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.

We’re no strangers to 30-day challenges; yoga, vegan, raw food – you name it and we’re up for it. Lately our digital team has been having a ton of fun participating in Australian blogger, Fat Mum Slim’s, monthly photo-a-day challenges. We love that it forces us to take a few minutes each day to take in our surroundings and flex our creative muscles. Inspired by this concept we created our own photo-a-day challenge aptly named, What The Focus September (#WTFSEPT). Read on for all the challenge details and how you can participate this month! #themorethemerrier

wtf is #wtfsept?

The challenge uses the Instagram platform and is quite simple. For 30 days starting September 1^st, take one photo a day using the list of words as your inspiration (example: on September 1^st you’ll snap a pic of what ‘centre’ means to you). Don’t forget to hashtag it with #wtfsept so that everyone can see your beautiful images! We’ll be scouring our feeds to find our favourite photos each week and sharing them here on the blog!

but I’m not on instagram…

No worries friends! We are insta-obsessed but if you’re not on this channel feel free to participate on your own through your other favourite social networks. You can also follow along on your desktop using Hashgram to see everyone’s photos all in one spot!

Our junior fabric developer, Zofia, came to us from across the pond with a new life rule: say ‘yes’ more than she says ‘no’. So, when she was invited on her first Vancouver Power Vinyasa date, she wholeheartedly overlooked the fact that she’d never really enjoyed yoga and inked it into her agenda.

the challenge of yoga

Power Vinyasa is a new notch on my yoga bedpost and the word ‘power’ scared me a little. My previous practice was mostly Iyengar yoga and my attendance was driven by the necessity to stretch my body back into line after long runs.

While I waited for my first class to begin at the intimate One Yoga for the People studio, I did wonder whether this would be a very painful hour and a half. My nerves took another hit when our teacher, ambassador Meghan Currie, asked us how ‘hot’ we wanted the class to be and we collectively agreed on ‘authentic spicy’.

a good long 'om'

The classes I attended back in the UK were less spiritual than the ones I have been to in Vancouver. This one proved to be no different and opened with a gentle meditation. I’ve since discovered that I really enjoy taking a moment to ponder over the teacher’s words and release everything with a good, long ‘Om’.

It is inspiring to watch the apparent ease with which Meghan holds her poses. As I followed her demonstrations, I did everything I could to achieve the same lines but sometimes I wondered how the pose was even possible. My body and mind worked together to figure out the physics of the shapes and balances I was attempting. I concentrated so hard that I forgot my left from my right and found myself facing the wrong way more than once.

engaged mind and body

After a lot of downward dog and a few failed handstand attempts the class drew to an end and I realized how much I’d enjoyed it.  My body felt good but the main reason I loved my new find was because I found it hard. My mind was engaged with the challenge of the flow of unfamiliar poses for the whole class and my thoughts did not have the opportunity to wander.

I never thought I would be so committed to yoga but the Wednesday evening class is now a firm fixture in my schedule. The challenge of Power Vinyasa has shed new light on my ideas and perceptions of yoga; I’ve learned that there is a type of yoga to suit everyone. New doors have been opened and I love the possibility that one day I will be strong enough to lift my legs to the sky in a handstand.

From the powerful and flowing poses of Vinyasa, to the dance elements of kundalini, every style of yoga can stir up some level of reservations for different people. I’m still too intimidated by the strict nature of the 26 set postures of Bikram. What challenges your yoga practice the most?

want more?

• Thinking about trying a new style of yoga? Check out yoga info 101.
• Read all about Alana's pursuit of handstands.

Urdhva Dhanurasana at Kathryn Budig's class: commitment in action

should i stay or should i go?

I wouldn't be doing my job here at Wanderlust if I didn't tell you honestly about my first class of Day 3. Right from the get-go, everything felt wrong: the teacher's voice, the music, the sequencing, even what I was wearing. I took a child's pose and thought about what to do: peace out or stick it through? After three days of yoga, my hips, wrists, and ankles are starting to let me know they need to rest, and the thought of leaving to find a spot in the shade under a tree was sounding seriously appealing.

My second class of the day was with Kathryn Budig who opened our hearts with deep and multiple Urdhva Dhandurasanas and creative, new-to-me boat pose variations that had our arms and feet in places that my brain had trouble mapping out with my eyes closed. Just when I thought about chilling in child's pose, she said, "Yoga is all about how you deal with the pose, not the pose itself."

Are you sensing a theme here?

