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yoga is about making friends with life and with
yourself. there is no lifestyle, no occupation, no
situation that cannot be greatly enhanced by yoga.
yoga is not something that should be set apart from
one’s life. rather it should become the taproot from
which the other aspects of your life are nourished
and regenerated. ~godfrey devereaux |
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welcome to march at tranquil space. welcome to the
promise of spring. in dc, february tends to be a hard
month – cold, dark, and dreary. march is full of
promise. cherry blossoms are around the corner. yellow
daffodils will soon start peeking up through the barren
earth. we’ll begin shedding the many layers that have
bound us during the winter months. at tranquil space,
we’re offering oodles of events, classes, and retreats
to assist you with blooming into spring.
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the above quote speaks volumes on the value of yoga.
i reread it and use it regularly. at tranquil space we
focus on yoga as a lifestyle, not just the physical
practice of poses. our thoughts, words, and actions all
have the power to enhance others when chosen wisely.
what does it matter if you can do a perfect handstand,
but you do work everyday that isn’t aligned with your
values? or you meditate daily, but struggle in your
relationships? the practice of yoga seeps into every
aspect of our being beckoning us to become more and more
mindful.
this month take a moment to reflect on how your
aspirations are unfolding. it’s so easy to go through
life on auto-pilot reacting only to daily drama; it
takes courage to reflect. are you still taking one step
daily toward your goals? do the goals you set at the
beginning of the year still resonate? are you starting
to feel antsy with your current reality? what’s at the
root of the feeling? sometimes a few simple moments
alone with your thoughts or writing in your journal can
bring great clarity for moving forward. recently i spent
a day at the national cathedral during the women’s
spirituality event and i found the experience to be
incredibly moving. simply being in the reflective space
had profound effects.
these challenging economic times have brought about a
nice push toward simplicity and this month is perfect
for embarking on the movement. relish in simple
pleasures. clean out your closets. pack your lunch. take
your vitamins. spend time with friends. soak in the tub.
take a yin class. do legs up the wall. sip hot tea
(sweet rose by tulsi is my new favorite). write a thank
you note. take a few moments to just be – no agenda. may
this new season offer you fresh insights, cut flowers,
and sacred time for renewal.
i thank you from the bottom of my heart for gracing us
with your presence. we’re in our 10th year of offering
washingtonians a tranquil space and couldn’t have done
it without your support or the great efforts of our
amazing team: teachers, front desk lovelies, managers,
teacher assistants, and more!
tranquilly yours,
kimberly,
creative director + founder
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visit
tranquility du jour for musings on lifestyle with a yogic twist
and biweekly podcasts. join kimberly for a 3-week series on the interplay of
yoga + creativity starting march 5, a teleclass on march 23, a weekend retreat
in new york march 27-29, a week in costa rica may 23-30, a one-day staycation in
dc on june 20, or a week at kriplu august 9-14. visit
kimberlywilson.com/workshops for all the scoop. |
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| studio updates from jo
ann kester, studio manager.
 the
days are a little longer as we head into march. that extra sunshine as i
walk to the metro in the morning certainly puts an extra spring in my
step. we are excited to be bring darren main back to tranquil
space this march. see the offerings below or online at
www.tranquilspace.com/workshops. if you have ideas for the
studio feel free to drop me a line at
jo@tranquilspace.com.
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our way to celebrate tranquil space yogis' honors and developments! please share your celebrations and photos of you
wearing TranquiliTee
around the globe with us by
emailing newsletter@tranquilspace.com.
- congratulations to everyone who participated in
the fresh start 15 class challenge! special thanks
to tony, ana, and annie (pictured here) who came to
the celebration tea with kimberly.
- tranquil space yogi pia valdivia published a
childrens book,
the pranks of harald. it features harald
who gets himself into all sorts of trouble yet
always keeping the well-being of the lovely women in
his life close to his heart.
 kevin waldorf
cruz
be present in your body. be mindful of your actions. arrive
for your life.
when i first started practicing yoga, i used to have sporadic panic
attacks. just getting dressed would make me panic- my pulse would
race, i would sweat, my breath grew shallow, and i would send all
sorts of negative messages to myself: “you’re ugly, you don’t fit in
these pants, you’re fat, you’re dumb, you’re gay, you’re damaged, no
one likes you (for any of the above reasons), you don’t like yourself,
you should just stay home, why bother, etc.” wow! this was heavy
witness for just getting dressed. these were heavy burdens i generally
kept to myself.
through my yoga and my path i’ve learned to overcome many of these
demons, but wise enough to know that one’s personal development is
never done. it’s always a process. my personal work has been through
self-reflection, yoga, therapy, good supportive
teachers-mentors-friends, honesty, and setting meaningful intentions.
it's been years since my last panic attack or last spell of
depression. in my work as a clinical social worker and a
psychotherapist, i’ve learned how hard it can be to truly be present.
difficult emotions, trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, or life
just gets in the way. my path as a yogi, has taught me that consistent
mindful practice may cultivate a sense of calm and equanimity. yoga
has been a large part of my own therapy, but this path might not work
for everyone. the five most important lessons i’ve picked-up are:
1. be true to yourself.
