meet allison

name: Allison Forsyth
role at lululemon: Event manager
current hometown: Vancouver
random fact: My left lower leg is basically made of metal and before this challenge, I couldn’t sit cross-legged on the floor.
what did you learn this week: I learned the power of removing rocks and dropping stories.
two words that describes your 40-day experience so far: patience and clarity

this week i learned...

This week I learned: that I can do yoga. It’s a bold statement, I know, but as a on-the-mat, off-the-mat reluctant yogi in the past, I had never done more than 4 days of yoga in a row, let alone 40. With this week’s theme of restoration, I realized that I have had a yoga pattern in my life and created a story in my head that goes a little something like this: you are inflexible, have a bad knee, and are not good at yoga. As a former Olympic athlete, I don’t gravitate to things that I have decided I am not good at, so the journey on my mat has been challenging and has often felt inauthentic.

Baron writes, "and when patterns are broken, new worlds emerge."

This week, after 3 weeks of exploration and falling in love with my practice, (finally) I decided it was time. It was time to remove the rock of my yoga ability, to drop the story of my flexibility, and to step into my practice as something that is about me, not anyone else, but me. It doesn’t matter how it looks, and I have finally let go of what I thought yoga to be. Yoga is my place of restoration, my place of clarity, and where I can, with every breath, practice patience and acceptance.

new paths

When I was going up in to my fifth wheel a couple of days ago, I heard an audible “yes” escape from my throat, as I felt this incredible sense of accomplishment. I am opening my mind, strengthening my body, and forging a new path.

Let the new journey begin.

meet danne

name: Danne Dzenawagis
role at lululemon: Boston-area lululemon educator
current hometown: Boston (by way of the sandy shores of Cape Cod)
random fact: I have a cat the size of a small bear
what did you learn this week? Sometimes it’s better to let go than to hold on.
a word that describes your 40-day experience so far: Questioning

this week i learned...

I have a bit of a confession to make...I’m not feeling the slightest bit of personal revolution thus far—in fact, I feel exactly the same as I did 2 weeks ago. I’m well aware that change doesn’t happen overnight, but that’s just it—what I’ve found with this program is that it isn’t much of a change from my normal life: I already have a well-established yoga practice, I’ve recently committed to (and have actually followed through with) meditating each day, eating clean is always a top priority of mine, and I’ve spent the past year or so inquiring within about a lot of the questions that Baron raises throughout the program.

Danne's cat is the size of a small bear

So...what does this mean? It means that maybe for once in my life I’m at a point where I don’t need a revolution. It means that all that work I’ve been doing has actually paid off, and ultimately it means that I’m ok—more than ok—right now, and that’s a pretty awesome thing to discover if you ask me.

We'd love to hear from other Digital 40 Day-ers out there. What have you learned? What (if anything) is challenging you? Use the #digital40days tag on twitter and instagram to stay connected and share an update on how things are going.

When's the last time you committed to something for 40 days? The Digital 40 Day Challenge - part yoga, part meditation, part personal revolution - is in full swing, and this week Parker from our Leadership Development team is here to recap her Week One experience. Read on for more!

meet parker

name: Parker Pearson
current role at lululemon: Leadership Development, Program Manager – Self Development
current hometown Vancouver, BC (originally from San Francisco, CA)
first yoga class It was 13 years ago. It was a Bikram class. I wore sweat pants and a leotard. The next day I wore my swimsuit.
random fact I once got pulled over for driving below the speed limit directly after a yoga class.
week one, in a word Observing.

this week i learned...

This week I observed myself flickering back and forth constantly:

• in my meditation practice from the "now" to planning
• in my asana practice from an inhale to distraction or worry about an old injury
• in my relationships from 100% of my attention on the conversation to spending mental energy on an unsolved issue
• in my food choices when I go from most nourishing to most convenient or habitual

I keep reminding myself, “right aim and right energy”. *

*p.99 40 Days to Personal Revolution

Where it’s time for me to take more responsibility isn’t in how I get my work done, but how I take care of myself and what I’ve been avoiding. I see that a new level of commitment to my practice and nourishment is needed if I’m going to truly thrive.