Spontaneous acts of yoga are popping up all over Squaw Valley

Third class: Rock 'n Roll Vinyasa with Vinnie Marino and it was just what the doctor ordered. From the very first downdog of the day when Come Together started to play, yogis were joining in, and I found myself humming several times in the sweet moments between fast-paced vinyasa. We ended with a deep hip opener of our choice to the Rolling Stones' Wild Horses. Order had been restored in my universe.

the people i met today

Daniel, acroyogi and raw chocolate advocate at Fearless Chocolate.

Amy, a lululemon ambassador from Ann Arbor who is studying how yoga can change your brain and possibly replace medication for things like anxiety and depression.

Juliette, an east coast yoga teacher from NYC.

Chris, a writer and yoga teacher from Portland.

Tracy, lululemon community manager, with Ananda Lion, our ambassador Eoin Finn's brand new baby.

in conclusion

So what did I do in my first class? I stayed. Leaving would have been too easy. I'm curious: what do you do when you're not enjoying something: stay or go?

♥ Alana

p.s. only one more day left here in paradise. I'm packing in as much learning and yoga as I can! If you're here I'd love to meet you -- get a hold of me here or through the @lululemon twitter account!

Practice, practice, and all is coming – Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

Even though I had been practicing yoga on and off since I took my first class in 1998, I used to think that I would not be a legit yogi until I had mastered Adho Mukha Vrksasana, aka handstand.

Two things happened that changed my mind.

do it now. do it now. do it now

First: a friend at work signed up for the first part of Anusara teacher training, which I had been quietly planning to do within the next five years – after I had perfected handstand, of course. “Why not do it now?”, she asked me. And she was right. I couldn’t do handstand, but I had the support and blessing of my coworkers to pursue this goal, I was in an okay-enough financial position to take this on, and lastly – I was passionate about learning how to share the gift of yoga with others. I registered for teacher training a few days after this conversation, in January 2010.

handstand attempt at Carcross Desert, the Yukon

set your intention

The second thing that happened was during teacher training itself, which was full of all sorts of partner-assisted handstands, including forearm balances, dropbacks, supported one-arm handstands, and a variety of ways to kick up. Someone asked if you could still be a good instructor without being able to demonstrate all advanced poses. “I don’t give a shit if you can do handstand or not,” our teacher said. With that one sentence, my perspective shifted. He continued: “What’s important is your intention. The way you open yourself to grace every time you practice. The way you encourage others and teach what you know from a place of authenticity.”

I realized then that my handstand goal had to change in order for me to achieve it.

always learning

I was reminded of my teacher’s words about handstand during a hot yoga class this past Friday morning. As we reached back to grab our ankles and extend out into Dancer Pose, the teacher said: “There are no final yoga poses. There is always something to learn, something new to explore, something we haven’t yet experienced.”

handstand attempt in Campbell River BC

the pursuit of handstands

Today is July 10, 2011. I’m a certified yoga teacher. I still can’t do handstand, without the wall, in the middle of a room with no one to catch me if I fall. But I’ve realized that the discipline of a regular and consistent yoga practice is much more important and difficult than mastering one advanced pose.

To others in pursuit of handstand, this is what matters: you got out of bed. You unrolled your mat. You moved, you breathed, you were kind to yourself and others. Your handstand, the master pose that you think signals you are finally a yogi, does not exist. You are a yogi now. What matters is your two hands, pressed into the top of your mat, and your open heart. What matters is that you kicked up, that you keep kicking, that you kick over and over and over.

Practice, practice, and all is coming.

26 miles of pavement pounding can be a daunting prospect, so when our friends set their minds to completing Vancouver's recent BMO marathon we were determined to support them. "When someone's cheering you on and telling you, 'you can do it,' it shuts up the little voice inside your head that's telling you otherwise," says Matt Corker. As runners approached our cheer squad it was great to see heads come up and smiles come out.

Matt Corker - Leader Development AdvisorCaroline Nybo - Store Manager, West 4th

Deanne Schweitzer - VP of Brand

Congrats to all of you who completed the marathon (and the half-marathon). We're already starting to think about NYC and the fall races (though we're planning to enjoy summer too). Time to hone our sign-writing skills.

want more

• Get race ready, your two week countdown.
• Run that marathon. It's as easy as ABC.
• See more signs of inspiration.

Rochelle and her coworkers at a lunchtime yoga class.

