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Saturday, October 31, 2009

ts10


ts10 from tranquil space.
the history of tranquil space, founded by kimberly wilson in 1999... from its humble roots in an apartment living room to its development into one of Travel + Leisure magazine's top-25 yoga studios in the world.

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happy 10 years tranquil space





the energy and celebratory vibe from last night's exceeded our wildest dreams. yay for live music by ps24, yummy cider, hot herbal tea, vegetarian food, soup from souper girl, yoga demos, and more! here are a few shots from our birthday bash. more photos are available on the tranquil space facebook fan page. may tiny dreams planted in living rooms continue to blossom into tranquility.

Friday, October 30, 2009

ts10 tonight

don't forget, our ten-year anniversary party is tonight, 7-9pm at the dupont studio. if you can't make it to dc, we're going to be streaming the event LIVE! europe? california? logan circle? here's your link.

stream starts at 7pm EDT!


11:21pm: thanks for tuning in - we had a great night... videos to come!

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

new tranquility to go yoga CD



i'm excited to share that my latest CD has just arrived complete with a damask-covered disc (well, of course). it's my favorite practice yet complete with humble warrior, bow, pigeon, and oodles of deep lunging. as always, i offer additional practices in case you don't have 70 minutes to devote to the practice. you may chose from bliss du jour, delight du jour, or let go du jour. all destined to bring you tranquility.

i'm giving away 50 complimentary CDs to our first 50 guests at tranquil space's 10-year birthday bash tomorrow night. the rest will be available in the tranquil space boutique and at kimberlywilson.com. i hope you love the practice as much as i loved putting it together.

green thumb: the paper is printed on 100% green forestry practices certified stock with vegetable-based ink AND the clear tray is made with 100% post-consumer soda and water bottles. plus, a portion of all sales will benefit tranquil space foundation AND i'll plant a tree for each CD sold.

it's beginning to look a lot like...

that time of the year is upon us. falling leaves, grabbing your favorite scarf to keep the chill away, family gathering for thanksgiving and shopping for the perfect gift. it's holiday season and we've put away our costumes for halloween now it's time for turkey and shopping.

new arrivals have come into the boutique and they are at the top of our list for gift giving. lotus love beauty keeps us smiling with their yummy smelling bath salts, lotions and beauty bars. three scents to choose from including jasmine & rose (pritti - love), verbena & coconut (shakti - energy) and hibiscus & marigold (surya - sunrise).

bringing our customers eco-friendly products is one of our goals. recycled vinyl billboards are the

basis for first world trash's all purpose pouch. these fun bags can be used to hold your favorite cosmetics, small journal, or anything you need on the go.


still want to accessorize and give back? take your next outfit to the next level with necklaces from paper to pearls. each necklaces is make from magazine paper and the sale of each necklace supports women and children from Uganda.

maybe you want your wrist to sparkle. how about a bracelet made of glass beads? high quality glass bead bracelets and pins that help communities in nepal are beautiful and fashinable way to give back.

keep your eyes on this space for the second annual tranquil space gift guide. it'll give you tips on what items to purchase for you and yours this gift giving season.

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upcoming in november

here i am in a tranquil space tee on our second day backpacking in canyonlands. i even did some yoga at our campsite in the rocks! coming back to a rainy washington dc was a shock. but the recent sunshine and changing colors have made me a little more inspired about fall.

here at tranquil space there are lots of was to keep warm and celebrate the fall. kate yonkers will be back to ts talking about the anatomy of chi & energetics and jenny otto will be doing a two day training on anatomy & physiology of the pelvis. the tranquil space book group is trying out a thursday night meeting time on 11/19 to discuss waking, by matthew stanford. see our list of november actives and keep in mind there will be some schedule changes around thanksgiving. we will be offering three charity classes to benefit so others might eat on thanksgiving day at 10, 11, and 11:30.

coming to your senses: yoga and chocolate with jo ann kester
sun 11/1 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

arm balances & inversions **3 week series** with siobhan troy-carranza
thursdays from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm 11/5 - 11/19.

healthy holidays series 3 week series with hilary wentz
fridays from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, 11/6 - 11/20.

first fridays: live music + late night yoga
with pary williamson
time: 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

prenatal teacher training with anne thiel
saturday, november 7th from 3-7 pm;
sunday, november 8th from 11-6 pm.

yoga means union: partner yoga with kevin waldorf-cruz
sat 11/7 from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
come alone and we'll pair you up or bring a partner.

