Labels: weather

Labels: arlington, feb2011

If someone would have told me 7 years ago that I would have a regular yoga practice I would have never believed them. My husband thought it would be a good idea to take a yoga class. He had taken a few classes and kept trying to tell me it would be good for me; not only was it a great work out but it would probably help me reduce stress. Finally, with some hesitation, I decided to give it a try. Lucky for me, I took my first yoga class with the amazing Parri. After two classes, I was hooked. As my yoga practice evolved, I noticed that stress no longer got to me the way it used to. Yes, there was stress in my life, but I was able to handle it better. At the same time I was becoming more focused, more in tune with my body and much stronger. Slowly yoga became a central part of my life.

Fast-forward to three years ago. Many things were changing, I was married and now living in Arlington then I got a new job, also in Arlington. Fortunately for me it was at that same time that TS was expanding to Arlington. From the moment I set foot in the TSA studio I knew it would be the right fit. TSA has become the place where I can leave my worries at the door and find peace and calmness, blended with kindness, clarity and dedication from the amazing teachers. Week after week I know that as soon as I walk through the doors I will be greeted by the friendly staff and each teacher’s unique style gives me a new outlook and appreciation for the practice of yoga.

Labels: community, feb2011, yoga

Labels: feb2011, yoga

Arlington: OPEN for all classes.
**Parking lot will be CLOSED due to the snow, so please plan accordingly!

Dupont Circle: OPEN for all classes.

Labels: arlington, dupont, weather

Arlington - update coming this afternoon for evening classes

Dupont Circle - OPEN for all classes

Labels: arlington, dupont, weather

It is an honor to be recognized as the February SA Tranquil Space Team Player. TS has allowed me to grow more balanced and mindful during several years of practice. When entering Sky, Bamboo, and Earth, I look to the threshold and pay respect to the ground that supports me. The studios have been a focus for physical and mental growth, and the boutique a unique opportunity to work and socialize. The relaxing atmosphere of the tranquilobby was made all the more special when I learned of my sister's pregnancy there by way of invitation to prenatal yoga -- not to mention recently meeting the ♥ of my life. Thank you fellow yogis, teachers, teaching assistants, and team colleagues, for continuing to generate the positive energy I feel when meeting, greeting, and proceeding through the threshold.

Labels: community, feb2011, yoga

All classes are on as scheduled for Wednesday!

Labels: weather

Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing. We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don't really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It's just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy. ~ Pema Chodron

I struggled with setting an intention or resolution this year. January historically is a hectic time for me and this past month was no exception. I felt distracted, disjointed and incapable of setting a lofty goal.

Reflecting on the last few weeks, I realized that I managed to carve out more time than usual for my yoga practice. These practices radiated little lights of joy in my memory. I was surprised that I had found my way to the mat so often during such a busy period. I was also amazed that this didn’t seem to be a conscious decision. I just went… like a moth to a flame.

And then, I was overwhelmed by gratitude… for this little rubber mat on which I can always find peace, for this community full of gentle and warm souls, for my students – who never fail to teach me more than I could ever teach them, for the wisdom of the subconscious that guides me to this beautiful space time after time where I heal and find so much joy.

So, I may be a month late, but it is with a full and grateful heart that I resolve to let my subconscious have full and open access to my day planner.

Labels: community, feb2011, yoga

BLOSSOMING LOTUS: Ryon Lane, Kelly Loss, Amy Fuchs, Mie Strunden, Kate Kuhn

Your name shares the title of Donna Farhi’s article on hip openers. And like her writings your group demonstrated how yoga is both subtle and energetic.


NADAS: Anu Sawkar, Lindsay Boyd, Janae Davis, Elizabeth Bultman, Venil Ramiah, Tracy Berg

Since your group had “no name” I decided to call you the nadas. Nada Yoga is the yoga of sound. All beings have a vibration quality that they possess. The concept of nada is harmonizing and finding union through the practice. Your group found unity in how you taught and expressed the practice.

The APARINGRAHAS: Samantha DeMartino, Jenny Kellogg, Anita Katial, Diane Lebson, Laura Bogomolny, Jill Crowther

Your group name refers to of the key Yamas from the Yoga Sutras and one of the pillars of Jainism. This term means non-possesiveness, or the letting go of grasping or greed. Good work as a group ”letting go” and finding deep full breath while you taught.