What did you learn or observe about yourself or your practice in Week One? What word summarizes your experience so far?

Let’s skip over the part where I talk about the indulgences of the holiday season and cliches about fresh starts: 2013 is almost here and a lot of us are looking for a meaningful way to start the new year. Enter: the Digital 40 Days program by Baron Baptiste. Move over, resolutions. It’s time for a revolution!

what is it?

Digital 40 Days goes from Jan. 7 - Feb. 15, 2013, and is a companion program to Baron’s book, 40 Days to Personal Revolution. Basically, you get your yoga on in whichever way works for you: your favourite studio, home practice, these yoga videos, or the podcasts that come with the program. Digital 40 Days provides:

- the structure
- the community
- the support
- resources including podcasts, emails, and meditations.

It doesn’t cost anything to join the program but there is an option to upgrade for a few extra advantages.

the good, the bad, the ugly?

Doing anything for 40 days is guaranteed to create a change, shift, or insight in some capacity, so we’ve got weekly contributors from across lululemon to recap their experience each Tuesday (starting Jan. 15) and tell it like it is.

Finally, here are a few questions we asked Baron Baptiste about the program:

why 40 days?

Forty days is the time it takes to build an entirely new set of habits and practices to train and rewire your mind and body. This program is built from a foundation of commitment and is designed to create, piece by piece, new practices and commitments that propel you into lasting transformation of your body and your life.

what are potential outcomes of participating in this challenge?

The outcomes of this program are very specific to each individual. It will strengthen, open and cleanse your body, clear your mind and change your relationship to food in a way that creates whole-life health instead of quick fixes. You'll learn how to get out of the trap of trying to find the time for the things that matter most to you, and start making the time and being the change.

what happens if I fall off the wagon?

I often tell my students that it doesn't matter how many times you fall, it's about calmly and kindly getting back up each and every time that makes all the difference. Part of this program is that (much like your day-to-day life) it will present you with many opportunities to jump ship... "I had a stressful day today and don't want to meditate for 5 minutes" or "I don't have the time today for yoga practice or to make myself something for dinner." The good news is this is where the personal revolution occurs: you'll be on the lookout for these kinds of disempowering thoughts and attitudes and experience the power of choosing your next action.
If you 'fall off the wagon', simply get back on.

ready to join?

1. Sign up here.
2. Stay connected with the Digital 40 Days community on Twitter and Instagram using #digital40days.
3. Check back here for weekly recaps starting Jan. 15.

Whatever you're doing, whoever you are, and wherever you are in the world, the last meditation in our series with Baron Baptiste was made for you. When's the last time you dropped everything to remind yourself that you can do anything?

Do it now. Take two minutes to listen to this Meditation for Possibility.

If you'd like to explore more guided meditations with Baron Baptiste, head on over here.

Email apnea: Holding one’s breath unconsciously while reading an email. (source)

I first learned this term at last year's San Francisco Yoga Journal Conference during a talk called Digital Distractions and Your Practice. The fact is, many of us hold or shorten our breath when opening our inbox, while responding to emails, or while working on something else and getting a notification that we have new mail. Our inboxes can control not only how productive we are but how we breathe. How weird is that?

listen to this

The third meditation in our 4-part series with Baron Baptiste is Meditation for Email Overload, and was created with your inbox in mind. Take two minutes and listen to this whenever you feel like your inbox is owning you instead of the other way around.

If you missed the first two meditations, you can check them out here:

Meditation for Your Inner Athlete >>
Meditation for Your Yoga Rut >>

what's a yoga rut?

It's happened to me and it's likely happened to you before, too: the yoga rut.

What is a yoga rut, you ask? It looks like this: your friend asks you to a class and you have to think twice. Your favourite yoga pose is boring you. You're frustrated that after x amount of time you still can't hit that super advanced pose. You're scared to admit it, but yoga is boring you.