2nd sundays karma yoga for ssgwi with pary williamson
sun 11/8 from 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

arm balances & inversions playshop with kevin waldorf-cruz
sat 11/14 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

humane society adoption event
sun 11/15 from 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm

newbie yogi workshop with colleen bertrand
fri 11/20 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

thai yoga workshop with anne thiel
sun 11/22 from 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

thanksgiving open flow class with danielle polen
thur 11/26 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am

thanksgiving open flow class with anne thiel
thur 11/26 from 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

thanksgiving yoga on-the-go with susanna montezemolo
thur 11/26 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

opening the upper body with carol collins
sun 11/29 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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asana of the month

each month we choose a pose to focus on in each class through strong attention to alignment, variations, and/or modifications as a way to grow and expand our yogic horizons.

according to light on yoga, “krouncha” means a heron. it is also the name of a mountain, said to be the grandson of himalaya. in this seated posture, one leg is bent back at the knee and the foot is placed against the side of the hip joint (half hero pose), while the other leg is raised up vertically, with the foot held by the hands. the raised leg resembles the outstretched neck and head of a heron, also a precipe. thus the name.

krounchasana (heron pose):
krouncha = heron

benefits (according to yoga journal):
stretches the hamstrings
stimulates the abdominal organs and heart
stretches the thighs, knees, and arches
strengthens the arches; therapeutic for flat feet

cautions/contraindications:
if you have any serious knee or ankle problems, it is probably best to avoid the ardha virasana (half hero pose) leg position in this pose. instead sit with the bent leg positioned in janu sirsasana (head-to-knee forward bend).

preparatory poses:
uttanasana (standing forward fold)
janu sirsasana (head-to-knee forward bend)
virasana (hero pose)
supta padangusthasana (reclining big toe pose)
paschimottanasana (seated forward bend)

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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

happy 10 years: birthday bash THIS friday





you're invited!
what: tranquil space 10-year birthday bash
where: 1632 17th street, nw
when: THIS friday, october 30 7-9pm
why: we're a decade old



7-8 live music by PS24
8-8:15 run down memory lane by kimberly
8:15 - 8:30 yoga demos by melissa + mark, siobhan
8:30-9 mingling

throughout the event there will be:
- chair massage by spa manager brooke
- local veggie food pulled together by susanna + carol
- festive, chilled apple cider
- a mini documentary on tranquil space in the earth studio to watch
- shopping in the boutique at 10% off during the entire event
- mingling off the mat with our AMAZING community

**the first 50 people to arrive get a copy of my latest CD, tranquility to go. bring family, friends, and fans to our special celebration.

follow tranquil space. fan tranquil space.


thank you for your support over the years. enjoy the photos walking us down memory lane. ahhh.

let go + open to the flow of fall



Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become. - Author Unknown

 

This past weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to bask in three hours of discussion and practice of mindfulness based stress reduction with the talented Gina Sager. Her words of wisdom have haunted me, in a good way, since Sunday. As a very-vatta-need-some-grounding-doer, I was struck that the simplicity of her statements could be so powerful. I kept raising my hand and asking, "Ok, great tips but how do i practice it now . . . and for how long and how often?" I love prescriptions, five simple steps, or a book that will bring the topic to life and help me embody it now. Unfortunately, this practice is all about, well, practice! 

