A curious lizard walks across the floor as we settle into Savasana cooled by a Bali breeze, listening to the hum of cicadas. At the Bali Spirit Festival in Ubud — a celebration of music, yoga and art — nature is all around. Mix in thousands of yogis from around the globe and plenty of scrumptious food and, well, it’s over-the-top good. Oakridge Store ambassador, Chantal O’Sullivan, and Northern Australia community guru, Lindsay Udell, share with us their top five memories from the festival.

chantal’s top five

1. Dodging chickens, dogs, potholes and so many people, zigzagging through traffic on the daily 20-minute scooter ride from Ubud to the festival. It’s a beautiful and terrifying ride. I miss it already.

2. Sitting on a beanbag in the outdoor lounge area, sipping on coconuts with friends, new and old, and taking in the scene. So many interesting people all gathered together to learn. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

3. Taking part in 108 sun salutations taught by teachers from around the world — including local favourites, Eoin Finn and Tina James. Set to live music, surrounded by the lush green of Bali, it doesn’t get more uplifting than this. And I have never sweat so much in my life.

4. I loved, loved, loved all the classes I got to take in. As a teacher, it’s a real pleasure to be a student. Every class was a gift and an opportunity to slow down, to learn. Or as Eoin Finn said in his Hug-It-Out Hammock Yoga Blissfest: "You just need to slow down, breathe and get under a tree." (A palm tree in Bali did the trick nicely Eoin!)

5. Bali, all of it. I'm smitten. From the smiling people I met daily to the delicious food, it's a place that is easy to love. "Terima kasih" or thank-you. That's what I kept thinking and saying all through my trip. Thank you Bali. I'll be back next year!

lindsay’s top five

1. Being able to go straight from a sweaty class into the pool — much needed on day one after Les Levanthal's class.

2. The amazing yoga-dance party led by Angel & Matt of Future Sound of Yoga. No better way to close day two than dancing with friends old and new.

3. The post Savasana bliss following Simon Low’s Yin class that lasted an entire day. I don’t think I snapped out of it until the next morning!

4. Tickling as a yoga posture in Eoin Finn’s class. It's good to do a class that brings me home when I'm all the way across the world. (Ed’s note: Lindsay’s a Canuck rocking it out in Aus – and living the life).

5. Learning a new language, connecting with a new culture and a getting to practice in a space that overlooks a rice paddy.

Anyone else have a chance to attend the festival? What were your favourite memories?

the future sound of yoga

If you're craving something a little different, look no further than Sydney's own yoga-dance fusion: The Future Sound of Yoga: "The movements are a combination of traditional yoga poses and free-form dance. A live DJ creates the soundtrack, which is drawn from electronic dance music (e.g. Ambient, Trip Hop, Progressive, Tech House) and atmospheric band/artist albums (e.g. Bjork, Sigur Ros, Radiohead)." We call it electronica-induced bliss.

who's behind the future?

Matt and Angel met at a Chemical Brothers show at Glastonbury in 2005. The rest is history. They have very different backgrounds (she studied dance in London, entered the advertising world and then quit to teach yoga; he studied philosophy at Oxford) but their love of music drew them together. Now they're bringing their passion on the road, hosting one-of-a-kind events, freeing people to lose themselves in music while breaking a sweat. They've relocated to Australia but this summer they'll be at the Asia Yoga Conference in Hong Kong (June 11) and at the Life Centre in Islington (London, England - June 27; July 2 & 9).

the future is a complimentary yoga mix

If you're dying to experience The Future Sound of Yoga without the airfare and jetlag, check out their complimentary playlist (a seamless, 60-minute DJ mix for yoga) available to download on their site. Matt has meticulously crafted the mix for your practice, whether you're at home or a teacher in the studio. It's a great thing to have in your back pocket if you've got plans to travel this summer and you plan on sweating on the road. I've been enjoying it while writing this and yes, I may have gotten out of my seat to do a little Thom Yorke impersonation now and then. I confess.

Our educators in Australia are big fans of The Future Sound of Yoga. After talking to Matt and Angel and enjoying the playlist, we can see why. Maybe it's time to book a flight to Sydney. We can't think of a better way to burn off some crème brulée - no, make that a hot jam doughnut. What yoga trend is next on your menu?

want more?

• Yoga is a gift. Unwrap it here.
• Get another soundtrack for your practice. This one's for the great indoors.
• Tour London with us. Check out our favourite places to sweat, stretch and sip a cuppa.

you asked

I was involved in a car accident about 16 months ago, and am now in the long process of healing. The worst of my injuries is a nagging upper back and shoulder injury. Physical therapy and medication has only taken me so far and I wanted a more natural approach, so my doctor suggested yoga as a great way to stretch out those sore muscles and heal. Are there any particular restorative poses you can recommend for the upper back and shoulders?

Thanks so much!
Jenn

kate answers

Hi Jenn.

I love your enthusiasm and your commitment to the healing process. Here are three beautiful, restorative pose that will help in the upper back and shoulders. Enjoy and learn from your healing process.

supported matseyasana (supported fish pose)

This pose opens the chest and extends the thoracic spine (which begins at the bump at the back of your neck). It’s intended to bring muscles back to their natural position and in time, tone, which is great for your recovery.

