Join one of our favourite #globalyogis Daniel Scott, a College Ave ambassador, as he relives his path to balance and trust at the Korea Yoga Festa.

Wisps of wind tickled wiskers as feet snapped in mid-air just inches from my face. Vibrations rocketed up Kadri’s legs each time the ninjas landed.  I exhaled through soft hands with eyes closed in absolute appreciation for this perfect example of bone stacking. Energy was everywhere—static, dynamic, muscular, skeletal—yet only one thought echoed in my mind:

Balance is the midpoint between extremes.

Grace exists somewhere between fast and slow, open and closed, give and take. No stranger to extreme living, I’ve learned much while exploring horizons.  Sometimes, you’ve got to go towards the edge in order to look over. On rare occasion, the edge comes looking for you.

I had started warming up for a short demo halfway through day two of the Korea Yoga Festa when Duncan Wong came over and started adjusting me. A large crowd had formed around the stage during an exhibition from the creator of Budokan himself, Cameron Shayne, and continued to grow in anticipation of what was to come.

“You wanna go up, brother?” Kadri politely asked.

“Thought you’d never ask,” I joked.  “Trust, son, it’s how we do.”

As an AcroYoga teacher, my life revolves around understanding two wonderful things: Balance and Trust. Each one requires a great deal of the other to be truly experienced. Much like one turns the radio down when driving while lost, my eyes subconsciously closed upon trust-jumping onto Kadri’s feet.  Balancing without hands is easier with no distractions.

Still clearly jazzed to keep going. Cameron started showboating. Duncan, not one to sit around idly while others play, followed suit.  Naturally, a jump kick competition ensued. The target? My mustache. Thankfully, both were overachievers.

Yoga in Korea is a relatively new phenomenon.  Studios are popping up, and the spark is definitely catching. Admittedly, I fell in love with the earnest dedication of students at the Festa. Almost all attendees came packing pen, paper, or tablet on which to take notes. The first thing I do in every class is have students throw all of that to the side, close their eyes, and drop into their bodies. I’ll peek from time to time, always seeing the same thing... smiles. Your homework, should you choose to enjoy it: the next time you are (safely) near your edge, close your eyes, take a breath, and listen to what comes up.

Keep up with Daniel here and stay tuned as we follow his practice around the world. Bonus points if you share your 'homework' here!

What’s all the hype about? A man with pig tails, a beard and boogie shorts for blokes. It seemed a bit questionable… Our former Chelsea Showroom educator and beloved community member, Charlie, shares his pre and post Chris Chavez experience from a recent workshop in London. 

before chris
I had never heard of Chris before I started at lululemon. Then all of a sudden it was "Chris this" and "Chris that", "you have to meet Chris", "he's amazing!". My fellow educator, Sarah, had done her teacher training with Chris and went a little sparkly eyed when she talked about him. Instantly my ears pricked up and my curiosity grew. I googled him and watched his some of his YouTube clips online. All I could see were pig tails. So I left it at that…

Some months later I was made very aware that Chris would be coming to town. There was great chatter in the showroom and throughout the London yoga scene about his arrival. People were buzzing about his workshop like I had never seen before. Not one to be left out and brimming over with curiosity I reserved my spots at Indaba for two nights of Chris in a row (it turned out I had the fabulous luck to have three days of Chris as he generously gave up his spare time in London teach a private community class for the lululemon peeps as well).

the workshop
Wow Wow Wow! So it seems the hype was justified. What appeared before me was a beautiful soul. Chris is light in his heart, strong in his practice and solid in his knowledge, not to mention humble as hell too. As promised, he had everyone in the class doing hand stands and interacted and connected with everyone in the room. The level of attention that he gives to the person he is talking to is inspiring. His humour instantly made my soul feel lighter. His unwavering faith that every person in the room was capable of doing their personal unknown, charged the air with enthusiasm and connectedness.

For more workshop photos check out Indaba's Facebook albums here and here!

expect the unexpected
For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure of practicing with Chris, don't be swayed by the hot pants and the plaits because what lies within is one of the best teachers I have come across. Expect the unexpected and know you will feel fully supported in anything he asks you to do. He can connect with the strongest yogi to the first timer with equal ease and patience.  I feel lucky enough to have had our paths cross and I know that everyone that I met after the workshops feels the same.

Amongst other things, Chris left behind an excitement for his next visit, some wicked alignment principles and a new lightness in my practice. The whole process also enlightened me about my own thought patterns and preconceived ideas. It made me think that maybe one day I could embrace myself and rock out a pair of short shorts…

Overheard in Yoga: "Soften your right eye just a little" ~ Chris Chavez

What teachers inspire your practice?

