Our classes. Teachers
Carolyn Jikiemi-Roberts
Director, Bikram Yoga Brighton / Senior Teacher
I came to yoga quite late in life. My new year's resolution for 2003 was to learn to swim, as my 3 children were beginning to drown me, and to learn to relax more. All my children were under 5 and I needed to have some 'me' time. By God's blessing in the April of that year Bikram Yoga arrived in Brighton. Not only did I learn to relax, but also by that November I had become a teacher.
Yoga to me has been a life-saver, making life a lot more balanced. My neck, which was damaged in a car accident, became pain-free. My shoulders are now more often than not my shoulders, not earrings. I have learnt to focus and be satisfied with what I can give on a class-by-class basis, and, more importantly, on a day-by-day basis. Just as long as I'm doing my best. I have extremely high standards and always try my best in all walks of my life. I will go the extra mile if that's what is needed.
I truly believe that all ages can and should practice yoga, especially those from eight to nine years up. Life for young people is quite fast these days and more than anything they need to be in touch with their inner selves and know their limitations. My ultimate goal, coupled with my natural ability to read the body and quickly assess misalignments and potential weaknesses, is to train some yoga champions of the future, especially if Bikram's wish comes true and yoga becomes an Olympic sport.
I look forward to serving you here at Bikram Yoga Brighton, helping you make your life more complete in mind, body and spirit.
Namaste
Harriet Lawson
In March 2005 Harriet discovered Bikram Yoga. At that time Harriet was working herself too hard, driving a thousand miles per week and generally putting herself under huge amounts of pressure to succeed at the wrong thing! Harriet believes that Bikram Yoga helped her to understand that she was pursuing the wrong destiny. It brought herself deeper into her own body and she learnt that much of the pain she felt was due to stress and internal conflict.
Harriet knew after her second Bikram class that she was destined to become more involved and eventually teach. So here I am a qualified teacher and a happy, healthy yogini. Bikram Yoga has changed my life and I truly believe in the power of this yoga. If nothing else it will give you a little glimpse of who you really are, and help you become fit, strong and healthy: mentally, physically and spiritually. Come and see us for a sweat soon!
Emma Appleby
Half Kiwi and half English, I am very lucky to have spent a lot of my life growing up down under in New Zealand, Australia and many other countries.
You will usually find me up above the clouds at 40,000ft. That's my full-time job, flying as a long-haul flight attendant traveling the world.
I am also a trained pole dancer and have ridden event horses my whole life, which I still do and love.
I came to practice my first Bikram Yoga class in May 2006 after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer in November 2005, a few weeks after my birthday at the young age of 22. Initially given 6 months to live, I was very lucky the chemotherapy worked, but I knew I had to do something to keep my body strong and healthy and that something was Bikram Yoga. Little did I know then that I would be practising this yoga for the rest of my life or that I was to become one of Bikram's teachers.
After a year of solid practice, I went off to Hawaii for nine weeks of Teacher Training. Two or even three classes a day in Bikram's torture chamber, with Bikram himself!!!
I have taught all over the world, including London, Los Angeles, New Zealand and for the last two years in Sydney, Australia. I am currently teaching here in Brighton, where I like to think my journey began.
I can honestly say that Bikram Yoga has changed my life and I believe it is what keeps me physically and mentally so strong, healthy and flexible today. I now cannot imagine my life without yoga.
You will have good days and bad days and your body will always be changing. Your yoga is a life-long journey; you will never reach the destination, so be patient, open your heart, follow your dreams and last of all remember to breathe!
Namaste