tranquiliT thoughts

New post

2007-01-29T19:26:00.001-05:00

src="http://www.bigcontact.com/feedplayer-slim.swf?r=0&xmlurl=http%3A%2F%2Fhiptranquilchick.libsyn.com%2Frss" width="192" height="139"
align="middle"
style="width:220px; height:160px;"
id="FeedPlayerAudioSlim"
type="application/x-shockwave-flash"
quality="best"
bgcolor="#ffffff"
scale="noScale"
wmode="window"
salign="TL"
FlashVars="initialview=menu&autoplay=no&standalone=yes&share=yes&repeat=no">

gettin' needled

2006-05-20T17:50:00.000-04:00

since i'm in dire need of a massage and couldn't squeeze on in until next tuesday (taking advantage of a forced mother's day gift from my beau), i returned to my favorite acupuncturist kate yonkers on thursday. she's a true therapist. so gentle, intuitive, and cute as a button. if you haven't experienced acupuncture, i encourage you to give it a whirl. i, too, am not a fan of needles (getting blood drawn makes me squimish), but the needles used in acupuncture are tiny and not at all intrusive. you can go for help with so many things. i've always gone with a simple "balance me" request. this time, however, i had a slight tweak in my ankle that i asked her to coddle. think i turned in one too many times in my younger years and i was feeling a tightness around the area. she put needles all over and i laid in quiet with a heat lamp on my belly for about 30-40 minutes. when she returned to remove them, the one at my ankle needed some extra attention. i stumbled out of the room as if i'd been drinking, somewhat dizzy with good feelings. when checking out, i mentioned the ankle area tingling. she said that when she removed the needle, she observed a what usually happens in an area that has built up stagnation. interesting. it feels a lot better and has more mobility. i think there's something to this gettin' needled stuff beyond it just feeling great! go ahead girls, see for yourselves.

we're moving

2005-10-05T08:49:00.000-04:00

after one year in the blog world and in an effort to update the look to coordinate with the new podcast, we're moving. please mark your bookmark to hiptranquilchick. hope you like the new look and are having a fabulously chic AND conscious start to your fall.

hip tranquil chick podcast #2

2005-10-03T20:37:00.000-04:00

Hip Tranquil Chick - Monday, October 3, 2005

Intro: Back in the Pink Palace, Washington, DC. Welcome to the second edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast: a girl’s guide for living a luxe lifestyle on & off the mat.

An interview with Darren Main (visit his website at darrenmain.com). A fabulous Hip Tranquil Dude who lives in San Francisco, is the author of a few books including Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic, teaches yoga internationally, and is a popular guest teacher at Tranquil Space.

Recommeded Texts Discussed in Podcast:

yoga and the path of the urban mystic by darren john main
the wisdom of no escape: and the path of loving-kindness by pema chodron

Closing: Share your thoughts with me at Kimberly@tranquilspace.com and visit www.tranquilspace.com for additional sources of inspiration.

Thanks for joining me for the second edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podast.

New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast411.
Download the episode directly here (mp3).
Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast. You'll automatically get the latest edition as soon as it's available.
Use this link to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

ten tips to help you reconnect to your practice this fall

2005-09-29T23:28:00.000-04:00

a continuation of my ten tips geared to the modern yogi. enjoy and here's to a challenging, innovative, conscious and chic fall season....

1. put “on the mat” time into your schedule. make your yoga practice part of your daily routine. maybe it begins slowly with an early morning sun salutation and a before bed child’s pose. the duration is not as important as the discipline to do it daily.
2. schedule quiet time. you’ve got to set aside some quality private time to replenish. some of my faves are journal writing, meditating, herbal tea sipping coupled with daydreaming, long walks, yoga, gardening, cooking, and bookstore browsing.
3. write out your fall goals and reflect. what steps can you take now to get you closer to what you had hoped this year would look like for you? where are you now and where do you want to be? how have you grown this year? what would you like the next three months to look and feel like?
4. clean out your closet. spend some time mulling through your closet and shedding what you no longer wear. donate these items to charity or schedule a swap with your gal pals. this process is cleansing and opens up space for a few new seasonal must-haves.
5. host a charity-centered soiree. reconnect with your fave friends and invite them all over to raise awareness and funds for a special cause dear to your heart. this month’s focus is breast cancer awareness. how can you help others think pink?
6. self-nurture with a girl’s (or boy’s) night in. gather all the ingredients needed for a decadent evening at home – aromatherapy oils, your fave bubbly beverage, an organic oatmeal facial scrub, and heaps of chamomile tea. indulge in some sacred candlelit bath time with your favorite lime flavored sparkling water nearby.
7. challenge yourself. take up a new hobby, start writing that novel, schedule a vacation alone, study a foreign language, learn to knit, or sign up for that salsa class you’ve been thinking about for years. take yourself out of the comfort zone and watch a new, exciting world unfold.
8.get organized. clean up your finances, clear off your desk (or kitchen table), sort through your kitchen cabinets, organize your paperwork into files, and put your accessories into labeled drawers. clearing clutter frees the mind and opens up space for renewed creativity.
9. join a group of like-minded people. how about a political group, entrepreneur group, volunteer group, book club, toastmasters group, or knitting circle? these connections will help you grow and open up new possibilities.
10. create soulful surroundings at home. set up an altar with photos of loved ones and/or teachers, scatter your favorite scented soy candles throughout your home, light nap champa incense, invest in easy-to-care-for plants such as philodendrons, play invigorating and inspiring music, and learn to love your special oasis.

hip tranquil chick podcast #1

2005-09-26T21:17:00.000-04:00

hip tranquil chick - monday, september 26, 2005

Intro: On location in Cabo San Lucas. Welcome to the first edition of the hip tranquil chick podcast: a girl’s guide for living a luxe lifestyle on & off the mat. What is luxe? Think cashmere meets your most yummy yoga pose!

My top 10 tips to help the hip tranquil chick start fall out on the right foot:

1. Write out your fall goals.
2. Clean out your closet.
3. Host a soiree.
4. Self-nurture with a home spa day or weekend.
5. Carve your career path.
6. Challenge yourself.
7. Get organized.
8. Schedule quiet time.
9. Join a group of like-minded women.
10. Update for more soulful surroundings.

See the full post here.

Closing: Watch for special discounts on the tranquiliT line mentioned in future podcasts. Check out the latest feature of the line at My Cicy.

Watch for ideas on creating a home practice, how to create a signature style, figuring out headstand, tips for creating an oasis at home, hip opening yoga sequences, home spa recipes, bringing creativity into your everyday, throwing soirees, interviews with fellow Hip Tranquil Chicks, and all sorts of other lifestyle-related tips for living your practice in luxe fashion.

Share your thoughts with me at Kimberly@tranquilspace.com and visit www.tranquilspace.com for additional sources of inspiration.

Thanks for joining me for the first edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podast.

New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast411.
Download the episode directly here (mp3).
Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast. You'll automatically get the latest edition as soon as it's available. (NEW!)
Use this link to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

ten tips to help you start fall on the right foot

2005-09-26T19:08:00.000-04:00

1. Write out your fall goals. Reassess your new year’s goals. There are three months left in 2005. What steps can you take now to get you closer to what you had hoped this year would look like for you? Where are you now and where do you want to be?
2. Clean out your closet. Fall fashion is SO fabulous this year. Spend some time mulling through your closet and shedding what you no longer wear. Donate these items to charity or schedule a swap with your gal pals. This process is cleansing and opens up space for the season’s must-haves (gauchos, shrugs, chunky necklaces, bohemian tiered skirts, Victorian-inspired lace, cowboy boots).
3. Host a soiree. Reconnect with your fave friends who’ve fallen off the radar due to summer travels. Invite them all over for swapping clothing, mingling over mimosas, raising awareness about a special cause, or noshing over your fave pumpkin soup or pecan pie recipe.
4. Self-nurture with a home spa day or weekend. Gather all the ingredients needed for a decadent day at home and indulge in a facial, pedi, mani, and aromatherapy bath. There are tons of great recipes online and in books that will help you turn your studio into a spa!
5. Carve your career path. Take a moment to assess if you’re heading in the right direction of your dreams. Do you long to write but are currently organizing fundraisers? Why not begin taking writing classes, subscribing to writing publications, connecting with authors, and setting aside time to write? Remember that taking one baby step each day towards your dream is a sure way to attain them.
6. Challenge yourself. Take up a new hobby or that salsa class you’ve been thinking about for years. Schedule a vacation alone, learn a foreign language, quit talking about learning to knit and do it.
7. Get organized. Clean up your finances, clear off your desk (or kitchen table), sort through your kitchen cabinets, and put your accessories into labeled drawers. Clearing clutter frees the mind and opens up space for renewed creativity.
8. Schedule quiet time. You’ve got to set aside that private time to replenish. Some ideas are yoga (of course, I HIGHLY suggest incorporating this amazing practice into everyday!), journal writing, meditating, long walks, gardening, cooking, bookstore browsing, knitting.
9. Join a group of like-minded women. How about a social group like Urban Divas, a political group, entrepreneur group, volunteer group, book club, toastmasters group, or knitting circle? These connections will help you grow and open you up to new possibilities.
10. Update for more soulful surroundings. Does your home or office scream you or is it a hodgepodge of hand-me-downs? Never fear, you can make minor updates on a tight budget. Buy some new curtains at discount stores, search for used shabby chic style furniture, get that paint brush out and color your walls pink, or buy that fabulous animal print rug you've been eyeing for years. A little bit of feng shui goes a long way.

home spa aromatherapy blends

2005-09-24T19:23:00.000-04:00

As a continuation of my home spa and self-care encouragement, I wanted to share some scoop I found on aromaweb.com. What a riveting website! I can't wait to get my hands on some essential oils and solitary bath time surrounded by lavender scented candles. Yum.

To create a calming blend:
Ingredients:

1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond
10 drops Roman Chamomile
5 drops Lavender
Directions: Mix the oils well and add to a clean, air-tight dark glass container. Massage gently into the feet of the individual who requires increased calm. Giving yourself a foot massage with this relaxing oil is also delightful. Roman Chamomile has a strong sedative effect, so do not plan to drive or concentrate after using this blend.

If you prefer to make a diffuser blend, make a blend with a ratio of 2 drops Roman Chamomile to 1 drop Lavender and add to your diffuser.

To create a bath oil:
Ingredients:

2 ounces carrier oil such as sweet almond
20 drops lavender or 15-20 drops of your own blend of essential oils (be sure they are EOs that do not provide skin sensitization)
Directions: Blend the oils together and store in an amber or cobalt glass bottle. Do not use all 2 ounces of bath oil in one bath. After you have drawn your bathwater, add about 1/4 ounce (7-8ml) of the bath oil blend to your bath water. If you intend to use this bath oil with children, ensure that the oils that you have selected are safe for administration to children and use a smaller amount of the blend in the child's bathwater.

Mix well to ensure that the blend has dispersed well in the tub and hop on in. It's best to add the bath oil just before getting in the tub instead of while the water is running so that the oils don't evaporate before you get into the tub. Using this bath oil blend is safer than adding pure essential oils directly to the bath water. This is because the essential oils can settle in one spot on your skin and cause irritation.

To create bath salts:
Ingredients:

3 cups Dead Sea salt, regular sea salt or Epsom salt, or a blend of two or three of these salts. Sea salts typically come in several grain sizes. Combining multiple grain sizes can make your salts more appealing. Keep in mind, however, that more course grains do take longer to dissolve in the tub.
15-24 drops of your selected essential oil or essential oil blend. Be sure and take heed in the safety data for the oil(s) you choose to use.
1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil or other carrier oil for moisturization (optional)
Directions:

Place the salt mixture into a bowl. Add the drops of your chosen essential oils. Mix very well with a fork. Add the mixture to a pretty jar, salt tube, or container that has a tight fitting lid. After a day, you may wish to mix well again to ensure that the oils have blended very well.

Add 1/2 - 1 cup of the salts to running bath water. Mix well to ensure that the salt has dispersed well in the tub before entering. To keep the essential oils from evaporating too quickly, you can add the bath salts just before getting in the tub instead of while the water is running. Sitting on undissolved chunky bath salts can be painful, so make sure the salts have dissolved well before entering.

To Color to Your Salts:

For the most natural bath salt recipe, leave your bath salts uncolored. Certain more exotic salts such as Hawaiian Red Sea salt (a lovely reddish/rust color) and Black Sea Pink salt (a soft pink color) have their own unique color and can be used.

If you would like to add color to your salts, FD&C liquid dye or mica powder can be added before you add the essential oils. When adding FD&C grade liquid dye, be sure to add only a drop at a time and stir well. When adding mica powder, only add a tiny amount (1/16-1/8 a teaspoon is usually sifficient) and stir very well. Using too much dye or mica powder can discolor the water and discolor skin, so be very careful. Leave bath salts at a soft pastel color. Darker salts may lead to problems. It is also important that you make sure that you are using skin-safe colorants and that the user of your bath salt blend does not have any allergies or sensitizations with the colorant that you have chosen.

WANT MORE RECIPES? The Complete Book Of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood contains over 600 recipes and synergies plus a wealth of practical aromatherapy information.

Oh, and don't forget to sip your favorite chamomile tea while relaxing in your chamomile and lavender infused bath!

home spa self-care survival

2005-09-23T01:04:00.000-04:00

Greetings from the blue skies of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I've just arrived for the wedding celebration of a dear teacher and friend. Wow, what an amazing indulgence of the senses - the rich blue water, white sand, clear skies, sounds of crashing waves, and poolside bars serving sushi. I decided to indulge this evening in a much needed and long overdue facial at the hotel spa. I feel rejuvenated (which isn't easy after spending so much time on the dehydrating plane), so I wanted to share some great ideas I came across online by J. A. Eason. These will help you create a tranquil space at home while indulging in some luxurious (and much needed) self-care.

1. Set the atmosphere Choose just one room in your house where you can be alone and quiet. The bathroom is the usual choice, but it can be anywhere. Prepare your space ahead of time so you can relax during your spa time. Clean, declutter and dust the space. It doesn't have to be perfect; but your mind needs to be at peace, not looking at the pile of clothes to be folded. There should be no reminders of "stuff I should be doing instead of relaxing."

Now that the space is cleared, start adding things that will help you relax. Soft music, scented candles or incense, fresh flowers, photos of loved ones or special mementos can all be beneficial. Just be sure you don't reclutter the space you just cleared.

2. Facial Steam Cleanse your face normally. Then pour almost-boiling water into a bowl. Don't over fill it. Next add herbs or essential oils according to the benefits you want. If you want to deep clean, you could add juniper, sage, thyme or peppermint. If you want to relax, add a few drops of lavender, sweet marjoram or lemon balm. You can mix and match or just use one at a time. If you are using herbs, be sure to let them steep for about five minutes for maximum effect.

Put your face over the steaming bowl and place a towel over your head to make a tent. The steam opens your pores, and the herbs help deep clean and refresh. Stay under your tent for 10 to 15 minutes. Steaming is also a great way to relieve sinus headaches and allergy congestion.

3. Avocado Facial For Dry Skin: use 1 egg yolk and 1 avocado
For Oily Skin: use 1 egg white, 1 tsp. lemon juice, and 1/2 an avocado
Mash the inside of the avocado and blend with the other ingredients. Apply to your face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with plain water.