People may think the road to success is a straight and linear path. What our Oakridge ambassador Ingrid Nilson discovered on her first trip to Japan to teach yoga with the Fukushima Yoga Project and rock star yogi 

It was just two years ago when a powerful tsunami devastated the Fukushima area causing a level 7 nuclear meltdown, leading to massive evacuation zones. Imagine for a moment being evacuated from your home and told that you could not return for 60 years, not even for a photo album. This is the reality for many surviving residents of the area.

Our own way of giving back to a community that has lost so much was through sharing the universal language of music and yoga. Will and I designed classes to delight for both children and adults full of movement, music (much from his album Hallelujah) and even a little confetti! What we established had the pizzazz of a live performance complete with costume changes and a grand piano (when space allowed) combined with the playful, peaceful and powerful nature of yoga.

Leading up to the tour a lot was done to prepare for the Fukushima Yoga Project. Many yoga classes and even a raw, organic cooking class were set up in Vancouver to raise funds and awareness. However, nothing could have prepared us for what was to come. Upon our arrival in Japan we were greeted by the stunning red sun and sakura (cherry blossom) season. And on March 11^th at the crack of dawn, we had the great privilege to link hands with thousands along the ocean’s edge to honour the memory of what was lost and what lives on.

When struggle occurred, I took a deep breath and reminded myself of the intention fueling the whole trip to put a moment's anxiety into perspective. Our intention was manifested through our mission:

• to uplift the human spirit
• to promote joy and togetherness
• to inspire the whole of humanity!

As students thanked us after each class, I became more and more humbled by the resilience of spirit possessed by these people. We were warmly received and made to feel welcome by a community that has experienced great loss. With each smile, hand-shake and hug, gratitude filled me as I witnessed very directly the impact of a powerful intention made manifest. As the visionary behind this project, Will has reminded me many times on this trip that anything is possible and after teaching in Fukushima, I can say that the people there helped me realize this to be true.

Meet Ryan "The Lion" Leier. He's magical, this guy. No really...in addition to defying gravity, he did magic tricks for us wherever we went: our Hong Kong hotel lobby, a local street market in Shanghai, a cab in Singapore. He's an awesome and entertaining travel companion.

  I love this one! It's hard to believe this was only our first full day together. There was such an immediate bond. This shot is en route to a Buddhist nunnery, with a restaurant that serves incredible vegetarian food.

My gals, Giselle Mari and Faith Hunter, both absolutely beautiful inside and out. They opened the yoga tour with our first community class on a rooftop patio in Hong Kong, with views of the harbour and skyline. You would never know they had traveled from the other side of the world the day before. They brought so much energy and lightness.

Faith is a rock, as a teacher and person. You can just see it in the way she assists this student.

A community event in every sense of the word-this class in an art gallery in Shanghai included all levels of yogis, Shanghaiese, Westerners living abroad or on business, members of the media, people wearing lululemon, people wearing jeans. Ryan and Jeff Mah co-taught and incorporated some simple partner poses. If the word yoga means connection and union-this was it, in such a pure, fun way.

This was a trip highlight: cooking class in Shanghai! That's me, along with Kristin Altimari of Lycra. We're struggling a bit here-with jet lag and the precision of folding Chinese dumplings-but we're having a blast, and our dumplings still tasted delicious.

After cooking class, we attended a traditional tea ceremony. I'm a huge tea lover, but it made me realize how fast and harried our time with friends over tea or coffee is back home. In China, sharing tea is a mindful ritual and opportunity to slow down and savor the company you're with and steamy cups you share. This is Giselle pouring white tea (in a circular motion and clockwise) for Faith.

  I can't recall what I'm smiling at. Possibly, everything.

Jessica Edwards, of lululemon who coralled and cared for us along the way, with Giselle. There was a strong sense of gratitude for the ability to do what we do, among great people, on the other side of the world. This brings all that back.

This photo of Faith in Singapore says it all. No caption needed.

Claudia Whitney and I didn't plan to prep for our community class in Singapore the same way, but it turned out we were on the same wave length. We listened to music, stayed loose, and, then, had a ball teaching more than 100 yogis on a roof deck overlooking the marina. There was even a laser show from a nearby skyscraper. I can't make this stuff up...

See lasers! And sarvangasana. But, please refrain from looking at the laser show while in sarvangasana. It's unsafe for your neck-instead, keep your drishti on your navel or toes. (I'm sorry; I couldn't help it).

One of my favorite meditation teachers, Jon Kabat-Zinn, would say, "Wherever you go, there you are." It doesn't matter where in the world you unroll your mat, yoga will find you. It is you.