1. Grab two towels or blankets.
2. Roll them up, making one thicker than the other.
3. Lie flat on your back and place the smaller of the two towels underneath the bra-strap line.
4. Extend your legs and let the feet fall out naturally.

5. Place the thicker rolled-up towel under your head but be careful not to overextend the neck by lifting the chin too high or dropping it too low.
6. Now for blissing out: rest each arm at about a 45-degree angle away from hips and place palms up, allowing your shoulders to drop open. 


Simply breathe and relax. Let that be your mantra! “Breathe, relax.”

salamba balasana (supported child's pose)

1. Place blocks (or books) underneath the two ends of a bolster and come into Child's Pose, with your torso supported by the bolster.
2. Slide your arms underneath the gap between the bolster and the floor, sliding each hand toward the opposite elbow.

If the forearms or elbows don't touch the ground, fill in the space with towels or blankets so that you are supported from the elbows to the fingers. Magic.

garudasna (eagle) - arm variation only

A good one to do when sitting at a desk or in a chair when you have free time.

1. Sit tall in your seat, stretching your arms forward so that they are parallel to the floor and then spread your shoulder blades wide across the back of your torso.
2. Cross the arms in front so that the right arm is above the left, then bend your elbows.
3. Snug the right elbow into the crook of the left, and raise the forearms perpendicular to the floor. The backs of your hands should be facing each other - or as close to as possible.
4. Now draw the elbows away and up in front of the face and at the same time draw the shoulder blades down the back so as not to hunch or create more tension in this area.
5. Close the eyes and breathe into the space between the shoulder blades.

Stay for ten breaths and then swap arms.

So Jenn - enjoy, bliss out and I wish you a healthy recovery.

Kate

more about kate

lululemon Bondi ambassador and yoga teacher, Kate teaches vinyasa style yoga and emphasizes the connection between breath and movement, infusing a natural blend of fun, light heartedness and strength into her sequencing, always encouraging her students to be mindful in their practice and nurture themselves.

Kate’s big, hairy audacious goal (BHAG) is to create the world’s most viewed wellness blog; a rich source for knowledge and inspiration – helpful tools for living more conscious and happy lives.

Her favourite lululemon manifesto quote: Creativity is maximized when you’re living in the moment.

Visit Kate's website at www.thenectar.com.au

Michelle skiing up Mount Hemlock.

New to the team, Michelle will be ‘liaising’ between the Store Support Centre here in Vancouver and our merchandise planners Down Under! When our winter product hits the floor in the stores in Vancouver, Australia is just rolling into summer. It’s essential to plan the merchandise so the right product hits the floor at the right time, since nobody wants to rock around in a Da’Bomber jacket in 40 degree heat! Find out some more about Michelle and what it takes to be an Australian Liaison at lululemon athletica.

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

I completed the Victoria Marathon! Prior to finishing the race - I had my doubts it was possible for me to run 42km. My goal was to just make it across the finish line. Throughout the entire run it was a roller coaster of emotions. I met a woman who compared her first marathon to giving birth (something I have not experienced). I was truly inspired to be sharing the road with elite athletes and a wide range of runners - I pushed myself harder than I ever had before and that last km of the run was completely exhilarating. Crossing the finish line with my cousin was a very proud moment. Chris was beside me every mile of the race and I couldn't have done it without him.

what is one of your biggest passions?

Michelle and her boyfriend Mark at a wedding in Mexico.

Spending time with my boyfriend, Mark - we inspire and support each other every day. It makes me happy to be sharing the adventure of life with him and knowing that we will be sharing our lives and growing old (making the most of our Carlsberg years!!) together. I am also passionate about my friends & family. Who better than your loved ones to keep you focused on what is most important in life? - "It doesn't matter where you go; it's who's beside you that counts".

I appreciate every moment and the opportunity to experience life and love through the fresh eyes of my niece and nephew, they are my constant reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.

what is your favourite way to sweat?

Early morning runs along the seawall are my favourite. It is the best way to remind myself of this amazing city (Vancouver) that we are so very lucky to call home! Any chance to enjoy the outdoors - snowshoeing & skiing in the winter, running, going for a ride on my cruiser pedal bike or conquering the Grind are what keep me going in the summer - this year stand up paddling is on my "to do" list!

Michelle and Mark posing post sweat on a tropical hike.

how does your role elevate lululemon?

I am very excited to take ownership of my new role of Australia Liaison. Not only am I a new addition to lululemon but my role is brand new as well! A big part of this position will be to keep the Australian merchant team in the loop on all the exciting development that is happening at the Store Support Centre here in Vancouver. I will be the eyes and ears for the AUS team, enabling them to elevate and expand their business in our growing market of Australia while I learn more about the challenges that they are faced with and working as a team to make the most of their business.

Michelle has been a most welcomed addition to the Store Support Centre. Her love for sweating combined with her passion for athletics and goal setting has made her a perfect fit (similar to our Groove Pants). If you think you would be a great fit find out if your career goals and professional background match up with any of our current possibilities on the lululemon careers page!