FLIGHT: Lizzy Kountze, Heather Fritz, Maggie Lonergan, Christine Saladino, Kathryn Mullan

The idea of flight is the idea of being liberated. Your group did a wonderful job spreading your wings and exploring your edge. I truly appreciated you sharing energy and enthusiasm for the practice. Thank you for sharing your light- Namaste


ANAHATAS: Kristin Dahling, Erin Wilhelm, Mina Simahai, Lisa Calandriello, Leanne Davis, Kristen Brown

Anahata is my favorite chakra to work with. Sometimes overlooked when it comes to yoga asana and mindfulness practices. This chakra is the important intersection of higher consciousness and physical being. Yoga Chittah Nirodaha(sutras)- Yoga is the uniting of consciousness in the heart, when this union happens we abide in our true nature: joy. Thank you for sharing your very thoughtful practice and joy with the group!



Thank you all for sharing your light and love! Continue to share the yoga and explore the practice.


Namaste,

Kevin

Labels: teacher training, yoga

• Myths & Asana: Practice, Sound, and Stories with Alanna Kaivalya, Fri 1/28/2011 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Advanced Assisting Immersion with Alanna Kaivalya, Sat 1/29/2011 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Art Journal Workshop with Kimberly Wilson, Sat 1/29/2011 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Awake- Body-Mind with Kevin Waldorf-Cruz, Sat 1/29/2011 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• Advanced Assisting Immersion with Alanna Kaivalya, Sun 1/30/2011 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Yoga for Anxiety with Kevin Waldorf-Cruz, Sun 1/30/2011 from 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

and at our Arlington location:

• Maximize your Open Flow: tricks and tips to cater your practice to your body with Mary Catherine Starr, Sat 1/29/2011 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Labels: yoga

Tranquil Space Dupont Circle is looking for a full-time studio manager to begin in February. Interested? Read on!

Role: The Studio Manager plays an integral role at Tranquil Space Dupont Circle, serving as a central contact among the Creative Director, Director of Operations , Arlington Manager, Boutique Manager, and Programming & Studio Relations Manager. She/he ensures the smooth running of day-to-day services and offerings at Tranquil Space, works collaboratively with the Director of Operations, and reports to Creative Director. Studio Manager focuses on and strives to serve clientele by offering the Tranquil Space Experience. The Studio Manager will oversee and manage five key areas:

1. Customer Service
2. Studio Operations
3. Events Management and Marketing/Community Outreach
4. Spa Management
5. Socially Conscious Practices

Requirements: This role requires the ability to prioritize, manage multiple details, have foresight, and gracefully handle issues as they arise. People skills, patience, initiative and the ability to work independently and in a timely manner are a must while also keeping fellow team members informed. Organization and long-term project management and follow-up skills are required. Candidate should enjoy routine and ensuring consistency and possess a desire to help Tranquil Space be a sustainable, green, fun-loving, profitable, socially conscious organization where people are happy to come to work every day. Strong verbal and written communication skills, a sharp eye for detail, and experience managing and motivating others are added pluses along with 2-3 years of retail/service industry experience. Hours: 40 hours/week; 9:30-5:30 M-F.

Compensation: $35,000 annual salary with opportunity for advancement, two weeks paid vacation, unlimited yoga, one week sick leave, access to 401K and Federal Spending Account, 25% off Tranquility Boutique, 50% off TranquiliT (bought directly from TranquiliT), 25% off workshops at Tranquil Space, free workshops with in-house teachers, 25% off teacher trainings and retreats, 15% off spa.

If you are interested, please email your resume and cover letter to employment@tranquilspace.com.

Labels: community, dupont, yoga

Don a sari, sip specialty chai tea, and join us for a celebration of all things India. Kimberly and a few fellow Tranquil Space yogis have recently returned from a 10-day adventure in Rishikesh and are excited to share tales of the trip.

This special evening will include photos and videos of their journey, henna painting, yummy Indian cuisine, a trunk show featuring Indian-made malas, clothing, and accessories, and more. In addition, peruse products from Nest's Indian loan communities and learn about Nest's annual fundraiser, Nestination 2011, a celebration of India's cultures and artisan traditions. The benefit will conclude with Kimberly's debut of Lokah Samasta Sukino Bhavantu on the harmonium and a mini meditation around an altar.

Suggested $10 donation to benefit the India charity of your choice: Help in Suffering or Envrionment Support Group. All trunk show proceeds will also benefit these important charities.

We hope to see you Friday! Namaste.

Labels: community, dupont, karma corner

All classes are on as scheduled for Tuesday including the 6:30am class in Arlington. Things are likely to remain a bit icy at that hour, so be mindful and careful as you come in.

Labels: weather

A common scenario:

Your goal is weight loss and you have tried every diet plan: Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, The Zone, Atkins, and Cabbage Soup Diet.

More often than not, you are not eating because eating equals weight gain.

Exercise can be extreme at nothing at all or a hamster on a treadmill. You may initially lose weight, but then a few months later it comes right back on and more.

What's wrong with this picture?