We all get stuck from time to time, but don't worry. There is a way out.

listen to this

This meditation is part two of our four-part audio series with Baron Baptiste. You can listen to this meditation at your computer or save it and take it with you for inspiration on the go. If you're in any kind of rut, this meditation was made for you. Plug in and get unstuck!

If you missed last week's Meditation for Your Inner Athlete, go here.

It was the night before running the SeaWheeze in August and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to sleep. I'd trained all I could train, I'd been staying hydrated on the advice of Trainer Rob, and I had my lucky outfit ready to go, but it was my first half marathon and I was nervous. To calm down I focused on how amazing my post-race brunch was going to be, but listening to one of my favourite yoga instructors, Baron Baptiste, tell me that I'm a badass athlete (in slightly different words) would have been just what I needed to hear.

listen to this

Meditation for Your Inner Athlete is the first in a series of four audio files created by Baron for anyone who need a quick reset.

You can listen to it:

- at your desk (nobody has to know what you're doing)
- between reps at the gym
- before your race (or even during if your race is ear-bud friendly)
- before you get out of bed
- whenever you feel like you've lost the connection between your body, your breath, and your thoughts

You can save the meditation (control right-click on most computers) or email it to yourself so that wherever you are in the world and regardless of what you're doing, these two minutes of mindfulness will be with you to remind you of how awesome you are right now.

Psst - in Chicago? Join us for a pre-marathon visualization for runners today (Oct. 4) at 6!

Last week, Deanne shared her experiences from the Baron Baptiste Power Flow Immersion in Estes Park, Colorado. The opportunity allowed yogis to immerse themselves in the disciplines of Baptiste Yoga and to open and strengthen the mind, body and spirit. While everyone attends the same immersion, experiences differ from mat to mat. Brandyn, our assistant manager at the Shops at West End, shares her experiences from the same three-day conference.

arrival: why am i here?

Arriving at Estes Park CO was nothing short of amazing. I sat amongst 500 other wide-eyed participants listening to Baron Baptiste and his team enthusiastically sharing their stories. The itinerary for the week would consist of roughly 15 hours of yoga a day: a four-hour morning session taught by Baron himself, then breakout sessions which we could choose from for the remainder of the day. Baron asked each of us to go back to our rooms that night and ask us ourselves, "what did we come here to get?"

day one: getting out of my head

How am I feeling philosophically, energetically and physically? What stories do I live in? These are a few of the questions we were asked to answer on our mat today. During our 20-minute meditation, my mind raced with thoughts and I had a difficult time being present. By the end of the day I was exhausted and very hot. I spent the evening yoga class in Savasana just listening to Baron talk. I walked home wondering if I could make it through day two. I caught myself "in my head" and decided to choose "presence and peace" and go to bed.

day two: my breakthrough

When we entered the conference that morning we were welcomed by Michael Franti's voice over the speakers. The energy in the room was buzzing and high. Baron’s intention for the day was “playful purpose.” Our practice was sweaty, fun and aided by a partner. We did one exercise where we had to look each other in the eye and try to look beyond the physical. This was really hard at first but once we got beyond "looking good" we connected with each other on a much deeper level. In the afternoon I did a workshop that focused on teaching from your authentic voice. The workshop left me feeling elevated and with a breakthrough for my teaching - keep it simple and let your passion shine.

day three: living with a new mantra

Physically I was sore but energetically I was buzzing! The immersion made me realize that my mind has been over grown with ‘weeds’ and as a result I was not living presently. I left feeling renewed and more aware of myself. I believe that yoga, meditating and continuing to be in a community of like-minded people is key to my joy. I went home with a new mantra: how can I help and what do you need from me? I now stand in belief that showing up every day with my cup empty, listening with "beginner ears" and coming from a place of service without expectation, will build the joy in my heart.

Just like in a yoga class where the same series of postures can present different challenges for everyone, yoga immersions can bring about various realizations and each experience is unique. What are some of the breakthrough moments that you’ve had on your mat?

want more?