The great news is that you don't have to go to a specialist in Cabo or anywhere else for that matter. There are TONS of books and online articles out there giving great ideas on how you can nurture yourself in the comfort of your own home on a small budget. What are you waiting for? Start small. A luxurious candlelit bath, accompanied by a refreshing pitcher of water with fresh mint or cucumber and lemon slices, is calling your name.

an ode to fishey

2005-09-18T23:57:00.000-04:00

so i had a funeral for my goldfish of 6.5 years this morning while my beau and his poor in town guests watched on. (they had no idea what they were in for) we played purple rain and tim dug a little grave into the small portion of earth in the back patio. he changed fishey's algae-ridden tank yesterday while i was taking a design workshop in maryland. i received a text that just said "call me when you can." never a good sign. so we texted back and forth, and he revealed that fishey didn't react well to the water change, and didn't make it. my eyes welled up with tears for a moment. i was especially sad because i hadn't said "goodbye" before i rushed out the door that morning, and somehow felt that it was an end to an era. oddly enough, he had TONS of personality, loved to be fed, would react anytime you walked by the tank, and he was pre-tranquil space. for some odd reason, i measure life as pre-TS and post-TS start-up.

i bought him at the local pet store during a time when i needed one more pal beyond my black cat bonnard. i'd recently asked for space in a relationship and was missing that partnership so i thought, "ah ha, i'll get a fish." he was one of the feeders that they feed to other fish but SO beautiful. i saved him and loved him for a long time. yes, the funeral may have been a bit much but he deserved a proper goodbye. as a little girl, we buried all my turtles, fish, cats, newts, hamsters, and dogs in the backyard so i felt it was normal - tim's out of town guests did not. i told them they were the pallbearers and hoped it would make them feel more included. ;) fishey's goodbye is a reminder to me of the fragility of life. we truly never know when a "goodbye" may be the last or how much certain things mean to us until they're gone. goodbye to fishey and hello to the priviledge of living this life.

an attitude of gratitude

2005-09-14T00:12:00.000-04:00

tonight was a special evening that i was lucky to celebrate with gina davis, my managing director. tranquil space was awarded dc's best yoga studio and were recognized as one of the top 50 businesses in dc. the evening's festivities made me smile as i chatted with fellow entrepreneurs, dreamers, award winners, and nominees. the air in the room was light and jovial as businesses deservingly took pride in their award. entrepreneurship is not for the faint at heart, and i'm constantly reminded of it when in a room with others who have given their life to building a passion. it is easy to get isolated into a little bubble of one's busines, but it is so refreshing to connect with others who also have businesses open 364 days a year, struggle to deal with cash flow concerns, strive to exceed in creating a good experience for clients, and have abundant ideas but lack the energy or resources to make them happen. i could go on and on. ahhh, the joys of entrepreneurship...

i extend a HUGE sense of gratitude for those of you who voted and helped make this award possible. i also extend a HUGE congrats for all nominated in these numerous categories and all who won. way to go! may we continue to move in a direction that helps make a difference in other's lives and helps them live more fully - from cupcakes to yoga to sushi to books to shoes (all award winners tonight!). xoxo

podcast coming soon!

2005-09-11T10:56:00.000-04:00

not to turn all high tech on you because lord knows i hardly understand all of this stuff myself .... but in an effort to share more inspiration and information regarding the upcoming book hip tranquil chick, and yoga lifestyle for the modern girl, i'll be putting together a podcast over the next few weeks. the "shownotes," the outline of the podcast with references to links or additional information that i share, will be posted here on the blog. i hope you'll tune in for a regular dose of "hip tranquil chickness" and have loads of humor as i work out all the kinks at the beginning. let me know if there are any particular topics you're longing to hear covered. i plan to share yoga sequences, interviews with fabulous women, thoughts on living a passionate life, and ways to incorporate yoga into your everyday life off the mat.

the power of performance

2005-09-10T22:36:00.000-04:00

greetings from north carolina! i'm here with my beau celebrating his 34th year, reconnecting with another yoga teacher i met at a training 5 years ago who has helped with the development of the tranquiliT line, and reveling in the joys of wireless connection. last night for tim's birthday we went to see coldplay, and i was truly blown away. what a performer! i have this odd predilliction to be brought to tears when watching someone share their passion. it always happens at tori amos' concerts (didn't at eminem?), at shows by cirque du soliel, and while watching a passion-filled dancer perform. if you haven't had a chance to see chris martin perform, i highly encourage it. i equate his performance on the piano to that of tori's - full of passion for music. bouncing up and down as he pounds the notes. tori, however, plays two pianos at once while straddling the bench! he also took one song into the audience, walking through the crowd which showed a sincere desire to connect to his fans. another piece that sruck a chord was his promotion of fair trade, a symbol he wears prominently on his hand. there was a fair trade booth set up at the concert to educate participants on one of chris martin's strong values. the ability to share one's passion, inspire others, spread a message, connect with supporters, and make a living doing what one loves is an admirable life. it was impressive to watch it unfold on the stage last night. it is also fun to remember that each day we perform our own concert in some small way. just as judith lasater says, "every moment of your life is a moment of potential practice," i believe that every moment of our lives is a moment of performance which hopefully leads to joy in ourselves and inspiration to others. here's to positively powerful and passion-filled performance each day .....

the joy of full bloom

2005-09-07T23:28:00.000-04:00

today i received good news on two fronts that i wanted to share as a gentle reminder that effort pays off, even if it takes awhile to come to fruition.

as you may know, i'm working on a book blending yoga and lifestyle for the modern girl, and i've received offers from publishers this week. i came up with the concept two years ago, took a great "how to get published class" with local author carole sargeant, worked on the proposal for almost a year during any spare moment (namely vacations), submitted it to targeted agents, got a fabulous agent last october who really got the concept, finished my sample chapter in june, and submitted the package to publishers in july. we've received great feedback, especially on the presentation of the proposal which is a reminder of how important it is to spend a little extra time on the small details. for example, i tied a ribbon around the portfolio, added a bag of tea, used heavy paper, added colored tabs with computer generated labels to separate the appendices, and added color wherever i could. the result was a proposal that looked and smelled different from the others. i share this because it has been a long journey and it has only just begun. once an offer is accepted, i have 6-9 months to write the book with hopes of getting it into the market for holiday 2006. can you believe we're preparing for holiday 2006? i write this to share that dreams are truly a long time coming. when all is said and done, this will have been almost a 4-year project! the dream truly began though as a little girl falling asleep to the sound of my father's typewriter. i grew up surrounded by the writer's life and somehow envied the isolation, deadlines, creative juices, and long hours. let the writing begin..... and thank you for your support by reading this blog!

i'm also delighted to share that the tranquiliT line will be featured in this weekend's examiner. this creative journey began in 2002, and took new life in 2004 as i began drawing, designing more, traveling to tradeshows to purchase for the tranquiliT boutique, and choosing fabrics. it, too, is a long process of taking workshops, sewing classes, reading trade publications, putting together a design board with fabric swatches and style ideas, locating manufactureres, scheduling tradeshows, selling the line for 12 hours at tradeshows, photo shoots, linesheet designs, working with the webmaster on creating an online store, choosing the right tags and labels, putting together spec sheets, and writing press releases. it's amazing what goes into launching a line...but so fun to see people excited to wear something you've created! enjoy this image of the hip tranquil chick in the new gauchos, staple wrap top, velvet shrug and pucci scarf. pick up the examiner (free at the most dc metros) on saturday and remember, it often takes years to see the fruits of your labor.

think of yourself as a seed germinating below the surface and each step you take (research, classes, time away) offers you the opportunity to water and nurture yourself into full bloom!

sadness in the south

2005-09-05T00:58:00.000-04:00

unless you've been living under a rock or out of touch with the media, i know you too must be filled with a sense of sadness surrounding what transpired last week in the gulf coast. i fluctuate between being attached to CNN to denial about the true catastrophic state of the south. it's almost too much to bear. having grown up in oklahoma, i was in my last year of college when timothy mcveigh bombed the federal murray building, and vividly recall the complete shock surrounding the horrific act on what the media coined "terror in the heartland." then i moved to dc in 1996, and in 2001, september 11 happened - a date that no american will ever forget. and somehow i equate the horrors and images of katrina with the great sense of helplessness and despair felt by so many of us who witnessed the okc boming and september 11 attack. these are such different events and, yet, so similar. it is touching to see so many americans reaching out to assist others but it is also so sickening to see such unnecessary suffering.

what can we do from our comfortable, air conditioned homes to assist those in need? depending on resources, donations to the red cross, feed the children, humane society, habitat for humanity are encouraged. did you know that a $100 donation to salvation army will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household clean-up kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets, and cleaning supplies? some airlines are even allowing you to donate miles to help refugees and refugee assistance travel.

if these resources are not readily accessible to you, how about offering to volunteer locally to assist those in need or to put together a benefit with some of your fave friends where you raise money to donate as a group? there are numerous creative ways to help nurture and support fellow human beings (and their pets, too!) who you haven't met. take a moment this week to count your blessings, dedicate your practice as an offering of strength to the survivors, and offer what you can to support those suffering.

finally, save the date: friday, september 16 from 9-10:30pm tranquil space is offering a heart opening benefit class. please join us as we strive to bring some tranquility through our efforts to those along the gulf coast.

greetings from vegas

2005-08-30T17:29:00.000-04:00

in vegas at magic, which i understand to be the world's largest tradeshow. i'm doing my semi-annual buying for the tranquiliT boutique. who would have thought that shopping would be so exhausting? 8-10 hours per day of pure sensory overload, co-existing with 95,000 other buyers, making decisions on what i think our yogis will like, and waiting in line after line after line.

i recall my first tradeshow in nyc with some serious fashionistas in january 2004. it was a bit of a shock into a new world SO very different than yoga, especially for someone who lives in yoga, not couture,wear. the fashion world IS different but it also allows me the opportunity to reflect on how to carry my yoga everywhere. isn't it easier to stay within a bubble where everyone is like you? isn't growth made when you take your values into new venues? this brings me back to the book i mentioned in yesterday's muse, the diamond cutter , where a buddhist monk took his values into the diamond industry.

a philosophy that i've always tried to instill at tranquil space is the notion of taking one's yoga off the mat and into the world non-dogmatically but with compassion. it's easy to do that if you only surround yourself with people just like you with the same views, same clothes, same background, same beliefs, same future goals, same spiritual outlook, etc. but what if you took yourself into a new world - volunteering, communing with people outside of your circle, exploring new fields, hearing other people's stories?

isn't it true that "everyone wants to change the world, but no one things of changing herself?" (one of my fave quotes - author unknown) well, why can't you be the catalyst for this change? exploring yourself and your prejudices, recognizing that you can only grow through change, challenge and new experiences. living in a bubble or only associating with people just like you probably won't offer much growth opportunity. i always smirk when people say they need to travel to india to learn to meditate or do yoga. i think it is much harder to try to meditate while surrounded by the sounds of the big city or to practice your yoga while surrounded by 95,000 people? that's what yoga has taught me. back to the bustling crowds of vegas...

a celebration of business

2005-08-30T02:03:00.000-04:00

“10 principles of enlightened business: enhance the well-being of others, respect your financial commitments, act with absolute equanimity, convey true impressions, bring people together, speak professionally and respectfully, speak about meaningful things, find happiness in what you have, celebrate others' achievements, see the hidden potential of all things.”
~ geshe michael roach, author of the diamond cutter

when my managing director, gina davis, called exclaiming that we’d received a letter from the washington post announcing that tranquil space had been voted best yoga studio, i was elated. this was the first year that this category was listed, and i was delighted to see yoga recognized as such an important part of dc’s community. the letter stated that this award placed tranquil space within the top 50 businesses in dc, truly an honor for a business that began in a living room less than six years ago. i can’t emphasize enough how lucky i feel to be surrounded by such an amazing community of students, teachers, managers, consultants – all the special members of the tranquiliTeam.

we strive to make every detail enhance this experience - sounds, smells, touches, colors, comfort, encouragement, challenge, and creativity. each of you have contributed exponentially to this experience - from attending classes in my living room to a church parlor to p street, teaching students, picking up the supplies and treats, assisting in classes, supporting our workshops, mingling off the mat at our community events, keeping the studio in order, expanding ts to bethesda and penn quarter, offering top-notch tranquilit treatments to our students, creating specialty programs such as newbie, pre- and post-natal, helping spread the word about tranquil space, merchandising to help keep the sign-in area fresh, and sitting on the visionary team or advisory board. i could go on and on! the students and team attracted to tranquil space are truly unique and gifted.

considering my degrees are in psychology and women’s studies, the operating of a business has been a “learn as you go” experience. i’ve realized that it truly is about initiative, and a strong desire to build something that serves a community outside of myself. that’s what had me passionate about working 17-hour days designing teacher training, updating the website, developing the creativity circle, conceptualizing the tranquiliT line, researching retreat ideas, writing the newsletters, and all the details that go into the creation of a business at the beginning. now i find a 14-hour day to be a bit too long, and am constantly working to squeeze in that self-care time that i so believe in. a pedicure, yoga practice, massage, reading time, and a good nap sure go a long way.

among 15 other books by my bedside, i’m reading this great one called the diamond cutter: the buddha on managing your business and your life about a buddhist monk who built a large diamond operation from nothing using ancient wisdom of Buddhism. he shares that westerners sometimes equate being in business with being out of sync with trying to lead a spiritual life. i recall walking into an independent bookstore out west earlier this year, and asking where their business section was (my fave section after self-help!). the front desk person grimaced as he replied that they didn’t carry those books. he must have forgotten that he was working in a business that was bringing a great service to his community, and that also assisted with his ability to sustain his way of life. the author goes on to share how a person with greater resources can do much more good in the world than one without, and that doing business is about creating meaning. he also wrote that the goal of business, and of ancient tibetan wisdom, is to enrich ourselves and to achieve prosperity inside and out. one of my favorite points that the author makes is that it is important to never lose a generous outlook or to lose creativity surrounding challenges, reiterating the notion that we create what we focus on.

as I continue to strive to create a sustainable business that is enlightened, I want to thank you for supporting tranquil space along the way. some of you have grown with us since my living room and it has been a true treat to have you along for this journey. thank you for assisting with its growth into a true lifestyle-focused studio where we seek to enhance washingtonians’ way of life. i hope that tranquil space continues to help you sprinkle touches of tranquility into your everyday urban life. join us for a charity community event, a yoga class, a specialty workshop, a massage, or a browse in the tranquiliT boutique - your tranquil space awaits you.

fall tranquiliT designs en route

2005-08-25T22:47:00.000-04:00

i spent almost 5 hours today posing for the camera and trying to capture the essence of my fall line. do you ever have those days when crawling out of bed is a small feat, much less trying to look engaged for 5 hours? it's been a looonnnnggg week - seemed to be a consensus from students in class tonight too! anyway, i'm very excited to share some designs that i've been working on the past few months, along with this great new print - a chocolate and pink pucci print and more items in velvet - capri pants, capelet, and shrug!

this line has become such a fun creative outlet and it is exciting to see yoginis from around the country rave about their tranquiliT pieces. a friend passed along an article from last week's wall street journal which claimed that yoga apparel is moving to the street. amazing, that's the WHOLE reason i started tranquiliT - i wanted a true lifesytyle outfit that didn't look like i was heading to aerobics and also offered me style for post-practice activities. another funny aspect mentioned in the article is that there are people who wear yoga clothes but don't practice and are called posers. cute huh, posers - get it yoga poses, posers. ;)

look for fun, new photos and designs coming soon - a camisole with a long body and side slits with a build-in bra, gaucho pants (this season's must-have and SOOO comfy), a pucci print cross front tunic (perfect "en route to yoga cover up" and dress with your fave fall boots), and the perfect acceessory- a scarf in pucci or black to wear in your hair, around your waist or around your neck. the great thing about the line is the ability to mix and match the whole line to create a comfy, yet chic outfit with your fave pieces - jeans, floppy brim hat, chunky beaded black necklace, and sequined anything.

as someone passionate about fashion, passionate about yoga, passionate about life (even though i was a bit tired today), and passionate about creation, i see creating a comfy and chic lifestyle as a must-have for this fall.

"fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."
~ coco chanel

Embracing Our Inner Kali

2005-08-16T11:57:00.000-04:00

Black/White, Yin/Yang, Light/Darkness, Sun/Moon, Masculine/Feminine - yoga teaches us to embrace both sides considering that is what "hatha" means. While away this past weekend for a former teacher's wedding, I was blessed to carve out some yoga time at a beloved studio in Sag Harbor. The teacher had a great message that she wove throughout class on embracing our inner Kali who is explained below:

The Mythology: Kali (pronounced kah'lee), is the Hindu Goddess of creation, preservation, and destruction. She is the insatiable hunger of time that births, then devours. Skulls, cemeteries, and blood are all associated with her worship. Kali's energy is uncontrollable. After killing two demons, she got drunk on their blood and began dancing on their dead flesh. She danced herself into a frenzy until she realized she almost danced Shiva to death.

The Lessons of this Goddess: Kali has begun her dance in your life to tell you it is time to face your fears. All that is lurking ominously, either buried deep in your inner darkness or close by, needs to be stared in the eye and brought into the ight of consciousness. Are you fears serving you by warning you about dangerous places, things, or people? Or do your fears prevent you from dancing your dance, living your life, creating with Creation? The Goddess comes to tell you that your dance is needed as part of the whole Dance of Creation. Wholeness is nurtured when you reclaim the pieces of yourself that you've given over to fear. Most fears are formless. By naming and witnessing the fear, you gain power. Wholeness is created when you learn to acknowledge your fears and walk through them.

Poem of Kali
I am the dance of death that is behind all life, the ultimate horror, the ultimate ecstasy. I am existence, I am the dance of destruction that will end this world, the timeless void, the formless devouring mouth, I am rebirth, Let me dance you to death, Let me dance you to life. Will you walk through your fears to dance with me? Will you let me cut off your head and drink your blood? then will you cut off mine? Will you face all the horror all the painall the sorrowand say "yes"? I am all that you dread, all that terrifies. I am your fear, will you meet me?

(Mythology, Lessons, and Poem from www.angelfire.com/va/goddesses/kali.html)

I loved hearing a reminder that we ALL experience emotions that we're not proud of - anger, greed, guilt, jealousy - and that we have to go into the places and explore them in order to grow. Pema Chodron in The Wisdom of No Escape says to make friends with our demons because they are here to teach us, and that once we understand what they are here to to teach us, they will become our friendly companions on the spiritual path. Basically, we won't fight the emotions but we'll go deeper to understand them. Pema also noted that our idiosyncracies are what make us uniquely beautiful. I loved that idea! Really, my mind that races from thought to thought and my incredible lack of patience (always wanting things yesterday) is what makes me special? Wow! I like that thought.

However, the overall point the teacher was trying to make this weekend was that we have to sit with emotions and situations that make us uncomfortable, explore them, analyze them, feel them, scream, cry, and let them out in order to move past them. The only way to move forward is by moving through the parts of ourselves that we don't like and prefer not to acknowledge. All of life is cyclical and as one door closes, another opens. After a dark night, there is going to be a brighter morning.

One final notion that she said, and I've read in a Deepak Chopra book, is the reminder that what we see in others that we don't like is actually a mirrored reflection of what we don't like in ourselves. Now that MY friends is one to ponder....

my adventurous friday....

2005-08-08T21:52:00.000-04:00

last friday was quite the day - began with a ride in a cop car and ended with the in-person performance of one of my fave artists - eminem! whew. while starting my work from home day at 9am, i was on the phone with the studio when a man scaled the fence of my tiny back patio. ironically and in the shock of the moment, i shook my finger at him and shooed him on his way. i shook my finger at him???? amazing what one does without thinking. i continued my conversation and 10 minutes later, he appeared on the other side of the patio, scaling that fence.

now, i begin to get concerned. having moved from a 4th floor walk-up to a first level condo last year, i've been nervous about feeling so exposed. well, friday reminded me why. at this point, i'm concerned. he's eyeing my beau's bike (which was not locked the night before for the first time ever....) and i'm calling 911. i watch him evaluate the situation, i describe him to the dispatcher, and he did not bother looking in through the glass doors this time - guess he was over the finger-shaking antics. he knew what he wanted. while i was on the phone with 911, i also called my beau, had him on speaker so he could hear what was going on and he began rushing home. after a few minutes that seemed to last much longer, he disappeared again. at this point, i was on the phone with my 11 and noon appointments, telling them i had a slight change to my morning plans, and had to reschedule. the only thing i regret is not using my digital camera to capture my nimble little friend's image. we keep it out at all times because one never knows when our baby black pug louis will do something spectacular.

so, the dispatcher calls back, they caught someone matching the description at the corner. yay! justice! he had given up on the bike at that moment (really too much work for not a ton of reward - bike is nothing fancy and the snatch bit involved a high fence, brush and more effort then he was probably up for on a leisurely morning stroll through the alleys of dc). the police pick me up and take me to identify the suspect. riding in the back of a police car was not how i intended to start my day! however, i felt so empowered for handling the situation somewhat gracefully (finger shaking, 911 calling, exclaiming "so you caught the little booger" when the dispatcher shared the news), so grateful that the police acted quickly, and so hopeful that this fence-scaler would look into purchasing his future bike rather than taking others'.

as we get closer, he matches the description to a tee - literally, except his jersey didn't have red letters and i swear there was a red number on the jersey of my fence-scaler. bummer. what are the chances that two people who are dressed so similarly (head gear and all) would be at the scene? i assume they let him go as i was almost certain about the red numbers and felt sorry for the poor lad who matched the fence-scalers description. when the police joined me in the alley to assess the scene, we noticed that my pal had pried open my neighbor's fence and used their ladder to scale my fence the second time. talk about determination. he's got that going for him. i now have visions of riding around with those nice men in blue and helping them catch fence-scalers and more.

after this drama, i got to go for my third adult cavity filling. i ask if they have the gas, not a big fan of needles in my mouth. she laughs and blames the rise in adult cavities on too much spring water drinking. i know the truth, i have a slight (ok, BIG) sugar problem.

my finale for the day's adventures was to see eminem in concert. i have this amazing fascination with a man who has shaped and gained such respect in an industry where he is a minority. i love to see underdogs make a statement. think tiger woods with golf. think oprah winfrey with entertainment domination. the crowd was eclectic - mainly young kids from the burbs - and he put on an entertaining show. as we left with hope of beating the insane nissan pavilion traffic, he sang lose yourself - truly an inspirational song! lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it, you better never let it go, you only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime. yo!

friday's adventures left me tired and pensive this weekend. sometimes it takes a small shake-up to make you less complacent, more mindful, and more grateful. we've locked up the bike. i'm keenly aware of my surroundings, cutting down on sugar, and listening to more inspirational tunes along the way.

a reminder to slow down

2005-08-02T23:19:00.000-04:00

I came across this poem this evening while reading an e-newsletter. I loved it and had to share. Enjoy and remember... take time - make yourself some tea, pull out your yoga mat, take a bubble bath, and write in your journal. Ahhhhhh.

Take Time (Author Unknown)

Take time to think - thoughts are the source of power.
Take time to play - play is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read - reading is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to pray - prayer can be a rock of strength in time of trouble.
Take time to love - loving is what makes living worthwhile.
Take time to be friendly - friendships give life a delicious flavor.
Take time to laugh - laughter is the music of the soul.
Take time to give - any day of the year is too short for selfishness.
Take time to dream - dreams show you what is possible.
Take time to work - work is the price of success.
Take time to do your work well - pride in your work, no matter what it is, nourishes the mind and the spirit.
Take time to show appreciation - thanks is the frosting on the cake of life.

a beginner's mind

2005-07-26T23:30:00.000-04:00

"in the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few." ~ shunryo suzuki-roshi

i recently embarked on two new journeys – beginning sewing and beginning hip hop class. as an avid yogini for numerous years, trying a new form of movement was both enticing and scary. returning to a sewing machine after a few years away brought up additional fears. we spent the first class sewing semi circles on paper, learning to thread the machine, and discussing terminology. i wondered whether i’d be able to keep up. all of this corresponded simultaneously with one of the studio’s tranquil tips of the week on approaching practice with beginner’s mind. synchronicity works in funny ways….

but what exactly is a beginner's mind? how do you cultivate it if you’ve been practicing something for years. it is described very well by the famous zen story known as empty your cup. a university professor went to visit a famous zen master. while the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about zen. the master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. the professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. "it's overfull! no more will go in!" the professor blurted. "you are like this cup," the master replied, "how can i show you zen unless you first empty your cup."

at the beginning of every teacher training at the studio, we encourage the students to approach the training with beginner’s mind - to let go of all preconceived notions about teaching, the perfect pose, and how so-and-so has taught them in the past. this is how we request that they empty their cup. when you empty your cup, you are able to open up to that exciting feeling of “the very first time.”

in her poem "when death comes," mary oliver wrote "when it's over, i want to say i have been a bride married to amazement, i've been a bridegroom taking the world into my arms." can you live your life with that kind of enthusiasm, with that kind of passion? i believe that this is the beginner's mind that suzuki-roshi is encouraging – to live life with a sense of wonder, to see where we are stuck with fixed views, and to be open to possibility. to be here, ready to meet whatever is next without expectation, prejudic,e or preconceptions. sound simple enough? ahh, if only it was so easy.

start today to cultivate your beginner's mind – bring curiosity, wonder, and delight to your everyday experiences. be willing not to know. try new things and don’t seek perfection. challenge yourself continually with new experiences. savor the scent of your favorite flower. observe the sensations of sun salutations. relish in the view of the city’s architecture. truly embrace the feelings associated with touching a loved one - all as if you’re doing something you’ve never done before. now this, my dear one, is an ongoing challenge, but one that will continue to reap rewards over and over again.

online community communication

2005-07-24T13:02:00.000-04:00

tranquilliT thoughts is now open to comments as a way to encourage questions, feedback, and dialogue within this amazing online community. i hope that tranquiliT thoughts will continue to serve as a source of inspiration to each of you seeking a tranquil space through yoga, self-care and living a full life based in intention.

here are a few of my favorite resources for inspiration:
- the artist's way by julia cameron
- simple abundance by sarah ban breathnach
- the e-myth by michael gerber
- living your yoga by judith lasater
- SEED handbook by lynne franks
- 3 black skirts by anna johnson
- all books by SARK
- the four agreements by don miguel ruiz
- the wisdom of no escape and the path of loving kindness by pema chodren
- 12 secrets of highly creative women by gail mcmeekin
- living out loud by keri smith

how to turn your world upside down - and LOVE it!

2005-07-23T10:42:00.000-04:00

inversions are a funny animal when you first join a yoga class. you want me to do what?? well, as we progress in our practice, it is fun to see how some bodies actually begin to crave turning upside down. i equate it to a similar sensation i feel in my hamstrings after two days off of practice - they actually ache for opening. i've had students tell me that they love closing their office door and just going up into headstand mid-day. for those of you a bit timid, and rightfully so, about turning your world upside down, read on for some of my fave headstand tips and stages:

- make sure you are strong in downward facing dog, chaturanga, and up dog before progessing into a full headstand. if you're still struggling with vinyasa, don't worry, i'll offer some great modifications to help build strength.
- begin in downward facing dog on a non-slip surface - your fave yoga mat in your fave comfy, fitted clothes. nothing is worse than turning upside down and your shirt coming over your head, preventing your dristi (focus point).
- come onto your forearms with the elbows directly under your shoulders and interlace your hands. some of you will stay right here, pressing your forearms into the mat and keeping the shoulders lifted without sinking shoulders to ears.
- if you feel strong here, place the top of your head in between your clasped hands. david swenson, my ashtanga yoga teacher training teacher who is a total gem, encouraged us to view headstand as forearms stand. meaning, to put as much weight into our forearms, rather than the head. play here, work on shifting the weight distribution off of your head, into your forearms so that you have lots of space along the neck.
- next step is to walk your feet in towards your hands until they just won't go anymore. again, stay here if this is enough challenge. getting comfortable upside down is no easy feat!
- begin to engage the core, bend the knees and bring your knees above your hips. stay here. most people try to kick up at the wall, banging into the wall without ever connecting to the core when first learning headstand. surrender desire for the final product and enjoy being where you are.
- if you're steady, straighten the legs and extend towards the heavens. think tadasana (mountain pose) turned upside down!
- viola, you're inverting and replenishing your internal organs!
- disclaimer, please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions that would prevent you from turning upside down such as glaucoma or endometriosis (during menstruation). also, if it doesn't feel divine, trace back to the previous stage or release slowly down to child's pose. ahhh, one of the most glorious yoga poses out there!

turning upside down offers respite from our normal existance of being upright. enjoy the sensations, savor the stages, don't rush the process, and honor your continued progression both on and off the mat.

humbled by hip hop - a beginner's mind

2005-07-18T21:50:00.000-04:00

one of my goals for the new year was to take a dance class - ballet, jazz, anything to just move differently! well, i was finally able (and brave enough) to carve out an hour to move this afternoon. having been an avid yogini for the past eight years, i haven't really approached moving in my body in such a new, fresh way (except the one-time ballet class where i scuttled across the floor like a crab, never to return, and my salsa series where i barely progressed).

so as i'm walking to joy of motion where i taught yoga for a few years, i began to question my ability level. would i be good enough? would i be able to keep up? would other people be ahead of me due to their dance training? those gremlins are always there and it is up to us to observe them and just keep going. i danced as a young girl and in high school but that was almost 16+ years ago! and then hip hop begins! oh my. popping, moving in amazing ways, up, then down, use the head, wide-legged push ups on the floor, have attitude. i giggled the entire time and came away incredibly humbled.

it was a perfect reminder of what a beginner goes through when they first approach the yoga mat and this was the perfect class to instill compassion for newbies - of anything! we've all been there. the slow start to something new, only to shine brightly after working hard to overcome obstacles, lack of god-given talent, and set backs. i spoke with a few dance teachers today begging for consolation that there was a possibility of improvement and maybe i'm just a slow learner. (we spent 30 minutes learning two 8 counts that i still don't have down!!) i was reminded that some people take a little longer to pick up choregraphy but shine with performance.

thank goodness there is no hip hop recital coming up but i figure stepping outside of the comfort zone, trying new things, laughing at myself, recognizing my desire to cry when i don't get it immediately, and returning next week is my performance! oh, and did i mention that i bought a 15-class pass? look out hip hop - the white girl with very little rhythm is back next week dancing to "i ain't no hollaback girl." i share this story as a hope of inspiration to try new things and step outside of that sacred comfort zone. don't forget your BIG dose of self-compassion.

tranquil travel tips

2005-07-11T22:05:00.000-04:00

Isn’t the biggest dilemma, after setting up your autoreply, changing your voicemail, confirming your reservations, and getting a pet sitter, what to pack? Well, considering I lived out of my suitcase a lot this Spring, here a few of my fave, tranquility-inspiring tips that help create a tranquil space internally and externally no matter where your plans take you.