Here's the skinny:

The answer can be found in a great book by Jade and Keoni Teta, called The New Me Diet. "Me" stands for Metabolic Effect, and the book offers an eye opening and “non-conventional” view on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes resulting in fat loss.

Fat is what we all want to lose, isn't it? Our body composition consists of fat mass, fat-free mass, and water. Weight loss can occur in any of these compartments but the most meaningful and health-altering weight loss should come from fat.

The Teta brothers happen to be my Naturopathic colleagues, which means I am in total agreement with their explanation of both hormonal metabolism and nutritional plans. They also happen to be certified personal trainers who have years of experience with getting people toned, lean and fit. A great combination, I'd say!

The New Me Diet starts off with a metabolic effect questionnaire, so you can see what type of fuel your body currently prefers to burn. Based on the questionnaire, the book then outlines a diet specific to your metabolic type and an easy to follow exercise plan that can even be carried out in the comfort of your own home.

The Diet

Good news for those of us who don't like to starve ourselves: you get to eat! The focus is not on quantity of calories but rather quality of calories to bring about the desired hormone signals for fat loss. Understanding the hormone response to foods is important as it determines whether your body will burn fat or store it.

A great example from the book compares a 600-calorie intake of donuts vs. chicken. While the caloric intake is the same, the response in energy, feeling full and fat burning capability are drastically different.

There are tips for eating healthy including the right amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrate consumption for each metabolic type. Recipes and detailed food plans are also included.

The Exercise

More great news: no need to be in the gym for two hours five days a week! In fact, all that is needed is 30 minutes three times a week. The exercises are laid out with photo illustrations which make them easier to follow for a visual person. Grab a pair of dumbbells, which can be found in the gym or purchased at any sporting goods store, and you're good to go.

The goal of the workouts is to "push until you can't and rest until you can." This is where the difference lies. Push as hard as possible and for as long as possible until you can't anymore. After resting, start the exercise again with the same intensity. This results in high quality workouts at the gym with less time wasted. Work until you are breathless and sweating.

If fat loss is your goal for 2011, get yourself The New Me Diet – a wonderful book that will help get the job done.

Dr. Rhodo Nguyen is a Naturopathic Doctor at The Spa in Tranquil Space. Along with nutritional counseling, colon hydrotherapy and CranioSacral Therapy, she offers body composition testing, an assessment which provides basal metabolic rate, the measurement of body fat in relation to lean body mass, and water weight. The body composition analysis provides the necessary information to help guide your diet and exercise plans. To book your appointment, please call 202.328.9642 or email drnguyen@tranquilspace.com.

India Night Benefit with Kimberly Wilson, Fri 1/21/2011 from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

and at our Arlington location: Newbie Yogi Workshop with Jodi Darlage, Sat 1/22/2011 from 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Labels: yoga

Labels: boutique

• Newbie Yogi Workshop with Anne Thiel, Sun 1/16/2011 from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

and at our Arlington location:

• Detox the Mind and Cleanse the Body with Jodi Darlage, Sat 1/15/2011 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Labels: yoga

Tranquil Space Dupont - all classes as scheduled

Tranquil Space Arlington - all classes as scheduled

Labels: arlington, dupont, weather

For the first time, we're offering our new student special for purchase online: $50 for an unlimited month of yoga at both Tranquil Space studios. This is the perfect opportunity to try out all of the classes and teachers Tranquil Space has to offer. If you've been thinking about trying yoga in the new year, come in and get your yoga on! Experience Tranquil Space and uncover your own tranquil space within.

$50 unlimited month (new students only)

Labels: yoga

at La Finca Resort, Vieques, Puerto Rico, February 12-15, 2011


Bienvenidos a vieques! Ready to escape the cold of winter? Ready to delve deeper into your yoga practice surrounded by lush, Caribbean beauty? Join Kevin and Danielle for an eco-friendly, yin/yang yoga retreat to the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. This island is just off the coast of Puerto Rico and is the 1st of the Virgin Islands. Immerse yourself in tropical splendor while enjoying the many natural wonders of this unspoiled oasis.
The retreat will take place at the charmingly rustic la finca resort. Tucked upon a verdant hillside, la finca provides a truly Puerto Rican and eco-friendly experience, with its seven lush acres of gardens (including banana, lemon, mango and pine trees), and breath taking views of wooded hills and the ocean beyond. Relax in one of the many hammocks and catch up on your reading, enjoy the lovely pool, or find a serene meditation spot among the surrounding gardens.

Dive fully into your yoga practice with daily mindfulness practices, invigorating vinyasa yoga, introspective yin yoga, and additional workshops on topics of special interest. During your free time, explore the island of Vieques, including its pristine, tranquil beaches, hiking trails, and local fishing villages. Choose to snorkel, bike, kayak, or even take a nighttime dive into the spectacular bioluminescent bay.