• read Deanne’s Baptiste immersion experience
• Alana, Paula and Alexis talk wanderlust
• treat yourself to a yoga retreat
• feeling inspired? check out upcoming Baptiste programs

Deanne, one of lululemon’s founders and the VP of Women’s Product, attended the Baron Baptiste Immersion in Colorado last week. She was moved to share her experience with us.

day 1

Day one is really integration with the environment, my body in the environment and a full body clearing. What I mean by that is the mind, and therefore my body, was full of stuff and because I have chosen to write this I will declare what the ‘stuff’ was. The stuff, for me, is all the conversations I have with myself about not being good enough, not being smart enough or “I should be here” or “I should look better.” It is a realization of the stories that I am having with myself at every moment I can. My ego loves it.

day 2

I entertained that I could give up these stories and take on gratitude, appreciation and compassion.  But day two was really about saying it, not being with it.

day 3

It hit me in the side of the head. I finished meditation and my first words out of my mouth (to my amazing partner) were “I did a terrible job in meditation today.” She laughed and said, “how is your compassion and gratitude for yourself today?” I got really clear about how I beat myself up every day and I am never quite enough. The cost is the people around me get the same treatment. I thought I was allowed to be hard on myself as long as I did not do the same to the people around me. What I learned is my ego does not have such a smart filter and ‘not enough’ finds its way into all aspects of my life.

The best part is …three days of Baptiste yoga was perfect and everything I needed.

Thanks Baron and all of the Baptiste team.

Namaste,
Deanne

P.S. I am going to make a mini yoga mat so that I can always be reminded that the work of yoga is taking the practice off the mat.

want more?

• read Brandyn's experience from the same immersion
• alexis reflects on the Baron Baptiste Foundation Workshop
• key learnings from a wanderlust first-timer

When a co-worker asked Alexis to attend the Baron Baptiste Foundation Yoga Workshop in Seattle, she was so flattered. Even as a beginner yogi, she'd heard about the legendary Baptiste in revered tones, but her immediate “YES!” gave way to concerns about her abilities.

Ten minutes after saying "yes," I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Two-and-a-half days doing hot vinyasa flow? My heart started racing. I began dreaming of excuses why I couldn’t go. It was an internal battle of the ages – I really wanted to go, but I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to keep up. I have a hip injury from a long-ago car accident, but the line where the injury stops and the excuses begin is blurry and gray at best. With a combination of excitement and trepidation in my heart, my co-workers and I headed off to the workshop.

baron baptiste retreat

As I stood in the lavender-scented warmth of the hotel ballroom, surrounded by 300 like-minded yogis of all skill levels, Baptiste took to the stage and began talking about the purpose of the weekend ahead. To say ‘magnetic’ when describing Baptiste is an understatement – his level of self-possession and genuine connection with us was immediately captivating.

He began the first evening’s asana portion by showing us the sequences of the Baptiste style of vinyasa flow. Every pose, and the order they go in, is intentionally planned to focus on awakening your inner truth. It was physically challenging but after five minutes I wasn’t worried about keeping up – I was so focused on being in the moment that I forgot all thoughts about looking good.

meditation

After breakfast the next day, we headed back to the hotel ballroom for a full day of asanas, thoughtful conversation and reflection. The day started off brilliantly – Baptiste led a meditation that was so transcendent I actually saw colors.

I was in upward dog sometime before lunch when I felt my right hip twinge with pain. I continued until we broke for break but by the time I'd returned to my room for a quick rest, I was in agony. I tucked myself into bed and used some of Baron’s meditation techniques to fall asleep.

perceived failure

Sunday morning, I was feeling WAY better. I thought to myself, “No more excuses. You took a break yesterday – but that’s not happening again today.” We started with a wonderful meditation and sharing session followed by the Baptiste style of Vinyasa Flow.