Full disclosure: I took on this challenge because I'm heading to a Level One week-long training with Baron next week and wanted to be fully prepared for the days physically, emotionally & spiritually. Originally my focus was mainly physical -- to practice Baptiste Yoga and prepare for the week. As the 40 Days went on, I got so much more than "preparation." My yoga wasn't perfect, I didn't do the fruit cleanse & I missed one of my small group calls, yet my commitment to working the program never waivered. My experience through the weeks:

week 1: presence

As the program started, I immediately recognized the largest piece of this program would be commiting to DOING the work. To create sustainable change, I needed to be fully in it. Whatever comes up, comes up. The laws, Seek the Truth & Be Willing to Come Apart set me up powerfully to know who I needed to be for myself throughout the process.

week 2: vitality

I went into deep inquiry into revealing vitality in my every day activities. Seeing where I am truly energized in daily life, and being ok to share that with others. I became present seeking the truth about what truly lights me up - not feeling bad because I am happy and loving every moment of my life when those around me may not be was uncomfortable. To say I was stepping Out of My Comfort Zone was an understatement.

week 3: equanimity

I learned a lot in this week. Please see the blog I shared.

week 4: restoration

Ahhh. I learned the beauty of not feeling the need to fill my weekend schedule & simply focus on how I'm feeling when I wake up, and not necessarily having to accomplish a laundry list of things. My weekend was fantastic! It also gave me space to reflect where in my life I have rocks that I have created weighing me down. As Baron writes, "Transformation comes not from adding things on but by removing what didn't belong there in the first place." Getting real & connected to my centre allowed the rocks to fall away. Through the longer meditation, the clutter began disappear.

week 5: centering

Looking me square in the face this week was Patience & Truth. Acknowledging everything I need to know is inside of me if I have the courage to listen and am willing to be truthful with myself & those around me. The truth really will set you free. This was a week of self realizations, lots of conversation and lots of tears through it all. It was perfect.

week 6: triumph

Celebrating with my small group on our final call was incredible. Hearing what everyone had learned & the shifts made was inspiring. Kinndli & Shelley were outstanding leaders who ensure each of us acknowledged ourselves all while recognizing the work does not stop.

in summary

My 40 Day Revolution was an incredible experience. Having my friends & colleagues along for the journey, meeting people from around the world in my small group & the support from the Baptiste team was awesome. I am excited to take myself on everyday as I continue my leadership work through yoga. Next week in Hawaii take me a little further along the path.

We want to hear from you. How was your experience? What did you learn? Would you do it again?

WHY WE LOVE THIS

This mat is like the red carpet of yoga mats. It is designed with a natural rubber base that keeps it securely on the floor (it also provides incredible support). The top layer is made with smooth polyurethane that will make you want to linger a little longer in Savasana. The 5mm thickness makes it really soft, cushy and supportive and because it’s ultra-absorbent it’s also super grippy. This Mat is our partner in crime in an hour of Power or a super sweaty Vinyasa Flow.

JOANNA - Product Editor

A big version of The Mat designed for those who want a little more practice space. The (Big) Mat has all the same incredible features as the Mat. Sometimes size really does matter.

This lightweight version of The Mat is perfect for long travel days and short commutes. The (un) Mat layers easily over less than sanitary studio mats. Weighing-in at less than 1kg (2.2lbs) it’s our go-to mat for yoga on the fly.

We took our practice on the road and unrolled our mats all over Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. Relive the party.

who taught?

• jeff mah - calgary, canada
• giselle mari - san francisco, usa
• ryan leier - vancouver, canada
• faith hunter - washington dc, usa
• rebecca pacheco - boston, usa
• claudia whitney - hong kong

when and where were we in your city?

Not in Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Singapore for the events? Check out The Travel Yogi for more opportunities to unroll your mat and explore the world. 

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.

A member of our digital team and a native Vancouverite, Sairah has always considered herself a fierce competitor. Here is her story of finding a love of practice and camaraderie in the most unlikely of places.

Growing up in a household with 3 brothers, competition showed up just about everywhere. When they started disappearing on Sundays to watch football – I insisted on getting involved. Naturally, in the spirit of competition, I picked my team by choosing the mortal enemy of my brother’s team. He cheers for the Minnesota Vikings, so since that day my Sunday hopes and dreams have lived with the Green Bay Packers.

As someone new to the game, I set out to learn everything; the rules, the players and the history. I wanted to hit the ground running (there’s that competitive thing again). Sundays slowly became my favourite day of the week and I lived for the emotional rollercoaster that every play took me on. What I didn’t realize was that I was actually participating in something much larger than a few touchdowns. On the surface winning is obviously the best part, there is no doubt about that – but what I was learning was that it was the practice of football that had me so focused on coming back for more.

