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

New World Library
14 Pamaron Way
Novato, California 94949

2006 by Kimberly Wilson All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means or in any form whatsoever without written permission from the publisher. Hip Tranquil Chick, the Hip Tranquil Chick logo, Tranquil Space, the Tranquil Space logo, TranquiliT, TranquiliT logo, ChariTea, and Tranquil Space Foundation are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tranquil Space LLC. Hip Tranquil Ventures is a service mark of Hip Tranquil Ventures LLC.

Illustrations by Morgan Johnson Cover design by Yoori Kim Book design by Maxine Ressler

New World Librarly is a member of Green Press Initiative, a nonprofit program dedicated to supporting publishers in their efforts to reduce their use of fiber sourced from endangered forests. We elected to print this title on 50 percent postconsumer recycled paper with the recycled portion processed-chlorine free. For more information on the Green Press Initiative, visit http://www.greenpressinitiative.org.

P UBLISHER C ATALOGING-IN -P UBLICATION D ATA

Wilson, Kimberly.

Hip tranquil chick : a guide to life on and off the yoga mat / Kimberly Wilson.

p. ; cm.

ISBN-13: 978-1-930722-71-2

ISBN-10: 1-930722-71-0

1.Yoga. 2. Spiritual life. 3. Self-actualization (Psychology) I. Title.

B132.Y6 W55 2006

294.5/436dc22

0611

Printed in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

DISCLAIMER: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. The advice contained herein is for informational purposes only. Please consult your medical professional before beginning any diet or exercise program, and see a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The author and publisher disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, risk, injury, or damage resulting from the use, proper or improper, of any of the contents contained in this book. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is complete and accurate.

What lies before us and what lies behind us is
nothing compared to what lies within us.
R ALPH W ALDO E MERSON

T ranquil 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 Artists Way, and seeking a more creative way of life, longing for kindred spirits, and hoping that they existed in D.C.... buthow 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 ones 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 Ive 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 dcor, 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 ones 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, Id love to do such and such, but now just isnt the right time? NOW is the time to begin taking steps to create what you desire. Life is lived by stepping strategically outside ones comfort zone to head in the direction of ones 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.

Yoga is a lifestylefull of mean reds, paramours, and deep twists. Hip tranquil chickness is a movement to live in a way that shines. After all, that is why we are here: to shine as brightly and boldly as possible. The mission of a hip tranquil chick is to incorporate hipness and tranquility into all aspects of life.

Hip = your external presentation: fun, fashion, frivolity.

Tranquil = your internal world: the savvy substance behind the style.