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Monday, November 30, 2009

holiday decorations are up at ts dupont













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holiday gift guide: aromatic gifts



eo hand sanitizer
$8 - keep germs at bay with this organic, plant-based hand sanitizer.







aura cacia massage o
il
$8.95 – give or receive an aromatherapy massage this
holiday season with these massage oils spiked with essential oils.









tranquil space lavender aromatherapy spray
$10 - give the gift of the same lavender scent that ends every tranquil space class.












surya incense
$3 – made with traditional indian blends of ayurvedic herbs and aromatic botanical extracts to produce the finest incense.







paddywax travel candle
$4.50 - make the perfect mood lighting on your next trip with these amazing smelling soy travel candles.





back to main gift guide page

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happy holidays...

...and wishes for peace and health to you all in the new year!

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 year winding down, the time for resolutions is right around the corner! consider a visit with our resident wellness consultant, gina tauschek, for help and direction in getting those goals off the ground in 2010. our description of this service follows below:

together with your wellness consultant you will set goals and a clear path to help you achieve what is important to you. a wellness consultant/coach is there to help you discover a more fulfilled, balanced life both physically, emotionally, and mentally. can be used for: life balance, weight loss, body image, stress reduction/management, nutritional changes, quitting bad habits, and more.
60 min.....$100
**3 month package (3 30 min meetings and email support for 90 days).....$200
**6 month package (6 30 min meetings and email support for 180 days).....$400
**pay-as-you go.....$75 per meeting (includes 30 days email support)

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Sunday, November 29, 2009

teacher feature - colleen bertrand

how is it possible that i can repeatedly return to a rubbery rectangle on the floor, move and breath in prescribed ways and find something refreshing each time? there is something amazing and, at the same time, ordinary about yoga.

since completing teacher training and beginning my teaching, my practice has become even richer. to be honest, i was apprehensive about teacher training at tranquil space. in addition to the commitment it required, i didn’t want to disturb my ideal of yoga. as a student, i was convinced that the amazing teachers at tranquil space possessed some magical powers. now that i was being given a glimpse behind the scenes and saw that (gasp!) my favorite teachers were human beings, i feared that “my” tranquil space would be lost. on the contrary, i came to realize that yoga is larger than a studio or teacher. being a part of a process bigger than me also helps me realize i don’t need to be a magician to be a good teacher!

part of the magic of yoga for me is the discipline of teaching and regular practice. within the 8 limbs of yoga, the niyama of tapas addresses self-discipline. judith lasater writes of having for years confused discipline with “getting things done” when it actually has more to do with intention and commitment. my classes are regular standing dates on my calendar that i look forward to and hold sacred. when i carve out a time for a consistent personal practice, whether at home or in a class, i feel more whole and centered.

namaste,

colleen

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team player - susanna montezemolo

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.

what an honor to have been chosen at the team player of the month, particularly when i have so much respect and love for my fellow tranquil space colleagues! in truth, though i technically work at tranquil space, it has never felt like a job. the community that everyone has worked to create -- from those who work here to those who take classes and workshops here -- makes it truly a pleasure to walk through the door to teach or assist a class.

one thing that sets tranquil space apart from other studios is the emphasis on taking yoga "off-the-mat." tranquil space has challenged me to do so since my first class here with kimberly in 2003. i often find myself practicing dirga pranayama (three-part yogic breath) in long meetings at my work, or reminding myself to stay present when i am stressed and my mind is racing. i close my eyes and picture myself on my yoga mat when i take a crowded bus to work, and i take time to slow down and notice the quiet moments of the day, such as the sound of the crickets that lull me to sleep or the smell of coffee in the morning.

during the holiday season, it's so easy to run from one event to another without taking the time to notice and enjoy the individual moments. here's hoping that you will have a chance to practice taking your yoga off-the-mat by savoring the joys of the holiday season while working to breathe deeply to release at least some of the stress.