Within five minutes, I knew I was in trouble. My hip was throbbing like it was going to explode out of my skin. I hopped up and left the ballroom to take a breather. That breather turned into me sitting in the lobby for the remainder of the morning, consumed with my perceived failure.  When I went home, I felt extremely enlightened from what I had learnt but also ashamed that I hadn’t ‘completed’ the weekend.

post-retreat learnings

A few days later, my beautifully insightful co-worker Parker and I caught up. She and I had been roomies that weekend, and she wanted to hear about my experience at the workshop. I explained to her that I thought Baptiste was amazing and that I had learnt a lot about myself but that I was disappointed that I didn’t finish.

“Why didn’t you stay in the room after your hip started hurting?” Parker asked. “If I had known that you were sitting in the lobby, I would’ve dragged you back in there.”

I didn’t have an answer. I knew what her point was – not that I had to participate in the asana, but that I could still learn a ton just sitting on my mat, absorbing the energy around me. It dawned on me: the only reason I had sat outside was because I was afraid to look bad. Talk about an ‘a-ha’ moment.

I am still learning and growing from my weekend in Seattle. I’ve become more aware when I’m trying to save face – and in turn, have found my own truth. I can’t wait for Baron to visit Vancouver next so I can practice with a humble and happy heart, whether in a rockstar crow pose or lying on my mat – whatever is right for me.

you asked

Baron Baptiste’s Vinyasa Flow is amazing! I always tend to attend these styles of classes but am wondering what other styles might be similar to his power flow class? Any recommendations? Also, Moksha seems to be offered in a lot of studios. What exactly does this style emulate? - Sarah

a yogi answers

Well, as a Master Baptiste Teacher I LOVE the Baptiste flow, too! There is something exceptional about the Baptiste flow and how challenging and inspiring it is that I just can’t find anywhere else. If you can find teachers that have trained with Sean Corne, Shiva Rea, Brian Kest or Dharma Mittra, you will enjoy their style, too!

Moksha is a style of yoga based off of the Bikram series but with a strong emphasis on environmental consciousness. Just like Baptiste Yoga, Moksha is also very accessible to all levels of students and is a great way to be introduced into the world of yoga. The main difference is that Moksha is a set series of poses like Bikram and Baptiste is a Vinyasa or flow style of yoga. There are just so many styles of yoga, just like there are so many styles of music and art and dance. The important thing is to find a teacher and style of yoga that resonates with you, stimulates your inner inquiry and awakens your soul!

- Kinndli, lululemon Oakville ambassador

what is ask a yogi?

Ask a Yogi is a yoga advice column that is published on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. If you have a yoga question for future yoga panels, please email askanexpert@lululemon.com.

you asked...

I’m a pretty new yogi. I have absolutely fallen in love with it! I’ve found that even after just a few months of attending classes 2-3 times a week I have noticed improvements to my yoga practice. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend classes more often due to my work schedule. Do you have any suggestions on how to go about building a home yoga practice that I can do on my off days? I want to focus more on building strength in my arms and perfecting basic poses. I just don’t know where to start off practicing on my own. - Jessica

a yogi answers

Hi Jessica, congratulations on beginning your yoga practice! Developing a home practice requires a great discipline and I applaud you for taking this action towards making your practice a regular part of your day. For my home practices I personally need the support of either an audio class or a DVD. The thing is that if you do the same one over and over you will get too familiar with it and there will no longer be any new growth. I use podcasts that are most often recorded live in yoga studios all across the world and most are FREE! You will need to have some understanding of the basic alignment of the poses and the names to be able to follow the audio podcasts, but it sounds like you do.

Podcasts are great for practicing yoga at home.

Here are a few of my favourite podcasts that you can find on iTunes:

1. Kinndli MccCollum (I teach Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga)

2. Philip Urso

3. Dave Farmar

For DVDs I recommend the Live Series by Baron Baptiste.

- Kinndli, lululemon Oakville ambassador

What are some of your tips for developing a home practice?

Learn more about Kinndli and Power Yoga Canada here.

what is ask a yogi?

Ask a Yogi is a yoga advice column that is published on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. If you have a yoga question for future yoga panels, please email askanexpert@lululemon.com.