When my friend Mary asked me if I was interested in signing up for a 40-day yoga challenge, I hesitated for only one minute before saying “absolutely”. I had already put it out there to the world, posted for all to see on the goal wall at work, that I would commit to doing yoga two times a week. And since I hadn’t yet met my goal, or even started it, I figured Mary’s invitation was simply the universe conspiring to help me achieve my goal. I knew I needed to do this.

tip 1: do it with friends

Inviting others keeps you accountable, so I invited my team, People Potential, to take on the challenge too. What better way to achieve my goal than with awesome people striving for the same thing? Some of us are doing the full 40-day challenge, some are committed to doing yoga every day for a month, and some are simply sweating once a day. The challenges may be in different forms, but the objective is the same: to step out of our comfort zones and do something different.

tip 2: track your progress in public

We have a chart on the wall where we’re tracking our progress -- a happy face sticker for every time we practice yoga or sweat. How inspiring to see my coworkers grab their yoga mats from under their desks to head off to a noon yoga class, or to receive the morning emails from our remote team members letting me know they hit their goals the day before and to request a new sticker next to their name.

tip 3: the best gift to yourself

For me, I’m now back in love with yoga. Making the time for myself to connect my body, my mind, and my heart has been the best gift I could give myself. Here’s to more happy faces, more sweating, and many more downward dogs!

Have you ever participated in a yoga challenge? What did you learn?

Today there was yoga being offered in our yoga studio at noon and I wanted to be able to change quickly. I started with a base (Scoop Neck Tank with the Wunder Under Pant) and "built" on it.

lululemon athletica pieces seen here:

• Express Yourself  Wrap (or the Awareness Wrap for a heavier weight alternative) -
• Scoop Neck Tank - worn under blouse
• Wunder Under Pant - mid-rise pant, great coverage even in Downdog

The Scoop Neck Tank is one of our more versatile, medium-support tanks with a power mesh upper back to keep you cool. I also like the neckline for coverage underneath button down shirts or V-neck tees. In the summer I wore the Scoop Neck on its own tucked into a high-waisted skirt or with a pair of walking shorts, and this winter I'm also using it to layer underneath blouses and sweaters for warmth.

This is the most amazing mat I've tried so far: The Mat. It's grippy, it moisture wicks...now if only we could figure out how to make it fly.

A view of downtown Vancouver, BC from the north east corner of the office (before we got our first snowfall!)

Do you already work lululemon into your day-to-day wardrobe? Share your tips or suggestions in the comment section below!

why milla loves the crb

The Cool Racerback tank is made of lululemon's signature fabric, luon light, and it is the perfect layering piece to wear from day-to-day activities to any intense workout. It's moisture wicking, and has no inner shelf bra which gives us unlimited ways to create outfits that suit our athletic lifestyle. I will be wearing this style of Cool Racerback tank in different colours for 7 days starting today, September 10th, to show you how much I appreciate the versatility of this tank. Every day, I will take two photos of myself to show you the different ways to incorporate this tank and create outfits from street to sweat.

day 1: sweat

Today I'm kick-starting this challenge with a Cool Racerback tank in Tang Light at our ambassador Icy Lee's studio in Quarry Bay - Yogasala. In Iyengar style yoga, a lot of emphasis is put on very precise body alignment, therefore it is recommended that we wear tighter fit clothing from top to bottom for alignment corrections. In Icy's classes, I always wear my Cool Racerback, layered with a medium support Flow Y Bra, and pair it with the Wunder Under Crop for best alignment awareness.

day 1: street

Here I am, walking down these historical stone steps of Pottinger Street in Central District. It's one of the busiest streets in Central because of its authentic local community from fruit stands, Chinese home decor vendors to selling Halloween costumes all year long. There are more than 10 yoga studios and gyms in Central and I usually walk through Pottinger Street to go from home to my favourite yoga class. At 33 degree celsius, I will definitely benefit from the light breatheable fabric of our Cool Racerback tank!

See you tomorrow for day two!

Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself (for real this time).

What a concept! So simple and yet so remarkably true. Finding your sweet spot in life is all about uncovering the sweet spot in you. And why not really go for it? If there's one thing I have learned, it's that anything is possible, including that big, bold, juicy slice of life that you've always wanted. So today, I not only committed the day to totally, completely taking care of me, but I also set aside time to write down the things I don't like about myself (while  always remembering that I have the power to change everything). End result: all the fluctuations in life (good and bad) don't feel so extreme, because you are at peace with the whole package.