2. nourish yourself.
3. let it go… whatever “it” is.
4. radically accept everyone and everything that enters your life.
5. seek counsel in trusted souls.
yoga can bring clarity through breath, movement, focus, mindfulness,
and intentional actions. my favorite buddhist nun pema chodron says,
“life is a sacred circle.” we run into trouble when we are not
present, act without mindfulness, allow our minds to stay locked in
destructive fantasies or delusions, or we haven’t realized how sacred
this very moment is- the “now” moment. you are in a sacred space, so
enjoy the moment, be in the now. who knew a rubber yoga mat could be
the stage for so much enlightenment?
around some of these topics, i’m very excited to have organized some
of the upcoming workshops this month at tranquil space. i invite all
to attend! these include:
queer/lgbt spirituality and yoga philosophy with my teacher/friend darren main:
yoga & the lavender tribe on march 13th from 7:30-10pm
yoga & the immune system on march 15th from 2-5pm
mind-body psychology with kevin waldorf-cruz and carmen calatayud:
awakening sensations on march 28th from 1-3:30pm
removing personal obstacles on march 29th from 2-5pm
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.
spring is almost upon us, which means that this
is an excellent time to explore the transformative energy of our third chakra!
located behind the navel, the third chakra, known as manipura chakra,
is the center of our dynamism, energy, will and
achievement and it is often compared to the dazzling heat and power of the sun.
according to swami satyananda saraswati, “[i]n the same way that the sun
continually radiates energy to the planets, manipura chakra radiates and
distributes pranic energy throughout the entire human framework, regulating and
energizing the activity of the various organs, systems and processes of life.”
poses like navasana (both the full “paripurna” and half “ardha” versions) build
the core strength necessary to boost this chakra.
paripurna navasana (full boat pose):
paripurna = full, entire, complete
nava = boat
benefits:
- strengthens the abdomen, hip flexors, and spine
- stimulates the kidneys, thyroid and prostate glands, and intestines
- helps relieve stress
- improves digestion
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cautions/contraindications:
preparatory poses:
song that most comes to mind while moving into
the posture:
forrest thomas’s cover of the hues corporation’s
1974 hit: “rock the boat” - written by danielle polen |
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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.
 megan
blake & patrick baglino
in our face paced world, we all need a sense of
inward focus, renewal and peace. i began practicing yoga as self discipline for
the benefits of personal meditation and exercise. yoga, in all of its myriad of
forms, does this for me. its given me strength and balance... each step on the
path inspires me to take two more. everyone should let a little yoga into their
life. do it with a partner for encouragement. you'll thank your body and mind
for years to come.
thanks!
megan
i have always been fascinated by the practice of yoga. having taken a few yoga
classes over the years, i did not make a commitment to a regular practice until
early last year. when megan suggested we pair up as a team, (now known as
"b-squared" - both of our last names start with a "b"), and begin vinyasa yoga ,
i was all for the idea. living just one block away from tranquil space is also
quite convenient for me. i am now a regular yogi and try to make it to class at
least three times a week. i believe that yoga helps me live a more centered and
balanced life while encouraging me to always remain present in all that i do on
and off the yoga mat. i have also noticed a great difference in how i look and
feel physically and that fact definitely has me coming back for more.
namaste,
patrick
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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.
 marq
few
tranquil space is very different from other
jobs i’ve held. when i started almost a year ago, i knew i was entering an
unfamiliar world and that it would come with challenges. however, within this
new environment, i have met many new people, learned new things about myself,
and been welcomed into a new community.
working at tranquil space is much more than buying products and helping
customers in the boutique. it is about being able to express myself through
writing, learning about the ancient science of ayurveda, taking yoga, and
expanding my body, mind and heart.
i hope that i can bring a smile into each person that comes into our doors every
day. i’ve been told that i am one of their favorite things at tranquil space.
man, that’s pretty cool!
this past january, kimberly and i went to new york to the gift show. on this
trip, i realized that i could be organized, direct, confident and a leader. and
every day i'm reminded how special it is to be working with my fellow team
members. they all help me become a better and more joyful man.
thank you kimberly for making me a part of this great team and community.
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 clothing, accessories, and
specialties
to enrich your life on and off the mat
the boutique at tranquil space carries a
delightful selection of comfy and chic products to enhance your practice on and off the
yoga mat - mala beads, books, aromatherapy spray, soy candles, eco-friendly
mats, handmade mat bags, and more! tranquil space's own line of yoga clothing,
TranquiliT, is designed for the lifestyle yogini and has been featured in
shape, lucky, daily candy, fit yoga, washingtonian, and washington post.