 

In our fast-paced society we love quick fixes. Yoga and meditation offer impressive results (as many of us have experienced) but we do have to make the time to practice. Ah, work. Practice may have a negative connotation around it especially if it reminds you of your swimming or ballet days when your coach or parent encouraged you to practice, practice, practice. I'd like us to reframe it in a positive light as an opportunity. Ultimately an opportunity to let go. Surrender. Embrace change. 


Here are my takeaways from the beautiful Sunday morning session in our bamboo studio:


1. Do this work to benefit those who share our lives - a beautiful reminder of our interconnectedness.

2. It matters what you do and how you do it.

3. Mindfulness is moment to moment nonjudgemental awareness.

4. Obstacles are our teachers. Become comfortable with discomfort.

5. Taking time to create space between thought and action allows us to transform how we react.

6. Everything you do and think matters because it affects others. 

7. We sit in meditation to train the mind to become more conscious.

8. Balance effort and surrender.

9. Focus on the exhale = let go.

10. It takes 20 minutes for the mind to settle down.


Wow, sounds so simple, right? Yet is such profound, challenging work. Sit still. Be. Breath. Release thoughts. I encourage you to explore this state of being which is a beautiful complement to doing. Start your day with a few minutes of seated meditation. Take a mid-day break to savor a walking meditation around your office building. End your day with ten minutes of reflection. Todd now offers a Sunday morning 9:30 meditation class at our dupont studio for those who'd like to sit in a group. By taking time to nurture yourself, you are able to be fully present and compassionate toward others. Take five deep breaths and let go. Namaste.

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

yogi of the month - elizabeth petty

this title is reserved for yogis who have shown a strong dedication to their practice, are enthusiastic about their growth, and enjoy sharing it with others.
the practice of yoga has partnered with my spirit to fight breast cancer. tranquil space has become my refuge from the outside world, a place where serenity triumphs chaos and confidence conquers fear. it is a place to heal the heart and a chance to forgive myself. it is the unknowing that now brings me joy as before it was my greatest fear. yoga is teaching me to trust my spiritually and search deeper into the empty space, not the space that has been filled.

i cannot imagine my life without the practice of yoga and the daily joy it brings me. the staff at tranquil space has embraced my energy and made me feel as though being a new yogi is equally acceptable as those who have already achieved a higher level of awareness. it is the state of being that has value; it’s not where you are going or where you have come from.

as a cancer patient, it is not easy being in the present. before, the more educated i became about the disease, i felt as though i had control and power over the fight to survive. now, i’m not so sure. as i release the power of the temporal and shift the knowing into feeling, my understanding of disease has begun to change.

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teacher feature - melissa van orman

1. what is your favorite yoga pose and why?
my favorite yoga pose is easily warrior 2. i love it in part because it’s so iconic- i feel connected to a larger tradition every time i step into this pose. i also love the sensation of being grounded and steady while feeling expansive and open. it’s graceful and bad ass at the same time.

2. what is your least favorite yoga pose and why?
surprisingly, warrior 1 is my least favorite pose. i really struggle to square my hips in this pose and have really tight calves so it’s hard to keep my foot down. in my home practice i usually skip it, and work in high lunge instead. this is why it’s good to go to class— working in a group invites you to practice poses that are otherwise tempting to skip!

3. give an example of how you bring yoga philosophy into your daily life.
the yogic ethical principles known as the yamas and niyamas are an important part of my daily practice. they’re a moral gut check—am i being honest in this situation (satya)? Taking more than I need (aparigraha)? Causing harm to others as the result of my actions (ahimsa)? the most tangible way i consider these questions is the choices i make about what i buy or consume, specially when it comes to food. i wrote an article for the humane society of the united states (hsus) that explores this topic in more detail. working with hsus has been a wonderful way to practice yoga off my mat.

4. give one example of how you struggle to bring yoga into your daily life.
i recently made the choice to leave my full time job to devote more time to studying, practicing, and teaching yoga. this move was a huge leap of faith for me, as i was terrified to leave the security of full time work. practicing svadhyaya or self-study was critical in making this transition. by slowing down and really paying attention to how i felt physically and emotionally, it became clear that change—even a hard one—was needed.