So, living out this part of the manifesto meant I had to be really clear and honest with myself. That included admitting to some lingering body image issues and formulating a plan to get myself to a place where I love my outside as much as my inside. This plan includes: a full body assessment to be performed by my good friends at Endorphin Junkies, as well as a nutrition overhaul by powerhouse and Dailey Method Guru and good friend Danica Howlett. And the last piece of the puzzle was personally committing to changing my lifestyle. What that looked like was a heartfelt talk with my man, and planning out realistic >meals and a balanced fitness routine that I am able to stick to. The icing to this cake of change is also establishing a support system in my life to encourage me (and hold me accountable).

A couple of learnings from this full body/mind dismantle:

• Loving yourself means committing to participating in your own life.
• Learn to forgive and grow from perceived failures (we often forget that these feelings pass).
• Identify flaws and what you are doing with or about them.
• Learn to interrupt my inner voice, especially when it starts going on those long-winded rants about you not being good enough, or in control, or perfect (you know the usual cycle of darts you throw at yourself).
• I learned that I can talk myself in or out of anything. Someone once told me that you can rationalize and justify all day long, all life long and do nothing to live a better life. Or, you can begin to realize that you actually hold the secret within you to take your life or at least your attitude towards life in any direction you choose.
• Don't be afraid of opening your heart to the experience that comes with darkness and pain. Things happen in life...lots of things. Those non-ideal moments don't change or become you, they grow and teach you.
• Your outlook can be one that will strengthen your character or one that will make you crumble. It has the power to color every word you speak and every emotion you experience. You have the power to change, choose and become the person you always wanted to be.

Up next… Write down your short and long-term GOALS four times a year. Two personal, two business and two health goals for the next 1, 5 and 10 years. Goal setting triggers your subconscious computer.

Follow my journey on Twitter @olimaughan!

We challenge you to challenge yourselves! Ever wondered what it takes to master an advanced yoga pose like Astavakrasana? Nico and Chloe from YYoga show you the prep poses to get into this pose, plus offer some helpful tips. Watch the yoga video below (11 min.):

Which yoga pose, sequence, or tip would you like to see in the next "Try This" video?

Meet Oli, who'll be living the lululemon manifesto every day for 30 days!

Let the countdown begin! Send in your suggestions. This is as much my challenge as yours because you know I’m not doing this alone… Challenge me, test me, encourage me to do something you’ve always wanted to do and have never tried: hiking the Grouse Grind, stand-up paddle boarding, taking that photography course that you (and I) have put off for four years. Let’s go on a journey!

The inspiration for Oli's challenge: our manifesto!

This is for you. This is for me. If I can do it, anyone can. For those who would like to join me in this challenge, send me your setbacks, your stories, and your pictures. Make sure you include the manifesto quote that you’re focusing on! Let’s do this together and put it out there for the world to see. Better yet, meet me there! I will be formulating a plan based on your votes. I’ll let you know where I’ll be and invite you all to kick yourself into a life you absolutely love!

Live in possibility. Let this be the start of your best life.

Want to suggest a manifesto challenge for Oli? Leave a comment here or on Oli's blog, where she'll be updating daily, starting August 1!

Oh hi there, Rebekah!

what are your favourite things to do in your spare time?

I am just a big nerd
I love reading books and watching documentaries on all sorts of strange topics. The interpretations of historical events from ancient Egypt are fascinating.
I also enjoy playing video games. I love working together with friends to build armies or kill zombies!

who is your mentor / hero? why?

Hero: My brother Elijah. He has more passion in life than anyone else I have ever known. He has never let outside influences disrupt his dreams, beliefs or ambitions even when others did not believe in him.

Mentor: My former boss. He always saw greatness in me even when I struggled to see it myself. I owe so much of my initial growth to his time and attention. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn so much from someone who I respect and admire.

your favourite quote?

“Life has taught us that love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.”

This quote resonates with me because I believe we can accomplish so much more together then we ever could attempting to imitate one another. Educating each other through advice and experience ensures our efforts toward greatness are not wasted.

I also heard something that I liked over the weekend:
“You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”
-Alice in Wonderland

Rebekah in her snorkling gear

something silly or unique about you?

I used to dye my hair a different color every week! My best friend and I would try to think up crazy new combinations to test out on my hair. It would definitely be hit and miss!
I also have a parrot Cockatoo named Daisy Mae. She has been with me for 7 years and if all goes well she will be will be with me for 60 more!

One of her many hair colours

what drew you to lululemon? favourite part of your job so far?

The people! Everyone I have met at lululemon has had a special energy that feels so good to be around and be a part of. I feel that I learn from everyone I meet, and there is always something exciting to be a part of and create!