Little treats for your suitcase to make your travel more tranquil:

Yoga mat: nothing is worse than slipping on hotel carpet during down dog
Scented candle: lavender or lilac are my faves. look for the small tin ones for easy transport and don't forget matches!
Rosebud salve: reduces hair frizzies, soothes lips, relieves dry skin, smells divine
Eyepillow: soothes tired, jetlagged eyes
Tea bags: bring some of your favorite herbal blend
Bath treats: Lush has some of the best self-nurturing delights out there
Fave pair of jeans
Comfy slip-ons, kitten heels, and tennis shoes
Swimsuit: don’t you always find that the hotel has a pool or hot tub your tired body craves but you forgot the suit?
Journal
Plenty of pens to record your thoughts
Wrinkle-free, comfy clothing: this is where the tranquiliT collection rocks. Pair your tie top over your wrap top with jeans, a bohemian skirt or the drawsting pant for a perfect outfit that goes from the mat to the museum. Pair your sleeveless tunic over capri pants or jeans and kitten heels for a chic, comfy look. Pair your shrug and your asymmetrical top over your foldover pant for a trendy look that carries you into the evening. Think comfy, flattering, color-coordinating and trendy separates.
A little black dress: throw on kitten heels to dress it up or your slip ons and a denim jacket for fun
Flair-filled accessories: chandelier earrings, long skinny scarves, tranquiliT capelet/skirt, colorful handbag (especially if you’re as addicted to black clothing as I am!), chunky necklace, sequined headband for those not-so-fabulous hair days
Reading material: go through your magazines on the plane and bring at least two powerful books to motivate and inspire
Ipod: how did we ever survive before without carrying around our entire cd collection in one tiny machine?

P.S. Don't forget, if you're not lucky enough to venture off to the beach this summer, create your own little urban escape at home with the tools above!

leaving a legacy

2005-07-09T18:40:00.000-04:00

i recently spoke on a panel at the national women's business conference in dc on ways to leave a legacy. through the creation of tranquil space, i hope to leave the world a better place. that has always been a large value of mine with the studio and to share the ways that i strive to do this meant a lot. i decided that sharing it with blog readers would be another way to get the message out and encourage entrepreneurs, students, teachers, professionals, and worker bees (which is truly what we all are, huh?) to leave a legacy through your daily efforts.

the 3 keys for leaving a legacy are:

1. involvement of your community (family, clients, staff) with special events and recognition
2. find work that feeds a passion and that you can expand on because your passion will continue to grow and evolve
3. share your success with other through mentoring, consulting, volunteering, donating to charities close to your heart

in summary:
- start small
- dream big
- work ON your business rather than always IN your business (same with life!) i.e., self-reflection, evaluation, revisiting goals, etc.
- take care of yourself
- build community
- think PASSION WITH PURPOSE
- leave a legacy

birthday/mid-year self-reflection

2005-07-03T11:40:00.000-04:00

as my birthday weekend comes to a close, i wanted to share a fabulous request that i received from my amazingly talented illustrator, morgan. i know her only professionally and was touched to receive such a thought-provoking personal e-mail. here is a portion of it cut and pasted:

"Your birthday is your personal New Year's, and a chance to create for
ourselves a starting point and period of reflection for the year past.
So... Here's your assignment, should you choose to accept it:

1. Make a list of your accomplishments since your last birthday
2. Make a list of your goals for this year.
3. Write these lists in your journal, and save it someplace safe that you'll
refer to it again.
4. (optional) Share this information with others."

as i prepare to venture out into montreal shortly to hear some jazz (it's jazz festival time here!), take sir louis to run with french-barking canines in the park, and stroll along the streets filled with cafes and fun boutiques, i wanted to share this request with each of you. it doesn't need to be a birthday to stop for a moment, find a cozy corner, pull out your journal with pen in hand, and reflect on what the first part of 2005 has meant to you. we're half way there, half way through a year filled with many dreams. how have yours unfolded? what can you do during the second half of 2005 to either get back on the horse or change course altogether?

i plan to use my 12-hour drive back to dc tomorrow to reflect on these great questions above. i encourage you to use this holiday weekend to carve out some personal time. tomorrow is a day focused on freedom in the usa, why not focus on personal freedom through some self-reflection?

here's to the rest of 2005 filled with challenges, joy, growth, and continued evolution. thank you, morgan, for sending such a thought-provoking birthday wish.

32 things i'm grateful for

2005-06-30T00:39:00.000-04:00

during 12-hour drive from dc to montreal today, i enjoyed making a large dent in my ever-growing stack of unread magazines, journals and papers. i read an article in this new great magazine, worthwhile, of someone using their birthday to reflect on all they were grateful for. what a perfect way to celebrate another year! considering it is now officially my 32nd birthday, i reflected on 32 things that i'm extremely grateful for (in no particular order):

- tim, my oh-so-supportive beau
- louis, my oh-so-darling pug
- the tranquil space team, all who have contributed to making tranquil space what it is today
- the tranquil space community, especially those students who began with me in my living room
- my yoga practice
- smell of lavender
- silk eyepillows
- soft sheets
- the women's movement
- my childhood camp fire group
- lush bath bomb filled bathing experiences
- milk chocolate with caramel
- smiling strangers
- the olive garden, one of my fave dining treats
- friends
- leopard print
- my home
- the color pink
- the new magazine pink
- down duvets
- champagne
- chamomile tea
- living in the US
- my treo phone
- my rock star 93-year-old gramma who e-mails
- mum and pops
- my education
- the book the artist's way
- my large library of inspiring texts
- smell and spirit of christmas
- my fave feline bonnard
- wireless internet

creating this list was fun and allowed me to reflect on all the amazing things i can express gratitude for. so many lessons learned, so many people i've met, so many blessings! thank YOU for sharing with me on this journey in person or via this blog. xoxo

the 4 agreements

2005-06-26T11:31:00.000-04:00

A friend recently reminded me of a great book that I’d read years ago, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is a practical guide to personal freedom and corresponds so beautifully with the yogic path. I’d like to share these four agreements, how they relate to your yoga practice, and encourage the power of incorporating these into your life.

The first agreement is "Be Impeccable with Your Word” and the concept is similar to yoga’s satya (truth) principle that is one of the yamas. The author encourages us to begin by speaking gently to ourselves and to observe how we communicate with others. He says, “Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” As yoga practitioners we are human AND we are yogis, so mistakes will be made. However, practicing yoga with integrity means that we speak and live with integrity. Begin to practice being an observer of what you say and how you say it. In our high-tech world, this now goes beyond verbal communication but also e-mail and other forms of written communication.

The second agreement is “Don’t Take Anything Personally.” The author claims that, “Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.” This is the one agreement that I both love and hate. I absolutely believe that other people’s reactions are often out of our control and come from their own struggles. However, I also believe if you continue to have the same issues with people, this becomes worthy of self-study, svadhyaya. As so eloquently put in Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book, Wherever You Go, There You Are, you are the only constant factor in your numerous interactions. If you continue to run from situations, people, or experiences, expecting things to be different, you may spend your whole life running. This is where the yoga niyama svadhyaya comes in -- a little bit of self-reflection can go a long way to stop these patterns. The author does a wonderful job here reminding readers that people operate based on their own experiences and it is best not to internalize that. I like to go one step further to encourage a little bit of personal responsibility through awareness of patterns through self-study.

The third agreement is “Don’t Make False Assumptions.” I liken this agreement to pratyahara, the fifth step on the eight-limbed yogic path. Pratyahara is the conscious withdrawal of the senses, choosing to consciously react or not react to stimuli. We all have those moments of gut reaction when we say or do something in the moment that we regret almost immediately. The author encourages clear and concise communication, something that is emphasized heavily in the Tranquil Space teacher training. Ask for exactly what you want in as few words as possible – this avoids needless rambling or talking in circles. The author writes, “Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama.” How many of us have tortured ourselves over something that we thought someone meant when we were totally off base? Assumptions involve jumping to conclusions over our own perceptions of what we would mean if we had said that, however, it is always a great lesson in humility to realize that not everyone thinks or reacts as we do. Really?

The fourth agreement is “Always Do Your Best.” This concept is similar to the yoga niyama isvara pranidanah -- acting as best we can and then letting go of attachment to the outcome of our actions. The author writes, “Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.” Years ago when I would complain to a friend about an attorney that I worked with (in my former paralegal days), my friend would remind me that everyone is doing the best they can with what they have. I always try to remember that when I get frustrated as most people are operating the best they can with the tools they have. Isn’t that powerful? By showing up each day with a clean canvas on which to paint your life, and putting your best foot forward in each situation, you will live a life with few regrets.

These four agreements are very powerful, especially coupled with the yogic principles. As yogis, we are striving to lead a more conscious lifestyle. Blended with our innate humanness, there is always a struggle but I’d like to think that those of us pursing a yoga lifestyle are doing so in a non-pretentious, non-dogmatic but somewhat enlightened way simply because we have more tools – asana and beyond. Choose an agreement and the corresponding yogic principle to play with each week of July. Practice being an observer of yourself, and watch as your world begins to transform through these basic principles.

inspiring quote

2005-06-17T10:25:00.000-04:00

"to laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest criticism and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty and find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - that is to have succeeded." ~ ralph waldo emerson

wow, i just came across this when searching for a new quote to add to a page on the tranquil space website. isn't this truly what life is all about? a fabulous tool for reflection as we approach the weekend and celebration of fathers/positive parental figures everywhere.

may we all leave a positive mark in small, subtle ways every day.

seeking serenity

2005-06-15T21:46:00.000-04:00

When I began practicing yoga almost a decade ago, I was seeking an outlet that would bring serenity, self-discovery, and a svelte physique. Little did I know the yoga journey that lay ahead after my first class one early morning overlooking the snowcapped mountains of Colorado. Yoga has become a way of life. I’ve been a seeker since early childhood when I gained pleasure flipping through the pages of my mother’s “Dear Abby” compilation book looking for answers to my third grade struggles. This mentality has followed me into adulthood. While others love escaping with a good fiction beach book, I take solace in non-fiction books proclaiming to help me discover my purpose, live my best life, and build a socially conscious business. While working at a law firm with hope of changing the world one trademark at a time, I found that my lunch hours were spent in the park reading self-help, my evenings were spent learning yoga, and my weekends were consumed with visions of turning my one-bedroom apartment into a yoga studio. I continue to search for answers regularly while on the yoga mat practicing or off the yoga mat living my life.

midwest yoga conference musings

2005-06-02T22:55:00.000-04:00

day 1 of the last tradeshow and yoga travels for a few months. i'm getting used to hotel rooms, my beloved treo that allows me to text, e-mail and touch base while away, and nostalgic thoughts of actually taking a vacation. but, reality brings me back and, i must confess, that this is a great place to be. just heard rodney yee speak for the second time in a few weeks since i've done 2 tradeshows at conferences very close to each other. i was less moved this time (may have to do with a slight case of exhaustion) but inspired nonetheless.

the topic was on the abundance of being and he reminded us that the US is 5% of the world's population but we use 33% of the world's resources. wow! we are a country of consumption. he said a few things that i wrote down (got this habit from my mama during church sermons growing up). he read a buddhist quote on how thoughts become deeds, deeds become habits, and habits become character. another wow! isn't it amazing to realize that the tiny seed grows into a big tree just like our thoughts grow into and determine our character. when was the last time you stopped to take note of your thoughts? they just happen, right? but whoa, watching them is almost scary. he encouraged us to do that through meditation. i've tried it periodically. it feels good but i feel like i need paper and pen next to me as the to-do lists never stop. yes, clearly i need meditation more that most. maybe we can start a meditation support group! ;) anwyway, he told us to sit with the pain and angst that comes up. isn't it so much easier to avoid this pain/confrontation with self through overeating, overworking, overanything rather than just being?

he read another quote that said, "if you're not happy, you're not grateful." this takes us back to the topic of abundance. simply being is relishing in abundance. we have so much, why can't we be grateful? it is so much easier to see what is wrong. so, i'm going to take my advice from the 5-tips blog posting and really think each night before i go to bed about one thing that happened during the day that i am grateful for. what a fabulous way to drift off into slumber! starting tonight - i am grateful that i met a studio owner tonight from ohio who read my feature on ladies who launch last summer and has been reading my blog, and thanked me for being an inspiration. if that isn't what this work is about, i don't know what is. thank you sandy for introducing yourself and resonating with what i share.

yoga as a lifestyle

2005-05-30T23:45:00.000-04:00

“what lies before us and what lies behind us is nothing compared to what lies within us.” ~ emerson

tranquil space is a lifestyle-focused yoga studio that serves to enhance lives on and off the yoga mat. but what does this really mean? having reflected on this a lot recently, i wanted to share the evolutionary process. six years ago when i went through my first teacher training, i consciously decided that i didn’t want to become a yoga teacher who leads students through a series of poses and then simply sends them on their way. so when i began inviting strangers into my living room to practice, i knew i wanted to offer them more - ways to live life more fully, ways to explore their creative side, ways to connect with other like-minded washingtonians, and ways to find their edge.

the incorporation of yoga principles off the mat becomes a lifestyle - a way of life that reflects a person’s values and attitudes. by viewing yoga as a lifestyle, i began to explore how best to teach yoga off the mat in a way that allowed students to find their own path and personalize it. practicing yoga may simply be moving through the poses when you first come across a yoga mat, but the practice also lovingly teaches connection to the more subtle aspects of yourself. for example, yoga has helped me become a much stronger person, both physically and emotionally. yes, chaturanga seemed like an impossible feat at the beginning, now i can’t imagine life without it. yes, having to initiate an uncomfortable conversation has never been easy, but somehow yoga has helped empower me to do so. also, by paying attention to my truth (satya), i recognize the alternative – i’m uneasy about something but not being authentic by ignoring it.

yoga is not about perfection, judgment, regret, following blindly, or a belief that there is only one way. yoga is personalized for every practitioner and that is the beauty of the practice. yoga as a lifestyle is about authenticity, making value-based decisions, empowerment, self-study (svadhyaya), compassion, presenting your best self to the world, passion, intention, moderation (brahmacharya), and self-nurturing.

tranquil space is a special haven where i hope others will be inspired to live life in a way that shines. after all, that is why you are here, to shine as brightly as possible! you were drawn to the practice for a reason and i encourage you to explore this deeper. the mission of tranquil space is taking principles of yoga out of the studio and into daily life. i believe this to be so important that tranquil space offers workshops that help you explore your practice in areas such as money management, conscious cooking, and even knitting. some teachers laughingly confess that they live their yoga through self-care practices such as pedicures and massages!

continue your exploration of yoga as a lifestyle and enjoy the constant evolution of it. relish in the notion that you are challenging yourself in subtle and overt ways every time you step onto the mat. honor the intentions and dedications that you create. begin each day with the one-pointed focus we seek in yoga, and end each day in gratitude. unleash your unlimited potential within as a first step to embodying yoga as a lifestyle. let your yogic lifestyle be as unique as you are. embrace the teachings, hold onto what resonates with you, and continue to live your life one pose at a time.