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november spa news

how did we get to november already?
believe it or not, the holidays are imminent folks. consider a gift card to the spa this season. available in any denomination or for specific services! available in-studio or online www.tranquilspace.com under "shop".

with the cold and flu season upon us, you can rest easy knowing that there is a doctor in the house! dr. rhodo nguyen is up in our spa offering several services. here is a quick sampling of what you can expect from a visit to dr nguyen:

naturopathic medicine:
a doctor’s visit that takes into account your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. using a drug-free approach, a combination of homeopathy, botanical medicine, and nutritional and lifestyle counseling is created to help you achieve optimal health. in addition, we also offer functional laboratory testing to aid in our evaluation of your health.
· initial consultation (1 ½ hrs – 2hrs.): $250
· nutritional evaluation and body composition assessment (1 hour): $130
· follow-up visits: $50-$90

colon hydrotherapy:
a gentle cleansing of the colon using filtered water to release buildup of fecal matter that has accumulated over the years. your colon is the window to your total body health. releasing things that “no longer serve you” is key to improving your overall health.
· initial consultation including detoxification diet (1 ½ hours): $180
· follow-up visits: $90

craniosacral therapy:
a light touch energy treatment that works to free up energy tension patterns in the fascia layer – connective tissue that surrounds all of our organs and muscles. tension patterns can be caused by physical or emotional stress and can disrupt the flow of the natural craniosacral rhythm thereby blocking the body’s innate ability to heal itself. after a craniosacral session, patients feel more balanced and grounded (50 mins): $90

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Monday, October 26, 2009

team player of the month - eden defendini

this title is reserved for members of our team who embody the tranquil space values, excel in their role at the studio, and have a passion for their practice.

my first encounter with tranquil space (ts) happened when i walked up the staircase and through the doors of the p street studio in 2007. as i stepped into the door a sweet sea green yoga studio appeared ahead of me. i felt the sense one has when discovering a secret garden or tree house. i was absolutely giddy to find a community that i could relate to in the big, seemingly conservative, and at that time new-to-me, city. these days, the tranquil space community represents the outer forces that push & pull me towards my greater self. i am encouraged and inspired by my friends, teammates, and the people i serve, to approach myself with kindness and to go for it!

i love the open attitudes that permeate the ts community. i love sitting and chatting at the studio with other yogis discussing different ways we all incorporate yoga into our busy city lives. elements of the program at ts such as asana of the month keep us all on the same page and enhance the feeling of community: in august everyone knew that everyone else was working on compass pose! after taking a yoga class at the studio, or after assisting or teaching one, i actually fall asleep visualizing asanas… it brings peace to my life and resets my internal happiness clock. thank you ts! happy birthday!

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Congrats to our 1st TT500 Graduate- Jennifer Triassi!!!

congratulations to jennifer triassi for being tranquil space's first-ever 500-hour yoga teacher training (tt500) graduate! jennifer started tt500 in fall of 2009 and has spent the last year working diligently to complete the requirements of the program. during this time she has completed eleven intensive training weekends, attended many yoga classes and workshops, and completed fifteen hours of karma yoga. she has also regularly assisted todd's class in arlington. prior to training at tranquil space, jennifer completed her 200 hour training with yogafit and has been teaching regularly throughout northern virigina. she was known by her peers for her integrity, inquisitive nature, flexibility, and occasional allergy to meditation cushions. jennifer completed her final yoga thesis on leading partner yoga, by hosting a dynamic two hour workshop based on her original written thesis. we at tranquil space are all very proud of jennifer and we wish her the best as she continues her journey into yoga! namaste.