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greetings
from tranquility boutique manager marq few
 keep
your calendars free for saturday, march 28
as we celebrate the launch of
TranquiliT’s
new spring line. we will also be hosting a
special showcase for joanna lo’s earring line.
featuring beautiful stones and gemstones, these
are the perfect way to spice up your wardrobe
this season.
if you are feeling the economic crunch you’ll be
happy to see several things on sale in the
boutique. all fall TranquiliT is 25% off,
paddywax eco and re-leaf candles are 15% off as
well as mystic masala ayurvedic soaps and
candles. looking for a discounted mat? check out
the ultra cushiony jade fusion mat. it’s 30% off
the original price!
the great finds from the gift show are slowly
finding their way into the boutique. one of
kimberly’s favorites is the luxurious soaps by
nima nyima. these soaps are hand made in nepal
from select alpine plants, essential oils, pure
yak milk and other all-natural ingredients.
we are constantly on the look out for green
gifts and the perfect accessory to assist your
yoga practice, please forward your suggestions
on to me at
marq@tranquilspace.com.
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to receive seasonal updates and discounts on the TranquiliT line click
here and use our
newsletter signup box.
in alignment with our values, a portion of all tranquility boutique proceeds are donated to my sister's place — a local organization committed to eradicating domestic violence.
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the spa at tranquil space has launched the massage-a-month club! indulge
yourself in 12 one hour massages for the price of 11 ($82.50 a session), a
complimentary face treatment of choice, and seasonal self care talks with spa
manager brooke hafner. inquire at the front desk for information!
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looking to get the most out of your visit to tranquil space? try our new on
and off the mat special! enjoy one 6 class pass and a one hour swedish
massage for $148!
the spa at tranquil space invites you to enjoy a
reflexology package treatment or a regular reiki session for $75 through the end
of may 2009!
the spa at tranquil space invites you to enjoy 25% off a reflexology package
treatment or a regular reiki session through the end of may 2009! give your feet
and spirit a special treat...reflexology, a heavenly mix of essential oils, and
reiki are combined to soothe weary feet, delight your senses, and ease your body
and soul into the early spring rhythm with our reflexology package, or give your
body an energetic tune-up and your emotions a recharge with a reiki session.
relax and enjoy this extended offer!
join the spa at tranquil space april 13-19 for a special week of self-care! all
spa services will be discounted 25%!
the spa team at tranquil space is seeking a licensed massage therapist for a
temporary saturday shift 10am-6pm through mid may. compensation: commission
based plus unlimited yoga and discounts on workshops and boutique merchandise.
please send cover letter and resume to
brooke@tranquilspace.com.
how our spa can benefit you:
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reduce stress and enhance relaxation
- promote deeper and easier breathing
- reduce blood pressure
- strengthen the immune system
- enhance capacity for calm thinking and creativity
- increase awareness of mind-body connection
- develop and enhance your practice on and off the yoga mat
- foster a feeling of well-being and peace of mind
karma yoga is the yoga of selfless action:
from feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, housing the poor and helping all
in need. it is also the offering of our ingenuity, inventiveness, wisdom, love,
and connection to humanity. there are many ways to do this…through teaching,
community service, the arts, meditation, charity work and more.
we've created a new karma yoga corner both
online and at the
studio to give you tools to connect with each other and the community. contact
our karma yoga director niyati shah
with any feedback or questions.
sunday, march 1 from 6-8 p.m
join dibora amanuel on for a vinyasa practice to raise funds for
critical exposure.
saturday, march 7 and april 4, from noon -
2:30.
adopt a pet at tranquil space! meet us at the studio for our adoption event:
meet your new best friend and fill out an application on a pup or kitty
(non-binding!), learn how to volunteer with us or foster animals for WHS, donate
a dollar or two, and much much more! for more information go to
www.washhumane.org
or call 202.576.6839.
 tea
is full of antioxidants and has a tranquil effect on our busy lives. we are
excited to offer a comfy space for yogis to connect before and after class.
after searching high and low to find the perfect organic, fair trade teas to
compliment your practice, we are delighted to share our favorite chamomile,
spearmint, peppermint, and rosehip blends. in our tea bar we
have yummy bulk tea for sale and oodles of it for you to sip.
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 the
mission of tranquil space is to provide a nurturing environment that
encourages the unfolding of a creative yoga practice that is carried off the
yoga mat into one's daily life.
 the
vision of tranquil space is to use yoga as a catalyst to live life fully and
consciously.
tranquil space dupont
1632 17th street, nw
washington, dc 20009 |
tranquil space bethesda
77475 wisconsin ave, suite 8
bethesda, md 20814 |
tranquil space arlington
3260 wilson boulevard, 2nd fl
arlington, virginia 22201 |
 
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