5 tips to living your yoga on and off the mat

2005-05-23T00:37:00.000-04:00

1. Set your intention. Begin each practice (of life AND yoga) with a clear purpose in mind. This will help you stay on track while honoring and clarifying why you are doing what you do.
2. Stay in balance. Just as yoga teaches you how to balance with grace in awkward poses, it is important to find a similar balance in life. A well-rounded yogi who balances work and play is less likely to burn out.
3. Breathe deeply. The breath is an important life force. Begin to deepen your breath during challenges and notice profound psychological and physical effects.
4. Take risks. Do something everyday that scares you. This will keep you out of your comfort zone and encourage new experiences (or poses).
5. Express gratitude. Acknowledge at least one thing each day that you are grateful for. Awareness helps conquer scarcity thinking and keeps your focus positive.

wisconsin yoga journal conference musings

2005-05-14T00:24:00.000-04:00

greetings from the land of cheese! the midwesterners are loving the tranquiliT manifesto tees - totally sold out on the first "slow" day. (i was told to expect today to be slow). i LOVE the people here. amazing what not living in the hustle of a city does for folks' demeanor.

the drive from the milwaukee airport to the resort center where the conference is held (a former playboy mansion getaway or so the driver revealed) was a gentle reminder of my roots. sooo very oklahomaish! plains, not so many trees, nice "salt of the earth" people happy to assist you and appear truly happy to have the jobs they hold, hills, farm houses, street side stands, and barns. considering i haven't been "home" in 3 years, this part of the country feels nice.

after a full day of tranquiliT selling, i was honored to hear rodney yee's keynote of serving, and then sing along with dave stringer for some kirtan-fun! govinda, gopala, gopala, govinda.... serving, do we ever really think of what that means? as a yoga teacher, i was taught to think of every class i teach as being of service. his talk was a great reminder of this. can't we be of service with EVERY role we hold - teacher, student, mother, daughter, partner, consultant, assistant, etc? how would life be different if we approached each day with "how can i serve (or make a difference) today?" WOW!

and, he went on to talk about how americans overwork (really?) and that realizing the power of shavasana can be our way of being of service. taking that down time and making it happen. i liken this to the notion of putting on your own mask before your child's on an airplane. we have to replenish ourselves before we can help others.

he also requested that we evaluate our life, cut back on something that isn't serving us anymore (relationship, job, situation, etc.), use the new found time to restore, and then replace it with being of service. i loved the concept. i will continue to ponder what that could be for me. i can never think of anything to remove, only things i want to add....may be why i'm a little tired.

anyway, he and dave stringer commented on the power of yoga and how important it is the "relish triangle, relish utkatasana." how often do you find yourself saying, "when is she going to let us out of this pose? when is shavasana?" they both reiterated how, in life, we deal with the same thing. we're in an uncomfortable or challenging pose/situation, and we keep looking for an escape rather than letting go. i get what they're saying but when your pet is sick, your beau is unbearable, and you don't know how bills will get paid, it can be hard to "relish" or "let go." what i take away from it is that in THESE times, we are learning valuable lessons, we are gaining strength and wisdom, and that there is no reason to rush the process.

one final bit of prose i took away from dave's chats in between chants was the notion of "on and off the mat," one of my fave phrases, and how life isn't really separated into the 2 parts. our on and off are one and the same. i'll ponder that one but i really liked his blending of life and yoga as a whole.

overall, wisconsin has been fabulous so far and i've met some great people. i believe in synchronicity and it seems to play out at every tradeshow i do. i meet and am connected with such amazing people. the world is full of them, we know that, but it is always fun to be reminded of it in synchronistic ways.

fit yoga feature

2005-05-08T19:52:00.000-04:00

pick up may's issue of fit yoga to read my article "8 steps to yoga on and off the mat for the modern girl." it begins with breathwork, and moves into a hip opening sequence to awaken the hips and heal your spirit. then the article moves into using your practice to grow, and moral code musing on how the yamas and niyamas play into the hip chick's daily life. next, i guide you through creating a passion-filled vision for your life, and how to nurture your inner artist. finally, i address creating a signature style by taking your yoga wear to on the town flair, and how to incorporate some basic self-nurturing. please pick it up and share your thoughts with me at kimberly@tranquilspace.com. fit yoga is a fun new yoga mag, filled with great articles and inspiration!

styles of yoga in modern girl terms

2005-05-05T19:42:00.000-04:00

When staring yoga, or debating exploration of a new style, it is helpful to determine if you like routine or are seeking a “surprise” with each class. There are certain styles that offer a set sequence every time, while others will vary with each class. Understanding your personality and preferences will help you determine where you fit best on the yoga wheel. A few of my favorite and most popular styles are outlined below. It will help those of you new to yoga figure out where to begin, or those of you seasoned yoginis expand your yogic horizons.

Anusara means “to step into the current of divine will.” Students hear phrases like “puff your kidneys” and “open to grace,” and receive a practice that is spiritually inspiring while grounded in biomechanics. The class focus weaves attitude, alignment, and action. Keen attention to detail, flowery language, and demonstrations during class make this a unique and powerful style. Texan founder John Friend exudes a passion for yoga, and has a rapidly growing number of devotees. For more information, visit www.anusara.com.

Ashtanga is a set series in a warm room that is quite vigorous and sometimes coined “power yoga.” The primary and secondary series are fast-paced and the most commonly found series at Ashtanga studios although there are actually six series. The practice is for a serious yogini who loves knowing which pose comes next while floating in and out of standing and seated poses. Indian founder Pattabhi Jois lives in Mysore, India and created this popularly intense style. For more information, visit www.ashtanga.com.

Bikram is a set series of 26 poses in 100° heat where the bikini-clad teachers encourage you to push harder, harder, harder. Similar to Ashtanga as it is great for students who love knowing a sequence, love to sweat, and enjoy being challenged in a militant way. Indian founder Bikram Choudhury lives in Los Angeles and was once coined the “bad boy of yoga” by Yoga Journal. He is a connoisseur of Rolls-Royces and franchising his style. For more information, visit www.bikramyoga.com.

Iyengar emphasizes strong detail to precise muscular and skeletal alignment. This style will help you connect to subtle parts of your body that you didn’t know you had. Classes often feel like kindergarten with a constant run to the closet to get your strap, block, blanket or bolster. Props are used heavily in this style and help you find the perfect pose - great for those who love detail, but challenging for those who lack patience and want lots of movement. Indian founder B.K.S. Iyengar lives in Pune, India and is renowned in the world of yoga. His certified teachers have proudly been through rigorous training. This style is a great foundation for all yoginis. For more information, visit www.bksiyengar.com.

Vinyasa (often called “flow”) offers a ton of creativity for the teacher and the student. It emerged from the roots of Krisnamacharya's lineage of Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga, and focuses on the linking of flowing poses with breath. If you love to dance, vinyasa offers yoga movement in a graceful, challenging flow with continuous creativity. The practice of vinyasa translates beautifully off the mat by encouraging mindfulness in movement, attention to the breath’s contribution, the weaving of continuous fluidity with power, and the appreciation of life’s incessant flow.

There are many additional styles and they continue to grow. As a Hip Tranquil Chick you will experience the various styles to make an educated personal practice decision based on what works best for your body and mind at various stages in your life. As you deepen your connection to your intuition, one of the MANY benefits of yoga, you will realize that a vigorous practice may appeal when you have a strong need to release pent-up energy after a challenge-filled day. But you also know that your preference may change when you find yourself craving a yin or restorative yoga practice (more to come on this must-have practice). At that time, honor this evolution by seeking a more pensive, slow practice style or blending both by practicing various styles based on your many moods.

Yoga is about personal style and preference. It is important to honor this individuality each time you step onto the mat. You will never approach your practice with the same feelings or experiences twice. Every day on the mat, just as every day in life, will be new. Just as your life is constantly growing and changing, so will your yoga practice. Over time, you will start to carry this personalized practice into all areas of your life – at home, on the go, in the office!

tranquiliT inspiration

2005-04-23T21:41:00.000-04:00

why tranquiliT? who needs luxe yoga clothing? why do you feel the need to feel fashionable while on the mat?

tranquiliT developed in the same way tranquil space began 5.5 years ago. there was not much yoga to be found in dc and i craved a like-minded community. so i set out to create someplace special for others to be inspired where tea and cookies would complete their experience.

tranquiliT grew out of my need to feel less frumpy while living in yoga wear 6-7 days a week. i recall feeling uncomfortable when i began teaching yoga full-time and was subbing downtown. surrounded by the work crowd in business suits, my tight black leggings and t-shirt felt like they shouldn't be allowed to leave the gym or studio. but who has time to change clothes simply to walk to the next class to teach across town? i began adding a skirt over my yoga pants so i didn't feel so exposed but that didn't quite solve my discomfort. i've always found that when i present my best self outwardly, i feel better inwardly. this relates to my practice too. when i am in comfortable clothing that i can easily wear on and off the mat, i can transition easily from meetings to the cafe to yoga practice. thus, tranquiliT was born.

are you seeking something more in your life? do you think that you may have ideas that can solve a problem for yourself and others? maybe a motivational book club for like-minded divas? how about a functional AND fashionable bag that actually fits everything you need to carry? or a book that shares your life journey and will inspire others? now is the time to create. your challenges or needs are probably faced by others too. your risk taking and attention to your own needs may help lead others to a tranquil space.

tranquiliT manifesto

2005-04-19T22:30:00.000-04:00

as i prepare to head out to seattle to showcase the tranquiliT line with buyers in the northwest, i wanted to share this beautiful image that my graphic designer put together for my clothing line manifesto. this manifesto means so much to me as it is a dynamic reflection of how yoga can seep into our lifestyle. yoga is not simply downward facing dog, but it the awareness to carry the creativity and mindfulness of the practice into our everyday life.

"live fully" is my first statement of the manifesto. i believe yoga encourages us to dive deeper into life, just as we do with our poses, and without tasting the nectar of life again and again, we become stagnant. my hope is that this manifesto, along with the clothing line and the yoga studio, will inspire others to live life fully. it is through creating, sharing your voice, and doing one thing each day that scares you, that you grow beyond your wildest belief. namaste.

savvy soiree-throwing

2005-04-18T22:17:00.000-04:00

in less than 26 hours i hosted 2 amazing groups of 13+ at my home in celebration of their success for completing programs that began in january - teacher training and a creativity cirle. the ability to pull off a fun soiree on a budget is worth blogging about and sharing secrets with others! the main thing to remember is that the ability to make something special is ALWAYS in the details.

for example, think festive confetti thrown into handwritten congratulation note cards, colorful gift bags or buckets filled with treats that nurture the senses, scented candles and bath gifts to encourage self-nurturing, ribbons wrapped around stemware, impatiens planted in barren winter pots that now bloom with life, candles everywhere, flowers to feed the soul, festive music playing, low lighting (helps hide lack of time to clean), decorative cocktail napkins, and an abundance of comforting snack food to make the visitors feel at home. always send guests home with something to remember your special time together - a small token means a lot.

when teaching yoga, i think theatre. sound, smell, touch, and sight are all so powerful to a class. think theatre when inviting your special savvy ones into your home. the ability to host friends is easy to pull off and no reason is necessary other than the desire to connect. do you find that it has been way too long since you had a girl's night in with some of your fave gal pals? well, wait no longer! send an encouraging evite requesting their presence at a gathering in honor of blooming into spring. request that they come with a spring intention and bottle of sparkling h2o or wine to share! what better way to reconnect after hibernating through the winter?

tranquiliT debut in nyc

2005-04-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

in the lobby of a hotel in nyc touching base with reality via e-mail (and just HAD to post). i'm here showing the tranquiliT line at the omega conference that is hosting some amazingly inspring speakers and authors (along with many singing bowl vendors). ommmmmmmmmmmmmm.

wanted to share a peek into my first tradeshow presenting the line to the public (outside of the fabulous online and studio tranquiliT boutique). this is a culmination of over a year's worth of designing, 4 months of searching for the right manufacturer in nyc (still in process), choosing the perfect fabrics and colors, creating the manifesto, sharing the inspiration behind the line (tired of running around town in leggings & tranquiliT Ts), and staying true to the roots of tranquil space's charity community value.

enjoy the photos and look for an upcoming post on the various steps involved in getting to this point. i hope to encourage others to follow their dreams and tap into their own creativity.

maven manifesto

2005-03-27T01:14:00.000-05:00

as a maven in the making, I promise to:

- handle money mindfully
- embody zest for life
- think outside the box
- think globally
- remain grounded
- challenge myself daily
- never play victim
- seek opportunity
- inspire others
- breathe through challenges
- treat my life as art
- not take my eyes off my value-led vision
- relish in a self-nurturing act daily
- consciously carve my career
- use yoga to balance my body and mind
- invite my inner artist to play creatively
- create community by hosting soirees
- design an urban oasis at home and at work
- exude my signature style with flair

relax & renew

2005-03-27T00:23:00.000-05:00

restorative yoga is a gift from the heavens. for anyone else who has trouble sitting still, restorative yoga bekons you to give it a chance. we offer it at 4:30 on fridays at the studio but for some people escaping a work day at that hour is only a dream. so, i wanted to share a couple of my favorite restorative poses with a hope that active women everywhere will take a few minutes for themselves and delight in the experience of relaxing & renewing (a GREAT book by judith lasater that gives numerous restorative ideas!).

1. legs up the wall - how can you go wrong with this one? take your bum to the wall and extend your legs up. elevating the hips slightly with a blanket and placing a silk eyepillow over the eyes is an additional treat.
2. legs up the wall variation - open the legs to a wide v.
3. legs up the wall variation X2 - bend the knees and place the soles of the feet together. think baddha konasana on a different plane.
4. heart opening fun - roll a blanket or yoga mat tightly and place it along the bra line horizontally (under the shoulder blades) and lie over it. adjust, get comfy, and breath deeply. this one is perfect for those challenging-to-breath-through days!
5. spine supporting fun - roll a blanket or yoga mat tightly and place it along the spine lengthwise, and lie over it. the bum goes right up to the bottom edge and stays on the ground. your head is supported by the top edge which acts as a pillow. add an eyepillow and restore!

all of these are a must for the modern girl striving to find some restorative among her busy lifestyle. additional touches that accentuate the experience are: rosewater facial spray, rosebud solve lip balm, lavender aromatherapy spray, a scented candle, soothing music, lightly scented rose incense, unplugged phones, and a journal nearby to record anything that arises. may you find some relaxation and renewal as march comes to a close.

sequins therapy

2005-03-17T22:03:00.000-05:00

so i took an artist's date in between studio errand running on sunday and reconnected with an excited child within. sequins is EVERYWHERE this season and it makes my heart sing. i hit a few fabric and craft stores out in virginia and came across rolls of sequins. i had to buy some! add it to tee shirts, pieces of the tranquiliT clothing line, my hair, my yoga mat, anything, i just had to have it. pink, black, white, silver and gold. i have to confess that it was the most fun i've had in awhile. you know, that kid in a candy store feeling. it made me question, why did it take me making a detour from my day off doing studio errands to own such a feeling? shouldn't i have spurts of sequins therapy everyday? there are ways to bring a little bit of sequins into life everyday. treating myself to a calm tea at starbucks, not responding "yes!" to every request that comes through my in box, taking a bath with a lush bomb, and just looking for small ways to awaken that playful child within.

if you're looking for ways to add a dash of sequins into your own life, visit your local fabric, craft or paper store and notice how those excited feelings of play can return to brighten up your regular routine. we all deserve more sequins in our lives!

change of routine, change of perspective

2005-03-06T21:46:00.000-05:00

as we slowly move out of the drudge of winter, i see new hope and color on the horizon. lately i've been experiencing a slump. you know, the typical "woe is me" feeling that can consume even the most upbeat of souls. it's interesting to note how i react to the fog. i up my yoga practice, i get it out in my journal, i share with those i trust, i try to solve everything at once, i read books and work with consultants on streamlining, and i wallow in self-pity! it is interesting to note that when i lose sight of myself due to incessent movement, the universe has a way of slowing me down. hard drive fails (happened two weeks ago and haven't even had a chance to try to restore the data), water heater decides to stop working and start leaking, studio personnel revamping, and samples of new spring clothing line needs lots of tweaks. some days i wonder how much i can handle. then, i get up the next morning and start anew. i've come to realize that how i handle myself in challenges speaks stronger than how i handle myself when things are going well. i've also noticed that even the smallest change to my routine can affect my perspective in a good way. walking my baby pug louis on a friday night, taking a sunday afternoon yoga class (my one standard day off from the studio), meeting friends for dinner, taking a different route to work, having "date night" with my oh-so-patient beau, eating strawberry shortcake for breakfast, and stopping at starbucks for a chamomile tea during afternoon errand running.

if you too are working to come out of a winter funk, look no further than your daily routine to spice things up. spring is on the horizon and it brings such possibility and room for growth. during my creativity circle yesterday we discussed how we are like seeds germinating below the surface, and we need plenty of water and sunshine to grow. water yourself with self-nurturing acts, bathe yourself in the sunshine of special friends, and allow yourself plenty of time to push through the soil. your potential is truly limitless. i'm hopeful that the warmth of dc today sprinkled a little bit of hope and nourishment in your direction.