My favorite part of my job has been building up a new team to add to the awesomeness of the lululemon family. I am SO excited to see us get closer to our vision with every new member.

Rebekah will definitely be looking to add new awesome people to her already awesome US team! If you live in the Washington area and consider yourself to be quite awesome, check out the opportunities available at the new US DC... www.lululemon.com/possibilities

Welcome to the lululemon team Wynn!

what is something unique or surprising about you?

I completed the market mapping of Amsterdam for Starbucks on bicycle as part of a four month European assignment. I rode around Amsterdam for 5 days straight 10 to 12 hours per day. It was a great experience and a test of endurance.

Biking in Amsterdam

what is one of your biggest passions (outside of store development!)?

My wife, nieces and nephews and playing hockey. I married my high school grad date so we are like soul mates. She also puts up with my other passion – store development, which trust me requires a lot of understanding.

Wynn's wife, with their nieces and nephews

favourite place in the world?

Paris, France. There was so much history and the Louvre museum was awesome.

a goal you've achieved that you're proud of?

Completion of my first yoga class - a Bikram hot yoga class! I survived and am ready for another one. My goal is to now attend at least one hot yoga class per week.

what do you want to be remembered for?

Having fun and sharing what I love – development and being part of a great team.

If you want to be a part of the Wynn legacy in Store Development, keep an eye on the lululemon careers page!

]]> http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/fresh-face-friday-meet-wynn/feed/ 6 http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/fresh-faces-friday-meet-the-gec/ http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/fresh-faces-friday-meet-the-gec/#comments Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:00:53 +0000 Ashley http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/?p=8210 Have you ever called the Guest Education Centre with a crazy question? If yes, you know that you are greeted with an incredibly knowledgeable, fun and experienced educator who knows the difference between Senorita Pink and Fruity Tootie and can bring the store experience to you on the phone. It's time to meet the freshest faces to join the team!

This fantastic group of people support our guests, stores, ecommerce team, and online communities. It's also a bit of an insider secret that the GEC is an awesome launching pad into other roles in the company-- just ask our Public Relations Coordinator, Lindsay, or our Online Community Manager, Carolyn!

Right now the GEC is growing. Meet Robin and Jennifer, the newest GECers:

meet robin

Robin, living the West Coast dream!

what is your most memorable childhood experience?

Family vacations. Almost every year on Christmas break or summer vacation we would pile into the family car and drive from Ontario to Nova Scotia and spend two weeks there. They were never big or fancy but definitely something I’ve always treasured.

why did you join lululemon?

About 10 months ago I decided to move out to BC to pursue a career goal in firefighting. I began my search for a flexible job that would help me reach my goals. lululemon stood out and I’ve been with the company a month and a half now. It's not only congruent with my life style but my values, too.

Robin, when he's not at the GEC!

what's your favourite way to sweat?

Pumping iron! No better feeling than putting those numbers up and reaching your goals.

who/what inspires you?

My family inspires me. I’ve been blessed to have some really amazing teachers and role models. Other things that have had a great impact on my life are: arts, culture, traveling, and the amazing people I’ve met along the way.

what’s your BHAG (big, hairy,audacious goal)?

Although its sort of an 'on the spot BHAG' I can honestly say that owning my own fitness centre/health store is something I would thoroughly enjoy.

meet jennifer

One of Jennifer's biggest passions is dancing. Here she is on stage performing.

what has been the biggest surprise working for lululemon?

How much everyone here cares about each other personally as well as professionally. This really goes to show how support from peers speeds up progress, as everyone here is striving for and achieving goals every single day. It amazes me just how much positivity is in this one room as a result of the ongoing support and encouragement from others.

what is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate. I have a stash in my desk at all times.

what are you passionate about?

I have a passion for life, but if I had to be specific, my passion lies in dance. I have wild dreams about performing in huge venues, and I can talk about dance for hours on end. It’s my way of expressing myself and inspiring others to live their dreams as well.

what drives you crazy?

Fruit salad/mixed fruit cups—I have a distaste for oranges in my fruit salad/mixed fruit cups. The citrus flavor contaminates everything and you can’t enjoy your other fruits!

what quote/piece of advice has had the biggest impact on you?

"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” There’s a positive and a creative way to look at all situations. Things are never as bad as they seem at first.

More exciting opportunities for fresh educator faces are popping up at the GEC! Visit http://tbe.taleo.net/NA1/ats/careers to find out more.