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yogi of the month - carol meyers

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.

tranquil space is like a luxurious cashmere wrap. it soothes and comforts, and is an excellent investment in self care.

i began growing my yoga practice at tranquil space's dupont location last october, following seven months of unusual and challenging life events. i dove into vinyassa, savoring the flow of movement and breath. looking within, i've learned over the months, is the ultimate act of self care.

it's a privilege to call tranquil space my home studio (and i'm honored to be named yogi of the month for december). here's my list of ten things about tranquil space for which i am grateful:

1. hip hop yoga and lots of other featured classes.
2. tranquility du jour podcasts/videos. i've been introduced to dozens of incredibly creative individuals via the show; it's truly inspiring.
3. the summer 2008 online creativity circle, which taught me to nurture my creative self.
4. tranquilit. to. die. for! organic bamboo may be more luscious than cashmere.
5. kimberly's collection: book one, book two, plus three cds. i'm also looking forward to the release of book three, tranquilista.
6. the 17th street, n.w., location – an eco-fabulous refuge in the heart of the city.
7. all of the wonderful individuals comprising tranquil space, from the front desk, teachers and fellow yogis to the creative director herself.
8. workshops! favorites have included darren main (yoga and the path of the urban mystic) and gina sager (mindfulness-based stress reduction). looking forward to angela gargano (yoga and wine: awakening the senses) in march 2010.
9. planner pads!
10. the inspiration to take my yoga off the mat and into the real world, every day.

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    gifts under $30



    loose leaf tea
    $10 a bag – mix your own blend or choose our special house blend
    of chamomile, spearmint, peppermint, rosehips and lavender.







    tea forte sampler
    $10 & $25 – a collection of tea forte’s most popular blends of black, green and herbal teas. transform a cup of tea into a respite that pleases all your senses.







    manduka mat spray
    $7.50 & $11.00 - clean your jade or other rubber mat with this organic and biodegradable spray. comes in a convenient 2 ounce travel size or 8 ounce bottle and two scents.





    i heart TS tees
    $27 - TS is 10 years young and you’ll be cute as a button in the tunic style tee that has been so popular since they arrived earlier this year.

    est. 1999 tees
    $26 - dudes love TS too, just minus the hearts. pick up one for yourself of your special guy.






    momma zen $15.95 - this book gives great advice to mom and moms to be











    tranquil space klean kanteen
    $24 – drink your favorite beverage and let the world
    know where you practice yoga.





    back to main gift guide page

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    Saturday, November 28, 2009

    holiday gift guide: mats





    agoy deluxe mats
    $40 - get your yoga on with a pvc free mat made with the latest in polymer resins. Safe for you and the environment.








    yogitoes skidless towel mat
    $63 - keep your mat try and slip resistant during your next practice, using this ultra absorbent full length mat towel.







    jade harmony mat
    $62 - take home the studio’s top selling yoga mat. slip resistant surface, cushiony support for a great price.








    manduka mat spray
    $7.50 & $11.00 - clean your jade or other rubber mat with this organic and biodegradable spray. comes in a convenient 2 ounce travel size or 8 ounce bottle and two scents.





    back to main gift guide page

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    Friday, November 27, 2009

    tranquil space holiday gift guide

    Welcome to the second annual Tranquil Space gift guide. We hope this guide will help you navigate our large selection of unique, fun, eco-friendly items for all your gift giving needs this holiday season.

    Whether you are shopping for a loved one, a mom or baby, a husband or significant other, or a fellow yogi, we have something for everyone.

    And don’t forget Tranquil Space gift cards! They can be used for merchandise in the boutique, class passes, or treatments in our spa. Good for one year, they are a great stocking stuffer for anyone on your gift list.

    -marq few, tranquil space boutique manager




    gifts for the tea drinker


    mats

    gifts under $30

    aromatic gifts


    for him

    for her (a.k.a. the fashionista)

    eco gifts

    for mom and baby

    more gift ideas



















    print this coupon

    Labels:

    holiday gift guide: gifts for the tea drinker



    loose leaf tea
    $10 a bag – mix your own blend or choose our special house blend
    of chamomile, spearmint, peppermint, rosehips and lavender.







    tea forte sampler
    $10 & $25 – a collection of tea forte’s most popular blends of black, green and herbal teas. transform a cup of tea into a respite that pleases all your senses.







    tea forte sampler tin
    $12 - great as a hostess gift or for the tea lover in your life. each tin comes with six silken infusers that make two cups of tea each.






    stainless steel tea infuser
    $20 – steep your favorite loose leaf tea in this infuser. Adjustable to fit your favorite mug.




    back to main gift guide page

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    Thursday, November 26, 2009

    happy thanksgiving and THANK YOU

    our last of three charity classes is flowing away upstairs at the dupont studio... i wanted to let the community know we are really proud of your generosity for so others might eat. the three classes generated $1231 in donations for a very worthy cause.

    thank you and happy thanksgiving to you and your families!

