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Be the change. - Gandhi

When I decided to take my yoga teacher training I tried to put my expectations on a leash. I tried not to imagine all the wonderful changes that would occur; I tried not to focus on what a present, calm, ideal yogi I would become. I tried.

Expectations are the fastest way to set yourself up for disappointment. The path of yoga is not about what you were or what you will become; it's about being present in each moment. There's no easy path to become the person you aspire to be, but with a conscious mind and open heart you can learn to accept yourself as you are and let that love and acceptance help you grow.

I recently went for some spiritual counseling from a yogini. What struck me the most was learning that I don't need to "figure it all out". My dharma or duty was to simply bring gratitude and contentment into my daily life. It doesn't matter if I hit the mat every day (especially if I stress myself to get there). What matters most is taking the lessons I learn from yoga and applying them to my every day life off of the mat - to respect the earth, to remember that we are all one, to believe in my divinity and that of those around me, to be truthful, and to follow the Yamas (guidelines on how to treat others and interact with society) and Niyamas (guidelines on how to treat yourself).

Since that visit I have told myself daily what I am grateful for, even if all I can think of in that moment is remembering to be grateful in the first place. This small change has caused a ripple affect in my life. The veil of expectation has been lifted and I accept that I am exactly where I need to be in life in this very moment. I also accept that though I may forget from time to time - I am divine. We all are. It is simply our duty to remember.

Read about the great gratitude for yoga teachers like Jessika in our blog post My Love Affair with the Yoga Teachers of the World.

Through a friendly email chain, I took my umpteenth online personality quiz last week (admit it, you've taken one too). One question that often pops up is "Would you rather try new things, or stick to what you know works well?"

For years, I've usually checked the box "try new things". I love the exciting rush of new discoveries – like a little kid discovering One Eyed Willy's treasure. My recent "new things" include new foods (eggplant), a new band (elbow), even a new way of breathing (with the belly, a triathlete recommends).

And although I enjoy trying new things, I'm not the greatest at trying things that scare me. Take my work out regime for example – I like stability in a tried and true workout. When I want to sweat, I'll go for a run. I've done my fair share of Ashtanga and spin classes. I was trained in ballet and gymnastics. Everything is regimented and with specific direction.

Enter the new wave of enjoyable cardio, where the music is pumping and the energy is contagious. Where the guidelines are subtle and the effort is freelance. What? No set instructions with what my limbs are to do? To do something beyond the popular planes my body is used to? Something, as my friends would say, spicy? That scared me.

But with a little friendly encouragement, I am proud to say I tried a hip hop class two months ago, Zumba® last month, and yesterday, Socacize®!

My hips don't lie. While my first step was timid, by the end of third song I was laughing and uncontrollably jiving. Never in a hundred years would I have imagined myself having so much fun in a simple 60-minute dance workout. I'm sure I looked like a fool, but I felt like a million bucks.

So I ask myself again, "Would I rather try new things, or stick to what I know works well?"” I guess I can never know what works well if I'm not willing to try something new.

What have you done to scare yourself lately?

Above: Alex in her new pair of perfectly fitting Groove Pants. 

I recently had a guest experience that has impacted me on so many levels that I had to share it.

A young woman named Alex and her little sister were in the changing room having the little sister's pants hemmed. Alex was trying on one of our new hoodies and trying to decide between two colours. After deciding that the one with the pink stripes fit nicely the little sister made a comment about how Alex wouldn't have fit into that hoodie a few months ago.

Always curious to learn more about our guests I asked Alex what her sister meant. She told me that she is 20 years old and that she was a size 24 in January. At that time her doctor told her that she had to lose weight and change her habits or the long-term impact on her health and life would have severe consequences. Since her doctor's warning Alex has revolutionized her lifestyle – incorporating healthy eating and regular exercise. To date she has lost an amazing sixty pounds.

Alex then said that her "goal has been to fit into a pair of lululemon pants."

While the girls got changed, I grabbed our incredible store manager and told her that I really wanted to do something to demonstrate that lululemon is a goal-oriented and health conscious team would support Alex in her goal. Rebecca asked me what I wanted to do. "I want to give her that first pair of pants," I said. I was floored when Rebecca responded with "Do it!"

Pulling Alex aside, I said "we are really proud of the changes that you have made to live a better life and that you have made our company a part of them. We are going to give you that pair of pants that you have set as your goal. If they don’t fit today, you can come back when you are ready. But let’s go give it a try now!"

Nervous as to whether or not she would fit into the pants, I suggested we grab the Groove Pants that matched her hoodie. She went back into the change room to put them on. When she came out the pants fit her perfectly. She achieved her goal without even knowing it.

Ultimately Alex took the pants and hoodie home, hopefully as proud of her accomplishment as our team was of her for completing her goal.

It was an amazing thing that the lululemon athletica Rideau Centre team did to support this young woman and it was personally rewarding to be a part of it. I wish Alex the best of luck in accomplishing her next goal.

By putting your goals out there you have a better chance of building the support network required to achieve them. How do you put your goals out there? How do you support others?