost two years on staff as part of the work/study program, and is one of the favorites in the BYC family. She promises to send us dispatches from training, which we’ll share right here. Rachel says, “I want to help other people gain as much as I have from this yoga practice. I want to share what has been given to me.”