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    Wednesday, November 25, 2009

    holeco life personal care products

    we all use soaps, lotions, and other personal care products. do you know what's in them? do you know how these ingredients affect your body? no need to worry anymore with items from the holeco life line, which were featured in daily candy this month.

    this locally produced, non toxic, beauty line is the baby of honi borden. her passion for creating the products came from the inability to find items that would not be harsh for her clients at her medical spa. after years of research and hard work, she is happy to share it with the world and tranquil space.


    the lemongrass and lavender scented multi-wash is gentle enough to use on hair, body, and face. follow up and moisturize with the equally yummy eco herbal body lotion.

    also in stock and great for the upcoming gift giving season are the travel set and baby gift set. both feature the wonderful natural products, but in smaller containers for all your personal care needs on the go.

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    Flu D'fense

    A common question for everyone these days is, "If I don't get vaccinated, what should I do to stay healthy?" Some basic things you can do for prevention have been written up by Marq in his post, tranquil way to keep germs at bay. In addition to his suggestions, I would add the herb elderberry (no, it's not just berries that are good for old people).

    Elderberry is high in anthocyanins, which are flavonoid pigments found in all dark purple, blue, and red fruits and vegetables. These flavonoids act as an immune enhancer, powerful antioxidant, and also have an anti-inflammatory effect which helps to temper aches and pains. Elderberry can be found in liquid form and is very palatable for both adults and kids.

    We all know about vitamin C, but perhaps the most exciting and latest vitamin in the news these days for prevention of the flu is vitamin D. With the weather looking a little like Seattle lately, I'm longing for the yellow orb in the sky that's been hidden for days. Where did the sun go?

    Without the sun shining down on us in the fall and wintertime, we lack the most effective source of vitamin D. Optimizing vitamin D levels during this season is one of the best things we can do to protect ourselves against the flu.

    It is not a coincidence that the incidence of H1N1 decreased during the summertime, only to rapidly increase in the fall leading to an emergency declaration by President Obama.

    What does vitamin D do?

    The most well known role of vitamin D relates to bone health, as it is essential for both the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus.

    Recent research has shown that vitamin D also plays a very important role in mediating our immune response. With ample levels of vitamin D, our bodies are able to increase its natural supply of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs). These AMPs are our body's natural way of killing bacteria and viruses. The AMPs provide an immediate and frontline defense against an infection.

    Even more exciting is that research also shows that vitamin D is able to control the immune system from over-reacting once it has been activated. When you are fighting off an infection, your body produces cytokines. These are signaling molecules that help fight the infection by producing inflammation and fever.

    This normal immune response works perfectly so long as your immune system doesn't go into overdrive. A continual production of inflammation doesn't just stop at fighting the infection, but may go on to break down healthy cells. Vitamin D works to prevent this from happening.
    So with optimal levels of vitamin D, your body has a strong, immediate defense against colds and flu, while also being protected from an over-reactive immune response.

    So you want to get vitamin D?

    Did you know about twenty minutes of sun exposure to UVB rays (without sunblock) gives you about thirty times more vitamin D than a serving of salmon?

    Without sun exposure, you can opt to eat tremendous amounts of salmon every day (very fishy), or you can just supplement with vitamin D (much easier). The current Adequate Intake for vitamin D still stands at 200 IU. This amount is just enough to prevent rickets.

    Ask your doctor to test your blood levels of vitamin D before you begin supplementation. This will help your doctor to determine a proper dosage for you to achieve optimal levels. It is recommended to maintain blood levels of vitamin D within the range of 50-80 ng/ml.

    Guard yourself against the flu with vitamin D, don't let the flu get you.
    ________________________________________________________________________
    For more information about vitamin D, visit vitamindcouncil.org.
    For up to date information about H1N1 and vaccinations, cdc.gov/h1n1flu/infectioncontrol.

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    Sunday, November 22, 2009

    flow with gratitude

    tranquil space invites you to thanksgiving yoga. donation classes are offered at all three studios. sign up online on the workshop tab.

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    Wednesday, November 18, 2009

    yogi appreciation week: nov 20 - 27

    november is a month of gratitude and here at tranquil space we are grateful for our great yoga community. yogi appreciation week is friday, nov 20 through friday, nov 27. during this week enjoy 10% off 6 & 10 class passes, boutique items, and most spa services. use promo code yogawk09 to buy class passes online. or just stop by and say hi! we will have fresh, local apples for you to enjoy at the studio all week!