the celebration of women and empowerment

2005-02-28T19:52:00.000-05:00

welcome to women's history month

and, of course, a continual celebration of all things fabulously feminine. march is devoted nationally to honoring women and serves as a beautiful reminder of the abundance of choices available to those willing to push edges to create opportunity. my favorite mantra has been, "edges pushed, boundaries held." i believe this ties in perfectly to a muse focused on the celebration of women. personally, i see accepting challenge as being synonymous with empowerment. your ability to push edges makes for a less stagnant and more dynamic existence. isn’t that what being a hip tranquil chick is all about?

use the onset of spring to reflect on areas in your life that feel stagnant and in need of change. for example, how long have you been complaining about your job, relationship, or living situation? what small steps can you take to begin making changes in these areas? or is the shift needed simply a change in attitude and perspective? empower yourself with the realization that you are in your current situation by choice, and getting out of any position that no longer serves you is also a choice. as we all know, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. let your acknowledgement of a desire for change jump-start this journey today. in addition, bring awareness to areas in your life that beg for you to exert power and hold boundaries. putting the needs of others before your own is a sure way to lose momentum in your own life goals. remember the importance of holding boundaries in your relationships and life experiences to conserve your power for pushing your own edges. spring is a perfect time to take stock and do some housekeeping.

being a well-rounded yogini is to be mindful of actions on a larger scale — noticing how what we do affects others. use the awareness you bring to the areas in your individual world to a more global view. how can you assist in a continuation of freedom for all people? for example, donate to an international women's fund, volunteer at a domestic violence or homeless shelter, start a business catered to women, read a book about a powerful woman, mentor a fellow female, participate in a big sister program, head a fundraiser that supports a cause close to your heart, create a community for like-minded people.

celebrate the women in your life. celebrate the woman you were. celebrate the woman you've become. celebrate the woman you strive to be. celebrate the women who paved the path for your freedom. may march shower you with pride, gratitude for those that challenge and empower you, and an activist attitude for improving those areas that aren't at full potential individually and globally. use march to bloom what has been dormant and germinating below the surface all winter.

compassion = with passion

2005-02-18T22:56:00.000-05:00

i attended sacred circles: a celebration of women's spirituality this evening at the national cathedral. what an honor to be in the presence of such fabulous feminine energy. i was mainly interested in hearing eileen fisher speak as i am impressed with her business style - the incredibly feminine way that she has created her business. she was an interior designer who wanted a more comfortable approach to clothing, and that is how her 200 million dollar empire began - apparently other women wanted comfy clothes too! aren't many passions created by craving something you are unable to find so you put yourself out there, and a wave begins?

the theme of this event was compassion. she stated that she struggled to think of how she shows compassion and then realized that compassion actually means "with passion," and she lives passion! isn't this what so many of us crave? a life based in passion, a life that screams our true self, a life that inspires others. when i got home and was finishing preparations for tomorrow's creativity circle with 12 fabulous women on their creative path, i was reminded of the importance of living with passion in a creative way. during my daily routine which involves numerous meetings, e-mails, phone calls, and 12+hour work days, i find it important to remember that this IS my passion. growing a business, nurturing others' growth, creating systems that help support this growth, coming up with new yoga sequences, keeping my finger on the pulse, buying for the tranquiliT boutique, desiging the tranquiliT lifestyle line, writing, mentoring others - this is how i work to live with passion!

yes, the days are long. yes, i get disappointed by inauthenticity. yes, some days are harder than others. but, i believe eileen is right. we must live with passion or we become stagnant, stale, complacent, dull, bored, angry. i teach what i most need to learn and i'm a big evangelist of passion and creativity. to summarize, zest for life is a must to living with compassion. let your life scream passion. let your life scream individuality. may your life never become sans passion.

luxe lifestyle manifesto

2005-02-09T08:08:00.000-05:00

illustration by morgan l. johnson

live fully
seek serenity
laugh often
tread mindfully
savor simplicity
love passionately
think globally
exude creativity
treasure tranquility

living a luxe life is about relishing consciously in daily luxuries.

think cashmere meets your favorite yoga pose, think you get a promotion and your grandmother says she's proud of you, think fresh raspberries on warm homemade granola cereal, think marshmallows and whipped creme on your hot chocolate, think art supplies meets creativity on a free sunday afternoon, think reminiscing with your best childhood girlfriend, think fresh flowers from a fresh beau, think blooming cherry blossoms, think kitty purr and loyal canine companion, think good book meets blazing fire on comfy couch, think living your life out loud!

signature style for the girl on the go

2005-02-08T23:51:00.000-05:00

Signature Style: Take Your Yoga Wear to On the Town Flair

The Hip Tranquil Chick gets bored with the typical black leggings and yoga tee. Her spirit stands out from the crowd, and she enjoys expressing her creativity through her style. Coupled with charming accessories, she is able to throw a wrap top over the same cami and black pants she practiced in for a post-practice evening out and about.

The Hip Tranquil Chick knows the following staples are a must in the chic yoga-lover’s closet:

• Multiple black yoga practice pants in assorted fabrics (terry, cotton, velvet, blends) and lengths (capri, floor-length, ankle-length)
• Fun, fitted tops in assorted colors and fabrics that stretch and allow ample mobility during practice
• Cover-ups such as wrap tops and tunics to keep even the most modest yogini comfortable en route to class
• A slip dress that can be worn over yoga pants or alone
illustration by morgan l. johnson

• Slip-on ballet slippers which are perfect for wearing to the studio and then to the café
• A functional and fun bag, large enough to hold all her pre- and post-practice yoga goodies such as small items of luxury: body wipes (to clean up before heading out and about post-practice), rosewater facial hydrating mist (rosewater mixed with h2o in a spritzer), rosebud salve (glosses lips, controls hair frizzies, and soothes dry skin all in one little tin), and white musk perfume oil (from the body shop) to dab behind the ears.

OMwork:
*Collect images that appeal to you from various magazines and put together a style collage. Bold colors and styles or more subdued? Jackie O. or Betsy Johnson?
*Invest in inexpensive accessories that help even the most basic black capri pants and white tee transition into comfy daily wear with long skinny scarves, hats, brooches or ponchos.
*Clean out your closet seasonally. If you have clothing, shoes or accessories that you aren’t wearing, donate them to a local women’s shelter or host a girl’s night clothing swap. This is a fun way to build community among girlfriends and give to those in need.

Author note: As someone who lives in yoga wear, I have searched high and low for activewear that I can really live in - work comfortably on the computer for hours, run errands, hit the cafe, take yoga, and hold meetings - all in one outfit! That's how I've come up with the above info as it has made such a difference in me feeling comfy AND put together. I hope this helps other active fashionistas find ways to balance comfort with style. For a peek at my latest designs for the tranquiliT collection (luxe lifestyle yoga wear), visit www.tranquiliT.com.

pensively pondering passion

2005-01-31T17:11:00.000-05:00

“the aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware! ~ henry miller

february is fast upon us. how are your 2005 intentions unfolding? how are you handling the lack of sunshine and ability to enjoy life outside? this is a month filled with carnation hearts, chilly weather, whispers of love, and lots of pink and red. i find that it is also a month where many people become stir crazy. the holidays are over, the thrill of new year’s resolutions have subsided, and we’re hanging on by a thread with anticipation of spring. how can we find a message in the madness through our yoga and beyond? to me, an underlying theme for february is a connection with passion. isn’t passion, (defined by my ibook dictionary as “an intense or overpowering emotion, keen interest in a particular subject or activity, and strong desire and excitement”), what our practice of yoga and life is really all about?

through yoga, we are able to reconnect to the basics such as breath, mindful movement, and thought cessation. by coming back to these basics, we can see where we are in need of action to avoid further stagnation. simple tools such as journal writing, yoga practice, meditation, and a good heart-to-heart with a trusted companion can assist with jolting one out of a rut. notice what areas feel passionless in your life and begin working with ways to bring it back. passion-filled changes could include trying a different level of practice at the studio, cooking with a new herb, taking up flamenco dance, designing a dress, writing a novel, creating a blog or starting a business. passion is about living out loud, being in the flow, taking chances, finding edges, and holding boundaries – with flair!

without passion, days lose importance and life becomes a continual dance on the hamster wheel. explore ways to bring passion back to your life, your relationships, and even your yoga practice. approaching your job or partnership with new eyes, or less judgmental eyes, that embody gratitude can do a lot for invoking passion. approaching the mat as if you’re new to the practice and listening intently to the subtleties encouraged by the teacher can invoke a passion for warrior 1.

life is meant to be lived fully. i love the quote above by henry miller. how often are you living with such passion that you are “joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware?” isn’t that what it’s all about? february, cupids, love, relationships, life – passion is at the core! may this month offer you a chance to connect with your passion both on and off the yoga mat.

yoga off the mat: at home, on the go & at work

2005-01-28T11:04:00.000-05:00

the hip tranquil chick’s practice at home, on the go, and at work

at home: her home is a refuge, a place to reconnect with her soul. she enjoys reflecting and retreating here, along with entertaining and possibly even sharing her life with loved ones: a partner, friend, and/or pet. as encouraged by virginia woolf, the hip tranquil chick knows that carving out a sacred space within her home is of great importance for her sanity and development. whether it is a cozy corner, carved out nook, or a room of her own, she finds a space to call her own. on the mat: the hip tranquil chick makes yoga an integral part of her daily routine. by carving out a space for her practice or simply having her mat nearby, she is able to take a few moments to connect within. she may begin the day with a sun salutation, rest in pigeon pose after a challenging day, or spend 10 minutes in complete quiet sitting on her mat and listening to her breath. she may be in need of a high-energy practice to bhagavan das or thievery corporation or a more sacred, slow flow to deva premal. she knows that her life is always changing, and therefore, so is her practice. her practice is a mirror for her life, and she enjoys making this connection in the comfort of her home. off the mat: whether entertaining like-minded girlfriends or spending time in quiet contemplation with her journal, the hip tranquil chick knows the importance of connecting to her yoga practice away from the mat while at home. she enjoys reflecting on her day and experiences, acknowledging lessons learned, and thinking of ways to be stronger and more flexible in the future. she also values time spent being rather than always doing and loves “accomplishing” the science of just being. if she lives with a friend or partner, she practices detachment from how she thinks things should be, knowing that everyone is different and she is wasting her time trying to change another person.

on the go: always in motion, from the market to the museum to an afternoon of retail therapy, book browsing and café writing, the hip tranquil chick seeks to connect to her yoga practice. she is continually aware that asana is not the only form of practice and tries to incorporate the more subtle aspects of yoga into her daily rounds. on the mat: although she may not be able to roll out her yoga mat in a sale-frenzied boutique, she is able to do some subtle practicing through breath work and basic bliss-producing poses. while standing in line, she can shift her weight into one leg and place the other foot at her ankle for tree pose, she can interlace her hands behind her back and lift them up to create a heart opener, or she can work with eagle and cow face arms to awaken her upper back from her retail therapy bag overload. also, as she finds tempers flaring and pulses rising due to a huge line at her local bank or grocery store, she is able to access her 3-part yogic breathing and rise above the madness. there are little things that she can do to maintain her practice while on the go and avoiding a scene. off the mat: while out and about, the hip tranquil chick takes a mindful approach to life. through encounters on busy sidewalks to interactions with store clerks and baristas, she is courteous and conscious that staying calm in the middle of chaos is a testament to her practice of yoga. how she spends her free time allows her to transfer her beliefs into action through volunteering, supporting causes close to her heart, and connecting with a community. living with integrity and treating others as she wants to be treated is her way to practice yoga away from the mat while gallivanting about town.

at work: her workplace is a continual practice challenge. she may be surrounded by various personalities, looming deadlines, office red tape, exorbitant expectations, lack of appreciation, ringing phones, endless e-mail, and incessant meetings. however, with the principles of yoga internalized, the hip tranquil chick is able to rise above office drama to find a sense of peace within the pandemonium. on the mat: within her office, she takes regular time to reconnect with her body through movement and breath awareness. (see my previous blog for an office yoga vinyasa.) if she can’t close the door and float into a headstand, she can easily practice some basic moves that will leave her feeling refreshed and alive. the basic bliss-producing poses described in sidebar three are sure to rejuvenate the hard working hip tranquil chick. off the mat: whether she is in charge of answering phones or running a fortune 500 company, she incorporates principles of yoga into her work. by being flexible when an emergency arises or being strong when she feels mistreated, she strives to live what she practices through yoga. the combination of strength and flexibility with finding her edge and protecting her boundaries are a way for her to grow authentically in her professional world. the courage it takes to practice a challenging arm balance where stability and strength are eventually found can be translated into gaining confidence to ask for a raise or share that innovative, yet controversial idea.

on the go/office vinyasa

2005-01-24T16:50:00.000-05:00

illustration by morgan l. johnson

the modern girl knows that weaving yoga into her daily routine, even if she can't make her favorite studio class, is very important to a tranquil state of being. taking time at the office or while out and about to connect within is crucial to a healthy mindset. incorporate this yoga sequence daily for a 15-minute “mental health break.”

begin by sitting on the edge of your seat with feet hip width apart and flat on the ground. extend the crown of the head toward the ceiling creating an elongated spine and connect to your breath. the yoga poses below begin from this basic starting position.

1. neck and shoulder rolls with closed eyes
inhale deeply. exhale and allow the eyes to close. inhale, lengthen the spine and slowly lower the right ear to the right shoulder. exhale, lowering the chin to the chest. inhale, lifting the left ear to the left shoulder. exhale, lowering the chin to the chest. repeat five times with the eyes closed. inhale, roll the shoulders forward and up to your ears. exhale, rolling the shoulders back and towards the floor, allowing the shoulder blades to slide down the back. repeat five times in both directions. benefits: rests the eyes to help prevent eye strain; lubricates and stretches the neck joints; relieves tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
2. seated cat and cow
clasp the seat of the chair, palms down and fingers pointing towards the floor. inhale, bring the chest forward and draw the shoulder blades together, taking a slight back bend in cow position. exhale, bring the belly towards the back of the chair allowing the shoulders to fall forward into cat position. repeat five times, concentrating on coordinating each movement with an inhale and an exhale. benefits: warms and elongates the spine, relieves back tension,
3. chair twists
inhale, lengthen the head towards the ceiling. exhale, twist to the right side bringing the left hand to the outside of your right leg. place the right hand on the left side of the upright seat back. allow the head to follow the twist of the spine and allow the eyes to gaze beyond the chair back. inhale, coming back to center and repeat on the other side. benefits: whittles the waist; stretches the spine, shoulders and hips; relieves lower back, neck and sciatica pain; aids in digestion; massages internal organs which pushes out toxins and allows the organs to refill with fresh blood.
4. eagle arms
inhale, stretching the arms out to the sides. exhale, bringing your left arm under your right arm. cross both arms at the elbows, point the elbows towards the floor and fingers up towards the ceiling. try to place the palms of the hands together. inhale, try to raise your elbows to shoulder height while moving the fingers as far forward from the face as possible. exhale, slowly draw up and down circles with the elbows in one direction and then the other. repeat on the other side. benefits: firms upper arms and stretches the upper back /shoulder muscles.
5. seated child’s pose
inhale, lengthen the spine toward the ceiling, exhale fold forward placing the chest on the thighs. allow the arms to drop to the floor. breathe deeply and relax for 30 seconds. inhale, engage the abs and raise the upper body to a sitting position. variations: (1) turtle pose: while in child’s pose, open the legs to hip distance. thread arms between the legs and around the calves. attempt to grasp the outside of the foot with the hand. (2) hands clasped behind the back pose: while in child’s pose, reach the arms behind the back and clasp the fingers together. lower the hands toward the head. benefits: rejuvenates the body; stretches the spine; massages the abdominal area.
6. ankle and wrist rolls
roll ankles and wrists in clockwise circles. repeat counter-clockwise. benefits: lubricates ankle and wrist joints; promotes blood circulation, eases carpal tunnel syndrome.
7. walking meditation
as you walk to the copier or to refill your water bottle during the workday, bring awareness to each step and movement. notice sensations in your body, concentrate on your breath and practice awareness of your surroundings. feel a sense of tranquility throughout your body and allow this feeling of peace to remain with you throughout the day. benefits: brings mindfulness into the mundane, creates tranquility.

may these small changes to your daily routine bring relief from the many directions on which you are pulled. namaste.

a personalized practice for today's modern yogini

2005-01-14T21:27:00.000-05:00

A true yoga practice begins internally and does not require a leopard print yoga mat or the latest yoga wear (although I personally find it more fun to practice with such things). Yoga is about connecting the mind and body to create a more cohesive life, and poses are simply a catalyst for this transformation. Yoga translates as union and the Hip Tranquil Chick uses yoga to create unification within her many worlds, especially with blending the mind, body, and spirit. She soon discovers how yoga assists her development both on and off the mat, and can be translated into all her modern girl trials and tribulations.