Meals will be created by Washington, DC Chef, Alex Kramer, proprietor of Dos Gringos Cafe. Morning and evening yoga and meditation workshops with Kevin and Danielle. Optional bodywork extra. All levels welcome!

Register early, as this retreat will fill quickly. Early bird special rates through: January 10th. Inquire for more details at info@tranquilspace.com or sign up here.


For more info visit:
www.lafinca.com/getting_here.php
www.viequestravelguide.com/

Labels: community, eco, yoga

Interested in a guided tour of the studio? Good news! We have three scheduled tours in January that combine, well... a tour... plus a bit of TS history and insight into some of the green techniques we used to build the space out. Best of all, all three are strategically timed for you to take a class right after, if you'd like. No need to sign up or make a reservation for the tour... just drop by and meet in the tea bar area:

Tuesday, January 11th: 8:00-8:30pm
Saturday, January 22nd: 10:00-10:30am
Wednesday, January 26th: 6:00-6:30pm

Labels: community, dupont

Please see our friendly front desks in Dupont Circle or Arlington to pick up your card and the manager and/or TC/SA will get it hung for you.

Here's to a mindful launch into the new year. We hope 2011 brings you much joy and happiness. Thanks for being part of our cOMmunity! Namaste.

Have you been thinking of trying out Yoga?  Now is a popular time to check out yoga, but it can be intimidating.  Check out some of our tips for new students below to give you peace of mind before you come to the studio.
We suggest you come to one of our Yoga 1 classes if you are brand new to yoga.  Or try one of our Newbie Yogi workshops. The Newbie workshop breaks down what happens in a Yoga 1 class over 2 and a half hours. Our next Newbie workshop happens Sunday, January 16 at 1pm. If you are coming to Tranquil Space for the first time fill out a new student form before you come to save time at the studio.  Still have questions?  Comment, call, or just stop by!

Labels: yoga

Create a mindful start to the new year by deepening your practice on and off the yoga mat. Take 21 classes with us between January 10-31 for $139 (that's $130 off the 20-class pass price). Buy the pass at either studio, or online (choose 21 day pass).

If you complete the challenge, you'll receive:
* complimentary home practice CD by Kimberly Wilson
* complimentary organic cotton Tranquil Space tee
* complimentary spot in Kimberly Wilson's Living Your Yoga workshop on Friday, February 25th

Compliment the challenge by signing up for the Yoga Journal 21-day challenge at 21daychallenge.yogajournal.com. Not only does it include yoga videos for your home practice, but also vegetarian recipes and meditation.

Share your experiences with others in our cOMmunity on Twitter with #TSchallenge or on the Tranquil Space Facebook page!

Fine print stuff...
* Monthly, 6-month and annual members can take on the challenge for free, but you'll need to sign up at the studios or over the phone.
* If you have an existing pass, we'll freeze it while you pursue the challenge.
* Complete the challenge by taking 21 classes at Tranquil Space (Arlington or Dupont Circle) between January 10-31 (One class a day? Skip a day or two and double up on another day? Your choice!).
* Workshops at Tranquil Space do count for the challenge, but are not a part of the special 21 class pass.
* Questions? Ask the front desk or contact us at either studio!

Labels: arlington, dupont, yoga

Join Kimberly Wilson, Founder of Tranquil Space, for a one-hour tranquilology teleclass (via phone in the comfort of your own home) talk with your journal, cup of tea, and colorful markers in hand. This call will be focused on a New year, New You. Learn ways to live more creatively and mindfully, exude your signature style, and make 2011 your best year yet!

The fun will be held on Monday, January 3, 2011 at 9:00pm ET (8:00 CT, 7:00 MT, 6:00 PT). Can't make the call live? No problem, the teleclass will be recorded and an mp3 will be sent to you within 48 hours so you won't miss out! The tranquilology talk is 45-50 minutes with 10 minutes of Q+A.

To secure your spot, sign up below. All listeners will receive a coupon code for online shopping of the eco-friendly TranquiliT collection, an outline, and mp3 of the call.

$10 investment with a portion of all proceeds donated to Tranquil Space Foundation. Online registration here.

Labels: community

• Yin Yoga University 102 with Danielle Polen, Fri 1/7/2011 from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• New Year, New You Urban Retreat with Kimberly Wilson, Sat 1/8/2011 from 10:00 AM - 4:00
• Yin Yoga University 103 with Danielle Polen, Sat 1/8/2011 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• 2nd Sunday Class To Benefit Heifer International with Mary Catherine Starr, Sun 1/9/2011 from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Labels: yoga