"It Made Me Happier, And Happier With Myself"

Donna Williams is an accomplished athlete, a wife, a mother to two teenagers, and she is one of the friendly faces working behind the front desk at True Bikram in Madison. Here she talks about how Bikram’s 30-day challenge improved her yoga practice, boosted her self-confidence, and helped make her a better mother.

You are welcome to try a 30-day challenge with us, starting June 1st! Call us at (203) 350-0343 and ask us about it, or just stop in at our Madison or New Haven locations. Find out more at the bottom of this story or at our website at truebikram.com.

Q: When did you first start practicing yoga?

A: In October 2012. Carolina McMahon [a True Bikram teacher] and I were running and she told me, “you should come try it!” I did and I was utterly shocked that something could be that strenuous and at the same time, so relaxing. It took endurance, it was tough, but it was also serene.

Q: You run, you bike, you swim and you have competed in triathlons. How does Bikram yoga compare to your other athletic practices?

A: I enjoy both, but I particularly like the non-competitive aspect of Bikram yoga. When it comes to triathlons, it’s all about the competition and your time Everyone wants to know what your time is. I don’t care! I just wanted to be healthy and I wanted a form of exercise that could be tough but gentle. And that’s what I find here.

Q: Why did you decide to take on the 30-day challenge?

A: Because I like to challenge myself. I told myself I want to try even if I don’t finish. One of the teachers here said, “don’t even think about it. Just put your clothes on and walk out the door to class.” All I had to do was get here every day. 

Q: How did the 30-day challenge change your relationship with your yoga practice? 

A: I realized what I was doing wrong. I realized I was pushing myself so hard that I was contracting all my muscles and I wasn’t stretching. I wasn’t relaxed enough. As I came every day, some days I was just so tired that I just let go. And I was like, wow, this isn’t so bad. I finally relaxed.

Q: What did you learn about yourself and others?

A: I guess it make me believe in myself more. Like a lot of people, I doubt my abilities and myself a lot. I struggle with self-esteem and confidence. It made me realize I am OK. I’m on a journey, and as long as I try my best every day, I’m OK. It made me happier, and happier with myself. I wasn’t so hard on myself all the time.

Q: Would you recommend the 30-day challenge for others? Why? 

A: Absolutely. Just come here every day and try and believe in yourself. Just listen to the words and try to do exactly what is said, when it is said. One thing that I loved is that I think it has helped me to become a better mother. I can be more patient with my girls. I remember stressing one night over math homework with my daughter, and I remember sitting on the floor and just thinking, let it go. I understood that I can help, but I can’t make her understand math the way I understand math. I can only provide help and support. That letting go made me more patient. It was the same letting go that I experienced in class. And it made me hope that she finds peace the same way I found it.

True Bikram has two locations, one in Madison and one in New Haven. In Madison, you can find us at the same plaza as Cohen Bagels, at 1347 Boston Post Rd (Upper Suites), Madison, CT 06443. Our phone number in Madison is 203.350.0343. In New Haven, we are located at 59 Elm Street, Lower Level, at the corner of Elm & Orange. Our phone number in New Haven is 203.785.0844. Beginners are welcome to every class. Here is some information for first-timers.