for more info on tt500 visit: http://www.tranquilspace.com/500hr.html

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Friday, October 23, 2009

birthday bash countdown: 1 week

you're invited: let's celebrate our 10 years

friday, october 30, 7-9pm * tranquil space dupont  * 1632 17th street, nw * free event

mingle off the mat with us on this festive weekend. indulge in local vegetarian treats, savor chair massage, enjoy live music by ps24, get inspired by yoga demos, and watch a mini documentary on our evolution. first 50 yogis will receive a complimentary copy of kimberly's latest yoga cd, tranquility to go. family, friends, and fans welcome.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

become a fan of tranquil space!


if you're a facebook user, you can become a fan of tranquil space! it's pretty shiny and new, but it will become the new home for ts on facebook by the end of november when we transition away from the tranquil space group page. the fan page is a better community experience... you can post pictures of you in your ts tees and interact with other "fans." we hope to see you there!

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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

tranquil way to keep germs at bay

we are in the midst of cold and flu season. (have you had your flu shot yet?) to keep you and others healthy during this time of the year, i'd like to offer a few suggestions.

do you know the proper way to sneeze? not in your hand. this is the fastest way to spread a cold. you should cough or sneeze into your sleeve. this keeps your hands germ free. check out elmo giving a great demonstration:



if you are feeling under the weather or coming down with a cold we ask you to stay at home to get better. i've heard people say that they feel that a good workout will sweat out the bug. the only problem with this scenario is that you can potentially pass your cold to someone else. that's not a very tranquil thing to do.

in the boutique you'll find several products to keep germs at bay. there is hand sanitizer at the front desk that can be used before and after class. you can even purchase a small 2 ounce bottle that is perfect for use on the go. we even have emergen-c to boost your immune system and sanitizing wipes to keep all the icky germs off your hands. check out the neti pot kit to cleanse nasal passages and treat allergies, colds, nasal congestion and post-nasal drip. this time honored practice has recently been championed by many and requested by several customers.

i hope these tips and products will help keep you well this season.

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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

book group on friday

we will be discussing sue monk kidd's book when the heart waits this friday at 6pm in the tea lounge. stop by to sip hot tea, get to know other yogis, and ponder some spiritual questions. we have a couple copies of the book at the studio (although reading the book is not required to stop by!).

so far this is one quote that has stuck with me from the book.
i had tended to view waiting as mere passivity. when i looked it up in my dictionary however, i found that the words passive and passion come from the same latin root, pati, which means "to endure." waiting is thus both passive and passionate. it's a vibrant, contemplative work. it means descending into self, into god, into the deeper labyrinths of prayer. it involves listening to disinherited voices within, facing the wounded holes in the soul, the denied and undiscovered, the places one lives falsely. it means struggling with the vision of who we really are in god and molding the courage to live that vision.

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Monday, October 19, 2009

studio assistants wanted!


ever think about becoming a part of the tranquil space team? are you interested in earning some free yoga? tranquil space has immediate openings for work-study studio assistant positions at the dupont circle/17th st. studio, weekdays from 11am-1pm (or 11am-2pm with the option of taking the noon class).

studio assistants earn free classes and receive other great discounts as a member of the tranquil space team. if you're interested, please email your resume and cover letter. if you know someone who might be interested, let them know!

UPDATE... we also have a great opening for a public relations assistant at dupont. pr assistants spend about 4 hours per month performing publicity work to increase the visibility of tranquil space in and around the dc neighborhoods near the dupont studio. the pr assistant will earn free classes and receive other great discounts as a member of the tranquil space team. if you are interested, please email your resume and cover letter.

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Thursday, October 15, 2009

blast from the past

if you've been with tranquil space before our move to 17th street, you probably remember lisa farmer-richards, a longtime teacher at tranquil space dating back to the 16th st church days. she's baaaaaaack!

check out lisa's amazing workshops next weekend:

friday, october 23rd 2009
7-9pm - the divine play- shakti-shiva

saturday, october 24th
2:30-4:30 - leap of faith
5:30-8:30 - lunar flow

sunday, october 25th
2-4pm- advanced sequencing for vinyasa

if you have never taken a workshop of class with lisa, i highly, highly recommend it. she's a legitimate yoga rock star, and we're thrilled to have her back home at tranquil space!

