Lululemon Ambassador Summit + Yoga Retreat

Last week was an inspiring, busy, and relaxing week. The first 4 days were spent in Vancouver at the Lululemon Ambassador Summit. When Lulu first invited us to the Summit, I was slightly skeptical. I had just had eye laser surgery, and was sitting in the dark with all the blinds down and sunglasses on when Bram called to tell me Lulu wanted to treat us to 4 days in Vancouver. I wasn't really sure why they wanted to send us out there, or what it was all about, but my answer was "yes" of course!

Our days were fully packed with goal-setting & social media workshops, networking and design feedback. It was such a unique event, as it brought together yoga teachers, athletes, and studio owners from all over North America (and a couple from Australia too). It created this platform for us to share ideas, goals, and problems. Running your own business can often get lonely, so to be able to talk to other studio owners, and relate to their challenges, give advice and get advice, is really special. Just knowing that other people are going through the same struggles is comforting. The summit allowed us to share freely, and to learn from each other. I'm so happy to have met some amazing people, and am extremely grateful to Lululemon for organizing it all. My initial skepticism was way off, the only thing they wanted in return, was for us to keep spreading joy, and encourage others to live their best lives and create a better world.

Thursday evening I came home, unpacked, did laundry, slept, woke up, repacked, and was off to Spa Eastman for our annual Weekend Yoga Retreat. Although I was slightly jet-lagged, as soon as we pulled into the driveway of the spa, I felt a wave of relaxation wash over me. The next couple of days were spent teaching, relaxing by the pool, and getting to know some more amazing people.

Although last week was extremely busy, I feel blessed, and super lucky. Going away also always makes me really appreciate my home life, my family, the studio, and my own bed. As my schedule starts to calm down, Jason's is in full swing, with interviews, rehearsals, and preparations for his album launch this coming Friday! Check them out at www.myspace.com/sunfields (the new album will be available at the shows, the digital release will be on iTunes soon).

Sending love, and life filled with happiness.
Jennifer*

Yoga with Baron Baptiste

A couple of weeks ago I did a workshop with Baron Baptiste. I had seen the ad about 2 months ago, and decided I wanted to do it. I didn't know much about Baron, only that his parents are both yoga teachers, he teaches a style of power yoga, and is known for his yoga bootcamps. I tried to register well over a month in advance, only to find out the workshop was already sold out. I was put on the waiting list (and later found out there was a waiting list for the waiting list), so I was pretty doubtful that I would get in.

When I got the phone call in the afternoon, letting me know a spot had freed up for the workshop that night with Baron, it was at the height of a heat wave. I immediately said yes, hung up the phone, and began to wonder if I made the right choice. The workshop was being held at Moksha Yoga; a 'hot' yoga studio where they heat the room between 38C and 41C (100-105F). The temperature outside was probably similar, so while everyone else was going home to take cold showers and turn on their fans and a/c's, I was heading to an intense 3 hour workshop in a heated room... my mom was very skeptical.

Within the first half hour I was already sweating, and we haden't even done anything, we were just sitting listening to Baron talk about his background and his take on yoga. I had know idea he had studied with Pattabhi Jois, Iyengar and Bikram (3 well known teachers). He talked a lot about meeting your edge, and pushing through it; physically, mentally, and emotionally. He emphasized that we are stronger than we think. I definitely related to what he said, and was ready for the challenge.

The practice started with the abs. Baron guided us through one of the most intense ab workouts I've ever done. I wasn't sure I was going to make it. We continued though sun salutations (holding downward dog for what felt like 20 breaths), standing postures, balancing, seated postures, backbends (I think we must have done 8 full wheels), and relaxation. With seventy people packed into the heated room, doing an intense yoga practice, it was not just sweaty, it was a slip and slide! The energy was amazing. Even though we only had an inch between mats, everyone was super considerate. I love packed classes, it always gives this "we're in this together" feeling.

I'm not sure what my expectations were for this workshops, but I really enjoyed Baron's teachings, and felt that he has a genuine, kind heart. I think when it comes to workshops, teachers, and life in general, it's good to have an open mind, and to go out of your way to try new things and challenge yourself. We are so often pleasantly surprised...