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    Wednesday, November 11, 2009

    dr. rhodo nguyen: colon hydrotherapy faqs

    1. what is colon hydrotherapy?
    colon therapy, colonics, or colon irrigation are all terms that refer to colon hydrotherapy. it is a method of gentle cleansing of the large colon without the use of drugs or chemicals of any kind. the introduction of warm, filtered, temperature regulated water into the colon results in evacuation of accumulated fecal matter and toxins through natural peristalsis. this cleansing allows other organs of elimination (lungs, skin, liver, kidneys) to work more efficiently and effectively.


    2. why do i need a colon hydrotherapy treatment?
    think of your colon as the wastebasket of your body. years and years of ingesting the standard american diet results in buildup of poison and toxic by-products that affect the function of your colon. elimination becomes incomplete and hardened waste remains in the intestines. colon hydrotherapy removes those toxins so that your body can begin to function better.
    benefits include but are not limited to:
    * better elimination
    * provides a good environment for friendly bacteria and micro flora digestion
    * relief from headaches, fatigue, bad breath, allergies, and abdominal discomfort
    * restores ph balance to the body
    * stimulates the immune system
    * clear skin
    * promotes sinus drainage

    3. what should i expect during a colon hydrotherapy session?
    the first visit will be an hour and a half long and includes a brief history, information about a detoxification diet, and your colonic treatment. you will be lying comfortably on your back in a patient gown on the treatment table as the doctor administers the colonic. your only job is to relax and breathe as best as you can. there will be a series of gentle and slow filling of water into your colon and subsequent releases of waste out into the drainage system. you will always be able to communicate how you are feeling during the treatment. your treatment will last for about 45 minutes.


    4. how many sessions will i need?
    although the number of treatments varies with the individual and the condition, you will generally start off with a series of three sessions to ensure a good thorough cleansing of your entire large colon. for overall wellness, one session per month is recommended or a series of three sessions per change of season.


    5. do i need to do anything special to prepare myself for the colon hydrotherapy treatment?
    the best thing you can do is stay hydrated before coming into your first colonic. this will help in loosening your stools to facilitate a good release. the general rule of thumb on water intake is to drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water.


    6. how will i feel after a colon hydrotherapy session?
    it is very common to feel “lighter” or more energetic after a colon hydrotherapy treatment. sometimes, though not often, you can have a slightly “toxic” feeling after your first treatment. this is most likely due to toxins that get stirred up and reabsorbed into the bloodstream. be sure to drink plenty of water should this happen. you will be eat and go to work with no problem after a colonic.

    7. is the colon hydrotherapy procedure sanitary?
    there is a disposable, single use speculum and tubing package that is used for each patient. the water that is entering your colon is highly filtered. the colonic machine comes equipped with a three stage patented water filtration system for particle removal, chlorine reduction, and bacteria and virus reduction. cleanup of the machine is simple and easy. the disposable speculums and tubing are simply removed and discarded after each treatment. the instrument is self-cleaning and can be ready for the next patient in as little as ten minutes.


    8. will i be able to continue my colonic session during menses?
    yes. your flow has no effect on the success of the treatment. in fact, during your menstrual cycle, your body is cleansing so a colonic would be a good treatment to have during that time. we just suggest that you wear a tampon during the treatment.


    9. what type of machine do you use? is it a “closed system” or “open system” device?at tranquil space, we use the toxygen model bsc uv - a state of the art colon hydrotherapy device that is manufactured within strict fda guidelines. the device is a "closed system" which affords a comfortable procedure while maintaining the dignity of the patient. there is no open evacuation and no offensive odors.

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    uncomfortable/ embarrassing massage questions answered!

    perhaps you are a seasoned massage veteran, or maybe you are a first-timer, but it is likely that somewhere along the road you've had some questions about massage sessions in general, some of which you may have felt unsure of or uncomfortable asking. more likely than not, they are the same questions running through the minds of other folks. i've addressed some of the most common ones here, but if you have a pressing question that isn't covered, feel free to chime in under comments, or send an email to brooke@tranquilspace.com.

    do i keep my underwear on or take it off?
    this one is purely a matter of comfort for you, the client. keep in mind that you will be covered the entire time, and that it is often easier (but not impossible) for the therapist to work on the glutes/ upper legs if you are underwear-free.

    oh god. my stomach is grumbling loudly/ i farted on the table.
    ok, so we realize you may be totally mortified, but trust us, it happens all the time. the thing is, most of the time folks are going about their day-to-day activities with their sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) in full effect. massage encourages the body to relax into parasympathetic mode (rest and restore), which allows it to put more of its energy toward processes like digestion. and since the aim of massage is to encourage the body to let go, it's only natural when the process gets a little grumbly and gassy :)

    oops, i didn't shave my legs!
    please don't worry about this, really. we see people with varying amounts of body hair all the time. you're not going to offend us, and we're not going to judge you, so just relax!