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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

tranquil space team retreat


recently the tranquil space team gathered in the earth studio of dupont for our annual team retreat. attached are photos of the team posing and busily discussing omwork, along with crystal rocking the all-in-one organic bamboo wrap in our eco-fashion show. our gathering was facilitated by long-time yogini michelle hynes - a tranquil space living room original!

here was the rundown of our gathering:
4:15-4:30 pm, Sign in + get settled
4:30 pm, Welcome +  introductions
4:50 pm, Reflections on our growth over 10 years, and Tranquil Space today
5:00 pm, Creating the Tranquil Space Experience (individual reflection, short inspirational talks, and team discussion)
6:00 pm, Yoga/pranayama break
6:10 pm, Updates Part 1 (yoga; teacher training; foundation)
6:30 pm, Team reflections on "then & now," future aspirations
6:40 pm, Updates Part 2 (spa, bethesda, arlington)
6:55 pm, "Strike a pose" break
7:00 pm, Boutique + eco-fashion show
7:15 pm, Closing Reflections
7:30 pm, Adjourn: Tea + cookies will be served in the tea bar

all team members had OMwork:
* Where was your first encounter with Tranquil Space? What's one specific memory you associate with your experience -- a visual impression, a feeling, a conversation, a taste or smell...?

* When you think about your experience at Tranquil Space now -- as a student, a shopper, a spa client, an employee or volunteer -- what are two or three words you associate with that experience? What is important to you about being part of this community?

the words welcoming, nurturing, and community were common, along with smells of lavender and the taste of our tranquilitea blend.

our goal was to give oodles of kudos to the team for making the past 10 years happen, to inform on all the exciting going-ons, and to discuss ways to offer the utmost tranquility in the next decade. every year it is *amazing* to look out at the talented team that helps make tranquil space the special haven that it is.

thank you to the amazing team and community for making tranquil space shine over the past decade.

xo, kimberly

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Monday, October 12, 2009

fall feel goods


smile
learn more about tranquil space foundation
don eco-fashion
do 5 sun salutes each morning
come to our 10-year birthday bash
eat your veggies
consider meat free mondays
go on a yoga or meditation retreat
sit still for 5 minutes and focus on your breath
give a compliment
offer thanks
sip green tea
volunteer
live out loud
let go
learn more about yoga's yamas + niyamas
sleep in
breathe deeply

Sunday, October 4, 2009

10 insights into our nonprofit: tranquil space foundation




In line with Tranquil Space’s 10th anniversary, these are the 10 key things to know about Tranquil Space Foundation:

#1 TSF was founded in 2006, proving that all good things do originate in Kimberly’s living room.

#2 The mission of TSF is to expand opportunities for girls and young women to develop their “inner voice” through yoga, creativity, and leadership activities.

#3 The Foundation’s signature program is TranquilTeens, a 2-hr workshop done in partnership with schools, after-school programs, and organizations that serve teenage girls.

#4 The workshop begins with a light yoga practice; then there’s an interactive discussion on what makes a good leader, how they see themselves as leaders, and who are the leaders they admire; then there’s a discussion on creativity – how to infuse creativity into their everyday life, they get to decorate journals and spend some time journaling. The workshop ends with savasana.

#5 When a participant text messages throughout savasana, remember to live your yoga off the mat.

#6 Each participant receives a goodie bag at the end of the workshop, with a journal, one of Kimberly’s yoga CDs, and handouts on the curriculum. The goodie bags cost $25, so if you’d like to sponsor one, you can do that through the Foundation’s website.

#7 The foundations’ website is tranquilspacefoundation.org

#8 TSF also gives small grants to programs and organizations that help empower the same target audience of young women. Examples of past recipients include –
Nest
The Latin American Youth Center’s Girls’ Youth Leadership Program
The Women’s Collective
Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia
The Family Support Center’s S.I.S.T.E.R.S. program
Girls in Technology (GIT)

#9 The 3rd annual TSF gala is Thursday, October 8 from 7-9 pm at Steptoe & Johnson, just off the Dupont metro. The early ticket price ends on Monday, so if you’re planning to come, buy your tickets soon. It will be a celebration of 3 years of service with live entertainment and a silent auction.