I’m not talking pads and drills practice, I’m talking about the ritual that brings friends together for 17 Sundays. No matter what happens in my week, on the 7^th day I meet up with friends and family alike to spend uninterrupted time together. Rivalries spark conversations and it’s easy to meet new people around you because of the common interest. You’re wearing the same colour jersey as me - good, different colour – bad, but we’ll probably be friends anyway. The passion for your team overshadows the work-week behind you and the camaraderie of the day delays the week ahead. Everyone’s energy is focused in the same place at the same time – a rare occurrence these days.

When you look past what happens on the field, you’re met with a dynamic group of people united by 4 quarters of football. Some fans can point out the intricacies of a defense while others can barely tell which team is on offence, but regardless of their level of knowledge they are spending their Sundays experiencing the practice of football. This practice of football is a room full of people whose minds are clear from outside distractions, living in a moment together. It may seem bold to claim that football is not about competition, but when I look at what it brings to my life I see something that brings people together rather than divides them.

Today is a big day down in New Orleans! Is there an unlikely place you find serenity and calm? And who are you cheering for today?

It's a simple phrase we are taught at a young age and encouraged relentlessly to use. Share your appreciation and embrace an attitude of gratitude. However, sometimes these eight letters don’t quite cut it. Sometimes you need to say more, to show your appreciation in a bigger way.

The gratitude postcard that over 200 Montrealers recently sent out.

letters that move the world

Over 150 yogis gathered on a chilly, -22 degree Friday night at the Montreal Athletics Association for the Expressions of Gratitude event hosted by the four lululemon athletica stores on the island of Montreal. This evening of yoga, meditation and chocolate truffles was inspired by the book "Letters that Move the World” that explores the magical feeling of knowing someone is truly grateful for you. We all know this feeling: it a warm tingle of happiness and a sense of pride to know that you matter to someone else. This, of course, can be reversed: to show another how much you appreciate them.

Ambassador Melissa Colleret lead a yoga class before the postcard-writing began.

the science of gratitude

One of the two authors, Jason Loken, spoke to this feeling and described the physiological changes that have been measured in the body. The changes in hormones, neurotransmitters and heart rate literally transform our being. Ambassador Melissa Colleret used this as a reference point to create a class that flowed through our favourite poses. Each pose expressed gratitude, appreciation and compassion through the body, a path that our hearts followed. The asana practice linked to a guided meditation as Mel encouraged the guests to dig deep and connect with a space of gratitude inside them.

Melissa taught that when you practice compassion in your body, your heart will follow.

who are you grateful for?

Who are you grateful for? Is it a friend, a co-worker, the gentleman who drives the bus or the girl who serves you your morning coffee? Once a person stood out, the guests were given the opportunity to write a postcard to these individuals. We mailed out over 200 postcards; 200 pebbles tossed into a mailbox to cause tiny waves that can grow into a tidal effect of gratitude.

Take some time to say thanks.

tell them

The simplicity of bringing a pen to paper to write a postcard to say ‘thank you’ comes from the choice to act. It starts with one person choosing to act first rather than waiting for others. Gandhi’s well-known encouragement to ‘be the change we want to see in the world’ can propel us forward with the knowledge that ‘my life matters’ and each of us can be that person who acts for another.

Who would you share your gratitude with? Who would you address your postcard to?

meet tracy

name: Tracy Keough
role at lululemon: Area Community Manager, North U.S.
current hometown: Vancouver
random fact: I grew up in Newfoundland.
what did you learn this week? Breathe, respond, don't react. Listen to what is in your heart.
a word that describes your 40-day experience so far: Deep inquiry

this week i learned...

I have been excited about this week since the 40 Days program began. Equanimity has been something that I have been striving to understand since I first practiced with Baron 3 years ago. He spoke to equanimity in class that day. I remember so clearly wondering the meaning of the word and his statements stayed with me long after that all-day immersion:

Can you simply be in this pose and face it as it comes? Be with whatever comes up, feel it and simply be with it, no reaction.

As we held the pose further, Baron said: notice how you are reacting to this pose. Where else in your life does this come up? How is who you are on your mat showing up in your life?

Uuuuh, do you mean the fact I am cursing you in my head right now dying to come out of this pose?!