The sage Patanjali wrote the fundamental teachings of yoga, Yoga Sutras, in the second century BC. He wrote that the aim of yoga is to quiet the fluctuations of the mind, and to create stillness in order to connect with one’s own voice. Who needs this philosophy more than the modern girl? She tries to do it all, wants to have it all, and seeks a little fun sprinkled with consciousness along the way.

To truly create a personalized practice, it is important for the Hip Tranquil Chick to determine what she is seeking through yoga: serenity, a yoga bum, spirituality, social time with girlfriends, strength, meditation, or flexibility. What she is seeking today may be very different from what she seeks in the future. Just because she wants to practice yoga now since all her girlfriends do it, doesn’t mean that as her relationship to yoga grows it won’t become an integral part of her spiritual world.

A Hip Tranquil Chick’s approach to yoga is non-dogmatic. She knows that there are many paths to yoga and many ways to practice yoga, both on and off the mat, and she does not allow herself to be chained to any particular mode of practice. She loves exploring styles, trying different teachers within the styles, paying attention to how she feels in various yoga communities, and making decisions based on these criteria. Yoga is personal and it is important to honor this individuality each time she steps onto the mat. But how does she carry this practice into her everyday life – home, on the go, office? more to come.....

8 limbs of yoga & the modern girl

2005-01-03T21:22:00.000-05:00

welcome to 2005! let the new year allow for an expansion of practice on and off the mat. each moment truly can be a moment of potential practice. although many people think that yoga is simply the practice of poses, yoga goes much deeper into what is coined the "8 limbs" of yoga. in order for the hip tranquil chick to truly embody her yoga, she works to incorporate the eight limbs of yoga into her lifestyle.

the yamas (restraints) are the ethical foundation of the hip tranquil chick’s yoga practice and are discussed in detail in an earlier blog. these restraints are ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), bramacharya (sexual moderation), and aparigraha (non-greed). the yamas are attitudes and actions to avoid and, according to patanjali, are practiced in order to reduce suffering.

the niyamas (observances) are an expansion of the yamas and are also discussed in an earlier blog. these observances are tapas (discipline), svadhyaya (study of self), samtosha (contentment), isvara pranidanah (devotion to god), and saucha (purity). these observances are actions and attitudes she should cultivate to reduce suffering and to lessen the illusion of separation internally (with self) and externally (with others and the world around her).

asana is the third limb on the eight-limbed yoga system and is commonly erroneously considered the essence of yoga. the hip tranquil chick knows that yoga goes deeper than the physical practice of poses but was probably introduced to the depth of the practice through asana. asana translates as “seat” and is used to release her overactive mind and tune into her body. this stillness encourages separation from her thoughts and never ending to-do lists. patanjali also teaches that asana should be practiced with ease, a symbolic reminder to remain calm in the midst of challenge. the relevance of seeking stillness in activity and ease in difficulty translates into the hip tranquil chick’s practice of yoga off the mat.

pranayama is next on the system and is the control of the breath/life energy. for basic breath work ideas, please see previous blogs for the 3-part yogic breath. a BIG helper while standing in lines, squeezed onto the metro, waiting on an annual review, and centering during yoga.

pratayahara is the withdrawal of the senses and allows her to participate in a chaotic world without always reacting to it. the hip tranquil chick knows that living in a cave presents an easier way to practice her yoga without interruption but practicing in her urban work and play environment is more challenging.

the remaining three limbs are referred to as “the innermost quest” and are more subtle aspects of yoga practice. however, when dharana and dyana are practiced together, the hip tranquil chick is able to focus her mind in a way that assists her personally and professionally.

dharana, concentration, is the ability to be completely present to one thing. in a culture that respects multi-tasking, practicing dharana can be a challenge. the hip tranquil chick works to find balance between being connected and present to each task at hand while also being efficient. she is able to recognize feeling frazzled or non-present and works to remedy that by taking a time out, regrouping, and enjoying the moment she is in.

dynana, meditation, is a deep connection. by sitting still and tuning inward, she is quickly reminded how busy her “chitta,” translated as monkey, mind can be. just as a monkey travels from limb to limb through a forest, her mind travels from thought to thought. stopping to notice the mind’s chatter and releasing attachment to those thoughts – observing, letting them happen without holding onto them or pushing them away – allows for her to deeply connect to the internal workings of her mind.

samadhi, enlightenment, is the final limb and is the experience of complete wholeness. this can happen for the hip tranquil chick when she is in the flow, completely absorbed in the moment, separation is not an issue, and she feels fully in touch with the present.

but what does all this mean to you and your modern, urban life?

OMwork • take one week to focus on each of the eight limbs of yoga. choose one each week and stay mindful of how the practice of that limb affects your choices, observations, impressions, and actions. write about your experience with a detailed description of what that limb looks, feels, tastes, smells and sounds like to you after a week of deep connection to it. here's to a 2005 with a focus on living life consciously, fully, and chicly.

holiday humdrum

2004-12-27T16:49:00.000-05:00

can you believe that christmas was just 2 days ago? the holidays take over like a whirling tornado and leave you thrown aside wondering what happened. travels to and from, cookie baking and decorating, much needed naps, sitting in front of a fire unclear on what day it is, unwrapping gifts, pretending you LOVE the chrismas socks with bells you receive each year, guilt over not spending enough time with the family, and simply enjoying being. then back to reality. wow!

it's so nice how the city truly does sleep during the holidays. i can leave my house in the evening, come home, and still find a parking spot. my e-mail has been down the past 24 hours but i know when it returns, i won't be overwhelmed with tons of urgent e-mails because most other sane folks are taking it easy this week. the holidays are here and the after shock is felt heavily this week and fully next, after new years. i mention "holiday humdrum" because i often experience what i coin "post vacation blues," the feeling that something i've looked forward to for a while is over and now back to the norm. even though the norm is quite fun (and often challenging), it's the feeling about a season being over. yet, i guess it is important to realize that it really isn't, we still have a brand new year to celebrate and santa returns in less than 363 days.

i thought i'd mention my reflection with the passing of another holiday season in case you too are feeling the after shock. maybe it is the reminder that time continues to speed up as we age, that the time we spend with family and friends is incredibly unique and special, that each moment of our life is a moment of potential yoga practice, that the never ending to-do list is always waiting, and that the return to reality (even though today has been spent in bed with a cold, hot tea, warm chewy louis, and my laptop) really isn't that bad. happy holidays and may your return to reality be slow, gentle, and compassion-filled.

chewy louie

2004-12-18T21:47:00.000-05:00

i just had to share the new tranquil space mascot (in addition to the beta fish you'll see behind the front desk who isn't quite as exciting). since this spring, i've had dreams of becoming a mother ..... for the 4th time. i currently "mother" 2 cats, 1 fish and was craving the love of a black baby pug. wow, what a treat. little louis (pronounced louie) is the cutest man ever. after continued searching for a puppy, questioning how i would balance mothering such a needy little beast with my other obligations, and perusing websites that showed the cutest puppy clothes on humiliated dogs, i took the plunge last weekend into more motherhood (hence my lack of blogging or sleeping for that matter....).

i write this to share my lessons learned here. i truly questioned if i could handle this big responsibility. cats and fish are easy, require so little and are quite independent. little lou lou, however, needs mommy and daddy 24/7. i think he's a perfect example of deciding you want something, researching it, requesting support (i have a long list of people who are dying to puppy sit), and jumping head first. the first few nights were torture. literally. waking up every 2 hours to relieve his thimble-sized bladder and encouraging him to use his puppy pads instead of mama's new rug was taking a toll. now, after a week, he's sleeping at longer intervals, the cats are adapting, i'm learning to brush my teeth while holding him in my other arm, he's learning that the laptop is not a chew toy, and the dust is slowly settling.

i have many years of lessons to learn with this little ball of love and i'll be sure to relay them. if you have a dream, a desire for something that seems unattainable, begin doing your research, seek support and take the plunge. your little chewy louie may be right around the corner and will hopefully avoid your ibook.

reflection, intention, action

2004-12-18T08:31:00.000-05:00

while leading the pre-holiday self-nurturing hip tranquil chick workshop last week to a group of fabulous women, i was reminded how important it is to surround oneself with creatively conscious and aspiring women. the gift of choosing to spend your time with people that encourage, uplift and inspire can have incredible effects on your life. at the workshop we spent time reflecting on their current level of satisfaction in various areas of their lives, setting action steps for the new year to determine ways to increase areas that felt low, and then writing the action steps down on notecards to keep the dreams visible.

with the approach of the end of 2004 and the clean slate of a new year, i wanted to write on how powerful taking time to reflect, set intentions and take actions can be. we all have dreams, we all have opportunities, and we all have the ability to make things happen. albeit, somedays you may not feel very in control over your life - car breaks down, beau disappoints, pet gets sick, etc., etc. we've all had those days! however, it is important to bounce back, learn what the struggle has to teach and move on. without taking the time to reflect, life becomes a series of wheel spinning with no plan in sight. yoga teaches us to be conscious, to notice how our actions affect others, to become courageous by challenging ourselves, and practicing off the mat also incorporates these lessons.

the holidays are right around the corner, along with a brand new year! a brand new year that brings a lot of new beginnings. remember though, that new beginnings are offered every day. each morning you are given a fresh canvas on which to paint your life. you choose the paint colors, the strokes, the pace, and the other players on this unique work of art. take time over the lull of the holidays to reflect on lessons learned in 2004, write out what you accomplished and what you have to be grateful for, write out or collage what you want 2005 to look like, set action steps on how to get there (i.e., i want to be in a loving partnership. action steps: let friends know i'd like to meet some interesting prospects, join an online dating service, join like-minded social groups, volunteer with causes close to your heart), and post these action steps where you see them every day!

i was recently in a workshop where the facilitator said that he began each day writing out his life goals and made decisions on how to spend his time based on these goals. why spend time doing things that aren't bringing you closer to them? yes, we still have to get up in the morning, get dressed, feed the dog, go to work, etc. but, can you see how these mundane tasks bring you closer to a goal? you love companionship that the dog brings, you enjoy expressing creativity in your style, you want to be comfortable financially or grow professionally so you go to work (or you begin looking for something new in 2005 if this isn't the case)....

begin to make conscious choices. take time to reflect, set intentions, and begin to take actions. reflection and intentions only carry us so far, we also have to be action minded. remember however, that action isn't helpful if it isn't done out of reflection and intention. we don't want to spend our lives on a treadmill. your life is a work of art, begin treating it with the delicacy and creativity it deserves.

luxe holiday indulging

2004-12-07T22:46:00.000-05:00

the holidays are fast approaching. as i sign the numerous holiday cards and review my holiday lists, i wonder where a little self-nurturing could be thrown into the mix. so, i wanted to share a few ideas to help the urban diva stay in touch with her practice during the festivity hubub.

1. stand on your head - literally. headstand is a great way to get comfortable with your world upside down, learn to breathe through it, and come out feeling restored.
2. try tree pose while standing in long lines. tree pose, interlacing hands behind your back and lifting up, basic cat/cow tilts or side bends.
3. take a strong, proud tadasana - a steady mountain pose helps to instill confidence in yourself and in those you interact with. picture yourself entering the holiday cocktail party where you know no one with grace, dignity, a scooped tailbone and a strong mountain-like purpose. you deserve to be there and for people to know your fabulous self!
4. breathe fully - nothing like a full, deep yogic breath to bring you back to the body and remove you from the list-making in your head. notice your breath in hectic holiday situations and restore your sanity.
5. let go - aunt helga may ask annually, "so when ARE you getting married/getting a real job." but it is how you react that causes the internal struggle. answer with stern dignity, "as i've mentioned before, i love being single/serving in the peace corps and am thoroughly enjoying the life i'm leading." letting go of the desire to control another person (especially family) will free up an amazing amount of energy.
6. carve out "me time" - journal write, take a hot bath, light candles, buy yourself a holiday treat, sip herbal tea, paint.
7. host a soiree - invite over your closest friends for some yoga, 2004 reflection, 2005 intention setting, and overall connection.
8. get creative - give gifts that benefit your relationship. 2 tickets to the opera, a coupon for a day at the zoo and dinner on you, a homemade dinner on the date of their choice, 2 registrations to a yoga workshop....all of these ideas allow you to spend time with your beloved AND benefit from the experience.

i hope these help you carve out some precious practice time over the holidays. live luxuriously by paying special attention to your needs and ways to throw some yoga into the mix - both on and off the mat.

the creation of tranquil space

2004-12-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

As we journey into the last month of 2004, I find it important to reflect on the year’s lessons and stories. I wanted to relay the continued vision of Tranquil Space with a focus on its creatively humble beginnings. As many of you may know, Tranquil Space began a little over five years ago in my one-bedroom apartment on the outskirts of Dupont. There was little to no yoga to be found in DC. It was an edgy thing to do, not receiving the interest or respect yoga now commands. I was working as a paralegal, reading The Artist’s Way and seeking a more creative way of life, longing for kindred spirits, and hoping that they existed in DC…but how to find them?

With visions of special strangers huddled around my fireplace, drinking tea, doing yoga and connecting, I began hanging fliers around Dupont. This was a BIG step, I realize it now but it felt so natural at the time. Inviting strangers into one’s living room is not a habit I recommend, but my faith in the practice of yoga and my desire for community demanded it. I continued to surprise myself along the way: they joy that brewing a homemade batch of chai for every class brought, the excitement of watching student’s eye light up when they truly felt a pose, the pleasure yoga was bringing to people who met through class, the love of which I approached the business. With a psychology degree and no clue about business, I began with a focus on the special details: ribbons wrapped around inspirational quotes which greeted the students on their mat, aromatic scents, the blazing fire that welcomed students, the chai served in porcelain tea cups, the homemade business cards and brochures. I loved putting time into making people feel special because I feel that is severely lacking in our society. I wanted students to walk into class and feel welcomed and accepted, not judged. I especially wanted women to find a safe space to work with their bodies, develop a sense of empowerment, and realize the importance of taking steps towards their idealized life. Thus Tranquil Space began.

We have grown by 1000% over the past 5 years and I am constantly amazed by the sacred souls I’ve met which would never have happened had I not hung up that first neighborhood flier. The reason I started the studio has been an important reflection of mine over the past few months as we hit our fifth year. With the weaving of trunk shows, studio décor, lifestyle-focused “off the mat” workshops, the tranquiliT boutique, expansion to Bethesda, my tranquiliT clothing designs, the various charities, the greening efforts, and my writing, I wanted to explore how my initial reason for starting the studio was expanding.

