Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life On and Off the Yoga Mat - Softcover

Wilson, Kimberly

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1930722710 ISBN 13: 9781930722712

Publisher: New World Library, 2006

Synopsis

Hip Tranquil Chick addresses that huge but unacknowledged demographic of fashionistas equally at home at Bergdorf’s and the yoga studio. The book is divided into two major sections that cover all bases for the style-minded seeker. "On the Mat" shares seven must-have modern-girl yoga sequences, such as "Healing Hip Openers" and "Negativity Releasing Heart Openers,” and explains yoga philosophy in hip chick language. "Off the Mat" showcases nine ways to become more fabulous and balanced by incorporating yogic qualities like introspection, strength, and flexibility into daily life. The nine lifestyle chapters reveal how to turn on-the-mat wear into on-the-town style, how to create soulful surroundings at home and work, mindful money management, finding a passion-filled career, how strategic soiree-throwing creates community, tips for practicing social consciousness, and more. Each chapter is accompanied by helpful "OMwork" to translate these concepts into reality. Abundant illustrations accentuate the text, and a "savvy sources" section encourages further exploration.

About this title

About the Author

Kimberly Wilson is a teacher, designer, writer, activist, and entrepreneur. She founded Tranquil Space, voted "DC's Best Yoga Studio." Her work has been featured in Fit Yoga, Yoga Journal, Daily Candy, Lucky, and Shape. She lives in Washington, DC.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction

What lies before us and what lies behind us is nothing compared to what lies within us.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tranquil Space began not quite a decade ago in my one-bedroom apartment on the outskirts of an artsy Dupont Circle neighborhood. There was little to no yoga to be found in Washington, D.C. It was an edgy thing to do, not receiving the interest or respect it 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 D.C. . 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 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. Surprises continued to come my way: the joy of brewing a homemade batch of chai for every class, the excitement of watching students' eyes light up when they truly felt a pose, the pleasure yoga was bringing to people who met through class, the love with 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 that greeted the students on their mats, aromatic candles, a blazing fire to welcome students, chai served in porcelain teacups, homemade business cards and brochures. I loved putting time into making people feel nurtured. 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 toward their idealized life. Thus Tranquil Space began.

We have grown beyond my wildest dreams. 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 since the very first class. With the weaving together of trunk shows, vibrant studio décor, lifestyle-focused "off the mat" workshops, TranquiliT clothing collection, various charities, and my writing, I love seeing the evolution of my vision to offer more tranquility into the lives of others, particularly women.

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 extraordinary to actually spend time connecting to the body, surrendering the mind, pushing the edges of comfort, while also honoring limitations! 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. Life is lived by stepping strategically outside 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, in addition to dreaming.

About this edition

• Publisher: New World Library
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1930722710
• ISBN 13: 9781930722712
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176