    is it weird if i ask you to work on my glutes? what about my stomach?
    glutes and stomach work are perfectly reasonable requests, so don't be afraid to ask. the only prohibitive factor may be a therapist who is not trained to work on the stomach area. just ask!

    do i tip for massage/ body work? if so, what is standard?
    tips are always appreciated, though not required. treat it like you would tipping at a restaurant: 15%-20% for good service is typical. and thank you!

    i'm too hot/ too cold/ the pressure is too much/ i hate the music.....
    this is your session. please don't hesitate to voice any concerns to your therapist. we are happy to do what we can to make sure your session is as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

    happy veterans day!

    in honor of your service to our country, we'd LOVE to offer all veterans a *free* class today at any of our locations. please pass along and share with any and all veterans you know!

    Tuesday, November 3, 2009

    liberate and open your hips!

    realign and rejuvenate your practice!
    create lasting wellness and well-being through yoga!
    uncover the inner workings of the body through anatomy and physiology!

    join renowned ansusara master jenny otto for a yoga immersion focused on the hips and the lower body, your foundation and connection to the earth. ancient indian tantrica recognized the pelvis as the area housing fundamental energy. understand the pelvis' energy, function and relationship with the rest of the body. discover how to tap into the potential power of your own prana.

    yoga may be used in an extremely effective therapeutic way when following precise universal biomechanical principles of alignment. see how precise alignment can actually begin the healing process and release chronic pain and tension. learn hands on practical tools to relieve pain. begin to reverse the effects of chronic imbalances and recognize common misalignments. this immersion is open to all levels of yogi and will include lecture, discussion, hatha yoga practice, chanting, and meditation.

    saturday 2-9pm (includes 1 hour dinner break).

    sunday 10-5pm (includes 1 hour lunch break).

    cost $75 for one day. $125 for two-day immersion. new special price!

    all students and teachers of yoga are welcome to attend! ce’s are available for teachers of yoga.

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    congratulations to




    kimberly switlick prose for giving birth to lincoln paul prose on october 26!








    terri anderson for giving birth to nathaniel evan on cctober 20th!








    christi barnhart for giving birth to isaac david barnhart on september 28!

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    congrats to jane vaganek

    for successfully completing 500-hour teacher training (tt500) at tranquil space yoga. throughout the training, jane demonstrated her exceptional knowledge and experience with human anatomy and physiology. jane is renowned for being an accomplished and compassionate teacher of yoga, as well as a professional and academic kinesiologist. through this integration of interests, jane developed her final thesis presentation for tt500. jane completed tt500 on saturday, october 31st 2009 with an extensive and objective presentation entitled "one-on-one yoga training: an investigation of yoga privates in the united states". this presentation was based on a thoroughly designed thesis project. jane researched and contrasted yoga training with other comparable "fitness" fields and developed some useful questions for the development of yoga as a professional field. during tt500 jane was known for her objective eye, sense of humor, and commitment to integrity. she can be seen in the future at yoga and fitness conferences around the world, or at her new yoga studio opening in central florida, or also at her upcoming wedding to the love of her life. congratulations jane all of us at tranquil space are very proud of you!

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    Monday, November 2, 2009

    guest blogger - jason fabrikant

    on wednesday, september 16th, 2009, i called my sister who invited me to yoga at tranquil space. the only difference from all of our other classes was that this was prenatal and as far i as i knew, neither my sister, nor mom who was attending, were pregnant. i was surprised and didn't know how to answer -- i love to go to yoga but questions quickly surfaced. is my sister pregnant? is my mom pregnant? is that possible? guys don't go to prenatal yoga classes do they? (still not sure of the answer to the latter).

    no, my mom wasn't pregnant, but my sister was! the phone call to join at the prenatal class as her birth announcement was quintessential my sister and i was so happy for her and surprised! the first baby of our generation. i chose to wait in the dupont studio tea area, and a gift certificate and a big hug arrived her on the completion of the class, and all ended well as it always does at ts. the day i learned i would be an uncle was shared at a special place with special people including marq and linda who kept me entertained while waiting -- and i didn't even step onto the mat. in march i will celebrate two birthdays most likely, mine and my nephews, and a mini-mat will be a gift.

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    Sunday, November 1, 2009

    tenth anniversary party videos

    if you weren't able to attend or watch the live online feed, here's your chance to watch kimberly's walk down memory lane and the two AMAZING yoga demos!





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