One may have trouble seeing how all of these components are connected but I’m hopeful my philosophy and reason for developing Tranquil Space helps to clarify. I truly believe that yoga for the sake of yoga is powerful, but not as powerful as sprinkling it throughout one’s lifestyle. Yoga serves as my catalyst, my core, that place I turn to when my world is spinning. I was drawn to it for the healing powers that it provided mentally and physically. How unique to actually spend time connecting to the body, surrendering the mind, pushing edges of comfort, and honoring limitations? By thinking of yoga as a lifestyle and knowing how much better I feel when I’m comfortably put together, I traveled around the country to bring some of my favorite stretchy and fun pieces perfect for yogis to our unique boutique. The trunk shows offer female artists a chance to showcase their creativity and help give women the start and courage that they may have trouble finding. How many of us say, “Oh, I’d love to do such and such but now just isn’t the right time”? NOW is the time to begin taking steps to create what you desire. Social consciousness has always been an important component to me with the numerous charities we support: Susan G. Komen Foundation, Humane Society, Arbor Day, My Sister’s Place, TAPS. And Liz’s (read more about her in the community celebration section of December's newsletter) focus on greening Tranquil Space aligns with ahimsa (non-harming) – treating the environment consciously. The “off the mat” workshops help to teach students how to treat their lives consciously. All of these random parts blend to form the focus of Tranquil Space.

My hope is that Tranquil Space serves as an inspiration to anyone who enters its doors. It was created with a whole lot of love, no business experience, an incredible amount of time, energy and passion, and LOTS of baby steps. I truly believe and hope to embody Anais Nin’s above quote. Life is lived by stepping strategically outside of one’s comfort zone to head in the direction of one’s dreams. This direction is not without mistakes, drama, or sometimes failure, but it is filled with authenticity because you are DOING, along with dreaming. I recently read, “the world needs dreamers and the world needs doers but above all the world needs dreamers who do.” May the end of 2004 offer you some time to reflect on what it is you want to create – a family, a screenplay, a dress, a business – whatever it is, listen to your heart and take the simple steps of heading in that direction one flier at a time…..

tranquiliT smanquiliT

2004-11-23T01:01:00.000-05:00

do you ever have those moments, days, weeks, when it is all you can do to get out of bed and face your to-do list? i giggle nervously about the fact that i know the secret to a tranquil life - regular yoga practice, healthy eating, positive relationships, lots of water, organized surroundings - but yet some days getting out of bed, putting on clothes and getting out the door feels like climbing mt. everest. as the days get shorter, darker, and colder, the desire to hibernate feels natural. i believe it is important to honor these darker times, take a mental health day, and know that a more tranquil path is right around the corner - after you've had your chance to rest in bed and rejuvenate the soul. without replenishing the well, there is very little to share with others.

enjoy this week's focus on gratitude, bringing to light the positive even in the negative. every challenge and struggle has a lesson or opportunity deep in its core. sometimes it is very hard to determine what that could possibly be or you may want to throw up your hands with a "i'm SO over the lesson, please help me out here" request to the universe. it's normal, we all struggle and i like to believe we're all doing the best we can. somedays we just don't have the energy to put our best foot forward, somedays it is better for us to show our best faces to the world by staying in bed! when you have the mindset of "tranquiliT smanquiliT," know that your yoga practice that day may be curled up on the couch with hot tea rather than eka pada bakasana (one-legged crow).

create a passion-filled vision statement for your life

2004-11-17T22:09:00.000-05:00

During the retreat I led last weekend with eleven delightfully open and receptive yogis, I emphasized the importance of assessing their current state of satisfaction in the various areas of their lives (relationships, education, career, financial, etc.) and to list baby steps on how to improve areas that lacked full satisfaction. This inner work reminded me of the importance of living and practicing a vision statement.

A modern girl must jumpstart her chic and consious path by establishing a vision statement for her life. A vision statement is a simple promise to the world that one’s presence on this earth is not in vain. The Hip Tranquil Chick chooses what she wants to accomplish in life and knows why is it important to her. Her vision can be as specific as opening a much-needed shoe store in her neighborhood or as global and grandiose as changing the world through activist efforts. She begins by noticing what moves her, what ignites passion, and what she admires in others. It is true that the unexamined life is not worth living, so she establishes a purpose. Once the vision is set, she begins aligning her decisions and goals in accordance with this vision. Until then, if there is not a clearly defined direction, she knows that the path towards an enlightened life will be very windy.

To help you determine your vision statement, take a moment to do some OMwork:
· Write 20 activities that bring you joy. Ex., running, writing, and listening to music.
· Write 10 causes that inspire you. Ex., feminism, bargain shoe-buying, and animal rights.
· Write 10 1-year and 5-year goals. Ex., getting certified to teach yoga, completing a business plan, or writing a book proposal may be 1-year goals. 5-year goals may be opening a yoga studio, getting published, or becoming a well-known speaker on feminist issues.

Do you see a common theme among these three lists? How can you weave them together to create a vision statement for your life? Write an affirmation of your purpose. A vision statement for these examples could be to inform others of the importance of living an empowered life through writing about yoga and feminist values. An affirmation would be: I will live in a way that blends my joy of yoga with my passion for feminism and encourage others to do the same through my example and writing. Once a clear vision statement and affirmation have been set, inscribe them on colorful note cards. Position them all around you – at work, in your planner, at home, in your fabulous handbag – so that you are constantly reminded of why you’re here and where you’re going!

true tranquiliT: breathe your way to inner peace

2004-11-12T14:29:00.000-05:00

For the modern girl who finds that she’d rather be on the yoga mat than out with Mr. Not-So-Fabulous or dealing with her company's latest drama, here is a breath sequence to bring you back to balance:

Bring awareness to the breath. Is it fast, shallow, slow or smooth? Notice each inhale and exhale. Without altering it, just observe and begin tuning him (or the challenging situation) out. After a minute or so of simply being aware of the breath pattern, focus on your on the inhale, count silently 1, 2, 3, 4, and on the exhale, 1, 2, 3, 4. Take long, slow, fluid breaths in and out of the nose. After a couple of minutes here breathing four full counts, focus on drawing the breath into the belly, next the lungs, and finally the chest. Now exhale the chest, lungs, and belly. By placing your hands onto these three parts of the body, you can bring awareness into each area to ensure the breath is flowing there.

This simple breath technique can do wonders to restore balance and tranquility to a challenging situation. The 3-part yogic breath will assist you in overcoming the body’s automatic fight or flight response. Breathe fully and feel fabulous.

what is a hip tranquil chick?

2004-11-11T10:38:00.000-05:00

I am currently working on a book that blends the aspects of yoga with lifestyle in a chic and conscious way for the modern girl, Hip Tranquil Chick. Considering 82% of the 15 million Americans practicing yoga are women, I believe we deserve a book catered to us! With the creation of the book's concept, I've worked to bring to life who I want to be, what qualities I seek to embody, lessons I've learned along the way, and what I believe connects modern women to a mindful core while having fun along the way.

illustration by morgan l. johnson

A Hip Tranquil Chick: embodies zest for life, thinks outside the box, cultivates creativity in all she does, lives her yoga practice, thinks globally, remains grounded, lives her vision statement, handles money mindfully, challenges herself daily, doesn't play victim, seeks opportunity, seeks to inspire others, loves to watch other's eyes light up from her thoughtful gestures, takes control of her career, creates community, revels in throwing soirees that bring like-minded people together, doesn't shun change, creates an urban oasis to nurture her soul at home and at work, is in touch with her breath, loves flair, uses her yoga practice as a mirror for life, and believes in empowering others.

I began Tranquil Space and designed special workshops catered to women five years ago as a way to encourage others to live more consciously and creatively while also creating a community of women. What began as Wild Woman Workshops and Artist's Way Circles have now evolved into Hip Tranquil Chick workshops (visit our enlightening events page for upcoming ones) with a blending of yoga, creativity, and flair. The notion that you have control over who you are and who you become is both empowering and scary. I hope that we all are able to embody a little "Hip Tranquil Chickness" into our everyday lives.

the power of choice

2004-11-07T22:24:00.000-05:00

This week felt like a roller-coaster at the studio. Tuesday I received elated text messages from friends delighted to stand for hours in line to make their voice heard, and students showing up wearing their "I voted" sticker with pride to receive a free yoga class. Then came Wednesday where the mood was very different - sullen, almost devestation. I began the class with an energetic focus to move through pent-up emotions and ended with a restorative focus, to quiet and calm. Throughout the remaining classes and into the retreat I led this weekend, I focused on reminding students of the power of choice.

We all have a choice about how we react to the results of this election. To me, nothing is worse than feeling powerless. Can you spend a few moments reflecting on how you can continue supporting causes you hold dear? How can you make a difference within this administration? How can you help make America stronger? How can the election teach the art of detachment? How can the election jump-start you to get involved?

I believe that our ability to make a difference has little to do with who sits in the Oval Office but more to do with what we tell ourselves. Feeling defeated does little to boost morale or move a country forward. Feeling defeated saps precious energy. And feeling empowered moves mountains. Every decision we make can have an impact. How you choose to spend your time and creative resources speaks volumes. Allow yourself to mourn or celebrate the results of the election while also reminding yourself that the choices you make on a micro-level can affect the world on a macro-level above and beyond the elected Commander-In-Chief. Continue moving mountains through your daily activities: tucking in a child, donating your time, writing an e-mail to lift another's spirits, saying "thank you," practicing yoga, sitting quietly, giving the world your best, pushing your edges, holding your boundaries.

the calm before the election storm

2004-11-01T18:24:00.000-05:00

tomorrow marks a monumental day in america every 4 years - the election of the commander-in-chief. as a women's studies graduate, i'm always saddened to hear that single women are a missing population at the polls. this year, apparently, it is expected to be different and i applaude women for making this a priority. yes, the lines may be long. yes, you may not agree 100% with either candidate. yes, it is hard to know who actually IS telling the truth. yes, there ARE plenty of other people out voting. yes, they both promise to do a better job than the other. however, this is your chance to share your voice. how powerful is that? i love the quote, "everyone dreams of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing oneself." i think that is a gentle reminder that in order to change the world, we must not give our voice to others, we must take a stand, we must support the candidate that resonates most with our values, and we must get our bums out tomorrow and VOTE!! for every student who wears their "i voted" sticker to the studio on november 2, you will receive a FREE yoga class that day.

healing hip opening vinyasa with a twist

2004-10-28T23:10:00.000-04:00

awaken your hips and heal your spirit
All of us have “those” days when we experience a big loss or disappointment and just getting out of bed can be a struggle. It’s during this wounded psyche time that I encourage heading to the yoga mat for the emotional release offered through a twist and a hip-focused sequence.

1. Begin in child’s pose (balasana) with big toes together and knees open, drop the belly and chest in between your knees, connect with your breath and soften into this soothing pose.
2. Slowly rise to table pose, begin making circles with the torso by taking the hips to the right, flowing forward into cobra (bhujangasana), and taking the hips to the left and back to child’s. Repeat a few times and work out all the kinks.
3. Return to table pose, curl your toes under and lift your hips to downward facing dog (adho muka svanasana), an inverted “V.”
4. Inhale and lift your right leg to a down dog split.
5. Exhale and place your right foot in between your hands to a lunge, gently rock back and forth as you awaken the hips.
6. Drop your left knee, and pull your hips back as you straighten the right leg to half splits (ardha hanumanasana).
7. Return to your lunge and step back with the right leg to downward facing dog (adho muka svanasana).
8. Gently place the right knee in between your hands for pigeon pose (eka pada rajakapotasana), fold forward gently and breathe. Slowly bring the hands back to your body as your torso lifts.
9. Sweep the left leg around, placing the left foot to the outside of the right knee for a seated twist (ardha matsyendrasana). Extend the right arm up and place the right elbow onto your left knee as you gaze lovingly over your left shoulder. Inhale as you extend, and exhale as you twist deeper. Return to the center and feel the difference between both sides.
10. Place your left shin on top of your right shin, and gently fold forward into double pigeon (dwi pada rajakapotasana).
11. Return to table pose circles, and repeat the series on your left side.
12. End in yogic squat (malasana). Close your eyes, tune into your 3-part breath, and savor a sense of release washing over the body.

yoga moral code musing for the modern life

2004-10-28T22:03:00.001-04:00

I often struggle with understanding how best to apply the moral tenets of yoga and wanted to share my thoughts on how the modern girl can best embody these as a daily practice. The ability to implement the traditional yogic moral codes into urban living has a profound impact on modern life. These rules are broken down into moral restraints (yamas) and observances (niyamas). The modern yogini is conscious of these in her day-to-day activities. She knows the importance of her actions and embodies the karmic premise that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Thus, she proceeds mindfully.
Yamas:
Non-violence (ahimsa) - This yama is interpreted in many ways, ranging from strict vegetarianism to the elimination of negative thoughts. She explores the vegetarian issue consciously and makes a decision based on her body’s needs and her ethical views. She knows that all actions begin with thoughts so she focuses on controlling her mind and maintaining a positive focus.
Truthfulness (satya) – Using words, thoughts, and actions mindfully is important to her. She values being honest with herself and others. She avoids putting herself in situations that would cause her to deviate from her truth. She believes in being true to her values, honoring her boundaries, and living with integrity.
Non-stealing (asteya) – Practicing generosity rather than stinginess is an ongoing intention. She knows that what she puts out to the world will come back to her. By holding on tightly to love, money, energy or emotion, she realizes that she is stealing from herself and others. She shares graciously without expectation, and knows she is surrounded by abundance.
Sexual moderation (brahmacarya) – Conscious sexuality is important. She values connecting with another being in this symbolic and succulent way. She also avoids the pain of a fleeting experience that leaves her feeling empty and she makes mindful sexual choices and feels empowered in her body.
Greedlessness (aparigraha) – She feels strongly about removing feelings of greed from her life. She does not wish for another’s life or what someone else has. She works strongly to create the life that she desires. By not comparing herself to others, even in a yoga studio filled with perfect poses, she is able to keep a one-pointed focus on her own internal experience.
Niyamas:
Purity (shauca) – Cleanliness is next to “goddessness.” She strives to improve order in her life through conscious consumption. She also avoids toxins that could hinder her progress on and off the mat.
Contentment (samtosha) – By viewing challenging situations as opportunities, she focuses on the present moment and lets go of her overactive mind. Being content does not mean no longer striving for growth or improvement, but it does mean that she is able to truly savor the present moment.
Austerity (tapas) – Simplicity is instinctive. Her home and workspace serve as an urban oasis to help keep her grounded. When she over-consumes or is surrounded by needless clutter, she feels out of sync. She engages in conscious retail therapy and enjoys savoring the simple pleasures that surround her.
Study (svadhyaya) – The continual study of self is prominent in her daily radar. She explores patterns, relationships, reactions, and even yoga practice habits through regular journal writing and reflection. She also knows that knowledge is power, that one can become in expert in a field by spending only 20 minutes a day for 18 months studying it, and she strives to constantly grow in her many areas of interest.
Surrender (Ishvara pranidhana) – Sometimes the best way to handle a challenge is to simply let go and release the need to control. Fighting life only saps energy. She knows that sometimes the best action is none at all. She understands when it is time to stop struggling, accept the outcome, and take steps to move forward.

what are tranquiliT thoughts?

2004-10-24T21:20:00.000-04:00

as an avid journal writer and a firm believer in creating community, i thought putting together a blog for the tranquil space community would be a great way to share ideas about yoga, the practice on AND off the mat. watch for ideas on creating a home practice, ways to create a signature style, figuring out headstand, how to breathe deeper, tips for creating an oasis at home, and all sorts of other lifestyle related tips for living your practice. i will post to the blog as the muse hits. please check back regularly and feel free to share your thoughts or questions with me at kimberly@tranquilspace.com.

please visit our monthly newsletter (www.tranquilspace.com/newsletter.html) for all the updates at tranquil space yoga in dupont circle where yoga is not just poses, but a lifestyle.