#10 We’re always looking for new volunteers, workshop facilitators, and other organizations to partner with, so if you want to get involved, you can talk to me.

penned by the talented tranquil space foundation volunteer coordinator extraordinaire jackie leventhal

Thursday, October 1, 2009

happy 10 years!


“The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream. The oak sleeps in the acorn, the bird waits in the egg, and in the highest vision of the soul a waking angel stirs. Dreams are the seedlings of realities.” – James Allen

Tranquil space is turning 10: Happy birthday to the beloved Tranquil Space community


Wow, it’s been an amazing past decade. I recall this exact time ten years ago. The leaves were changing, my spirit was longing for community, and I had recently completed my first teacher training. As I put up fliers around the neighborhood and a small classified ad under “instruction” in the City Paper, I had dreams of creating a haven for yogis to grow on and off the yoga mat. And here we are ten years later in a sacred space on 17th street with two sister studios in Bethesda and Arlington, and a non-profit focused on expanding our do-gooding efforts. None of this would be possible without the support of our talented team and devoted yogis.

The journey has been sprinkled with numerous challenges that I can now look back on with a sense of wonder – how did we get through that one? For those of you who don’t date back too far, let me enlighten you with some funny not-so-tranquil tales. I giggle most over our days at the church on 16th street. We had no air conditioning and no screens to keep the hungry mosquitoes out of the studio. To combat the issue we had mosquito repellent at the sign in desk for yogis to lather on pre-practice. Then we had kids in the alley throwing rocks into the studio while we were sun saluting. Oh, and we can’t forget hearing “Here comes the bride” pound away on the piano while indulging in savasana. another vivid memory is showing up to have a day of classes when the church administrator had rented our space to hundreds of Ethiopians eating large legs of meat. The icing on the challenge cake was the 5-month delay in moving from the church to our P street location thanks to oodles of bureaucracy. We put in a bathroom, removed a bathroom, put it in again, and had to turn a bathtub into a mop sink that was used for storage during our 5-year tenure in that location. Ah, the memories!

The beauty of reflecting over the past decade is that I now laugh at the drama (it beats crying - although i think i went through that phase, too), am stronger because of the challenges, and am truly grateful for all the lessons learned. Yoga is about finding your edge and moving beyond your comfort zone. I'm happy to say that has happened almost daily since 1999! Earlier this year I put together a tranquility timeline outlining a significant portion of these ten years. It’s insightful to note highlights as a reminder that dreams ARE seedlings of realities. As we celebrate our tenth year of bringing tranquility to Washingtonians, I encourage you, too, to reflect on your dreams. What acorn lies within? Life continues to move at a speedy pace and there is no time like the present to reflect on what you want to see unfold for you.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support as students, teachers, front desk helpers, cleaners, teaching assistants, managers, spa indulgers, tea sippers, and boutique shoppers. None of this would have been possible without you. and our celebration of 10 years won’t be the same without your presence. Please join us on Friday, October 30 from 7-9pm at our 17th location for our 10-year birthday bash: yoga demos, live music by PS24, a short documentary on tranquil space, complimentary chair massage, yummy food and libations, and a complimentary copy of tranquility to go (my latest cd) to the first 50 yogis.

May our bodies and minds be healthy. May our thoughts be filled with love. May our practice be free of obstacles. May we carry its benefits into the world. Namaste.

Happy 10 years. You deserve it!