Tracy Dhanurasana-ing at last week's Yoga Journal Conference in San Francisco

three years later

I took this week on with a curious mind and open heart. I faced myself head on and had conversations that were tough and pushed me outside of my comfort zone. There were tears, moments of wanting to run and through it all I stayed with myself, understanding that this is true growth – this is equanimity. After all this time, it finally landed for me that equanimity is being in the eye of the storm, the middle of all the reactions and feelings and working with whatever comes up, what REALLY comes up -- tears, fear, fight, flight -- and breath by breath, being with it.

Then, Saturday morning I woke up to this quote staring straight at me:

"The longest road you will ever have to walk is from your head to your heart" ~ Chief Phil Lane Jr.

And it all came together for me. Equanimity is living what is in your heart - your absolute truth - and having the courage to trust. To be with it. It is uncomfortable to say what really needs to be said, revealing who I TRULY am, in my heart, from a deep place of knowing. It's scary, yet freeing all at the same time.

Truth. Trust. Love. That is what I learned this week. Thank you Baron.

WHY WE LOVE THIS

We get it. Sometimes going ‘au natural’ is just the right choice. We designed The Pure Mat with two layers of natural rubber and a grippy textured surface making it Bakasana and Savasana ready. The closed cell construction means sweat won’t absorb into the mat so it’s easy to clean and easy to share. We also engineered two different thicknesses of The Pure Mat (3mm-5mm) because sometimes we like a little more cushion and sometimes we want to lighten up. This mat is the kind of natural goodness that really floats our boat.

JOANNA - Product Editor

Natural rubber is a soft and stable surface. It gives The Pure Mat the kind of cushiony feel that makes you want to Down Dog. The ultra-grippy surface makes it easy to get a grip - even when things get sweaty.  Natural rubber does have a slight scent that will fade over time (turns out first impressions aren’t everything). Just roll it out and let it breathe before you head to class.

Carolyn Lamb is a Strategic Sales Account Manager based out of our Store Support Centre in Vancouver, B.C. She works with affiliates in the Northeast US region and she had the pleasure of visiting the Carolinas and Tennessee recently. It was on this trip that she visited a local studio and had an experience that profoundly moved her.

Southern Pines was the second stop on my way throughout North Carolina and Tennessee. I had heard a lot about Hot Asana yoga studio, and wanted to make the one-hour trip from Raleigh to see what it was all about.

I arrived late at night and studio owner Virginia Gallagher was so kind - she put me up in her cottage house that she usually would have yogis staying in when teaching workshops on weekends. Before bed I could hear the train passing through town and my excitement to see the town in daylight began.

The next morning I met up with Virginia at a coffee shop in a beautiful jewellery antique shop near Hot Asana. Since, this was my first time in Southern Pines, I asked Virginia what makes the town tick. Although the population is only 10,000 people, 2 of the biggest military bases in the United States are just next door (Fort Bragg and Pope AFB) which houses 140,000, including military and their families.

Virginia explained to me that she gets to support the men and women that are supporting her country by offering them yoga and a place of peace and healing. For these athletes in the military the hot classes are definitely a workout; however, the experience is about more than an hour of stretching on a mat. I found this out soon after in a class.

Every breath of life is a gift. During the class I took the teacher was supportive, encouraging and had a message. The message was gratitude and living life in the moment. After a beautiful hot class to some classic tunes and a long savasana with a lavender cold towel and a massage (awesome right?!), I was ready to take on the world. My heart was full and I was grateful.

I now understood how Virginia was giving back to the community and to the men and woman in the military. Not only was her studio a place offering poses and salutations, it was a place to gather and connect, filled with support, love, letting go and healing. She offers 10 classes a day starting at 4:30am, will teach private classes to support the busy schedules of those in the military and in town, offers complimentary restorative classes to veterans and hosts outdoor community classes in the summertime.

Back in the day the studio was part of the town’s local movie theatre, and was it was at the back of the theatre where segregation took place. Taking a class in a place where segregation has been replaced by unity, healing and love was an empowering feeling.

Virginia is a beautiful soul and it shines throughout her studio, the teachers she has trained, and the soul she creates every day in the space. While I was about to step into class a woman asked if she could bring her phone into class and, Virginia said of course, however if she wanted to leave it at the front desk and let them know what number she is expecting to call, the front desk could come and get her in the class if it rang.

Hearing this was such a breath of fresh air - a studio that will go so above and beyond that they will hang onto your phone and if certain number is calling will interrupt your practice. It is the small things in life that make a difference in people’s lives. The kind, inspiring words in a yoga class, the massage and cold towel after class, fruit and tea available with no charge, and a place to come together as a community. Virginia is truly giving with no expectation of receiving and it is heartwarming.

This is a trip worth making, a class worth taking and will fill your heart and soul as it did mine.

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?