Xoxo,
Kimberly

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studio updates

october is tranquil space's birthday month and there is a lot to going on. we are offering 10% off all 10-class passes in october in honor of 10 years of tranquil space. the tranquil space 10-year birthday bash will be held on friday, oct 30 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. it will be a great chance to chat with others in the ts community, enjoy music by ps24, see a yoga demo and more.

october also has some special guests offering workshops at the studio. lisa richards, a favorite of many when she taught at tranquil space, will be back for a series of workshops. another teacher training alum, kate yonkers, will be at tranquil space with a workshop bring her knowledge of eastern medicine as an acupuncturist to shine light on how we can use our yoga practice to promote health. check out all our workshops below and stop by on oct 30 to help us celebrate tranquil space!

october workshops:
core and more strengthening series with chuck zebrowski
thursdays 10/8 – 10/29 from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
week 1 - building strength in the core and shoulders
week 2 - adding strength to the lower body and back
week 3 - building on previous weeks and adding arm balances
week 4 - adding a taste of gravity surfing

hip-hop yoga with kimberly wilson
fri 10/9 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

preparing for birth with yoga with anne thiel
sun 10/11 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

newbie yogi workshop with gina tauschek
fri 10/16 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

connect to the earth with pary williamson
sat 10/17 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
at the historic todd lincoln house at 3018 n. st nw in georgetown
preregistration encouraged.

going deeper: exploring yoga's emotional and energetic realms with melissa van orman
sun 10/18 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

ts 2nd sunday: vinyasa yoga to benefit clowns without borders with dibora amanuel
sun 10/18 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

infant massage with barbara jazzo
tue 10/27 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
plus we are offering special workshops as part of tranquil space's 500 hour teacher training program. continuing education (ce's) are available for yoga teachers. all students and teachers of yoga are welcome to attend!
the essentials of vinyasa with kevin waldorf-cruz
fri 10/2 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

tranquil space philosophy with kimberly wilson
sat 10/3 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

the essentials of assisting with carol collins
sat 10/3 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

bottoms up! anatomy and asana workshop with jane vaganek
sun 10/4 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

sweet shoulders! anatomy and asana workshop with jane vaganek
sun 10/4 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

the divine play: the dance of shiva & shakti with lisa farmer richards
fri 10/23 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

eastern medicine and healing traditions with kate yonkers
sat 10/24 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

leap of faith with lisa farmer richards
sat 10/24 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

lunar flow with lisa farmer richards
sat 10/24 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

advanced sequencing for vinyasa teachers with lisa farmer richards
sun 10/25 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

introduction to mindfulness based stress reduction with gina sager
sun 10/25 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

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asana of the month

each month we choose a pose to focus on in each class through strong attention to alignment, variations, and/or modifications as a way to grow and expand our yogic horizons.

according to light on yoga, practicing virabhadrasana iii helps one attain "harmony, balance, poise, and power. it helps ... contract and tone the abdominal organs and makes the leg muscles more shapely and sturdy. it is recommended for runners, as it gives vigor and agility. all the movements of this asana improve one's bearing and carriage. when we stand badly, by throwing the weight on the heels, we retard symmetrical growth and hamper spinal elasticity. standing with the weight on the heels causes the stomach to protrude and lessens bodily and mental agility. this asana helps one ... stand firmly on the soles of the feet, keeps the stomach muscles in, and gives agility to the body and mind."

virabhadrasana iii (warrior iii):
virabhadra = "the name of a fierce warrior, an incarnation of shiva, described as having a thousand heads, a thousand eyes, and a thousand feet; wielding a thousand clubs; and wearing a tiger's skin." (yogajournal.com)

benefits (according to yogajournal.com):
• strengthens the ankles and legs
• strengthens the shoulders and muscles of the back
• tones the abdomen
• improves balance and posture

cautions/contraindications:
• high blood pressure

preparatory poses:
• virabhadrasana i (warrior i)
• vrksasana (tree pose)
• ardha chandrasana (half moon pose)
• prasarita padottanasana (wide-legged forward fold)
• supta padangusthasana (reclined big-toe stretch)
• uttanasana (standing forward bend)
• (and many more...)

song that most comes to mind while in the posture:
coldplay's "no more keeping my feet on the ground"

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