Tranquil Space Blog

Join Team Tranquil Space at the DC AIDS Walk/Run

2012-05-11T16:17:00.001-04:00

Tranquil Space is excited to support the DC AIDS Walk/Run on October 27th! We often talk about taking our yoga off the mat, and this is a perfect opportunity to do just that - along with the added benefit of connecting with the community. Get to know your fellow yogis better as you stroll through Freedom Plaza downtown, and if you're running, perhaps train together too!

AIDS Walk Washington is a fundraising walk and 5k timed run benefiting and produced by Whitman-Walker Health, a non-profit community-based health organization which provides dependable, high-quality, comprehensive and accessible health care to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

We will be rolling out some events to give you the opportunity to connect with each other prior to the event - look for emails from Beatriz (team captain) and Jes and me. Have ideas? Great - send them our way!

Ready to sign up? Great - you are just in time for discounted registration ($10 off standard rates) now through Friday, May 11 only! You can join our team by searching for Tranquil Space Yogis or clicking here.

Remember you can run, walk or SLEEP.

Happy Friday! Namaste - Niya

Niya Shah, Karma Yoga Director

niyashah@tranquilspace.com

Supporting Veterans with Yoga

2012-05-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

We are very excited to announce an honor for a most talented member of our Advanced Teacher Training (ATT). Dui Mora (she's a Yogi & an Air Force Captain) has been asked to be an ambassador for the Veteran's Yoga Project. This program helps returning veterans who suffer with Post Traumatic Syndrome (PTS) through yoga. The mission of the group is to use mindful yoga and yoga nidra to help relieve the distress of PTS and other negative psychological results of combat.

Dui has been writing her ATT thesis on the military and yoga, which has now led her to this amazing cause.

She is grateful to her ATT peers and teachers for helping her choose this path.

We are very proud of your inspiring work Dui! Keep shining your light! Om shanti!

Dui, pictured below in the front row, with the Spring TT200 group in which she assisted teaching

$5 Mother's Day Karma Class

2012-05-11T12:19:00.000-04:00

I really like that this month’s Second Sunday charity yoga class falls on Mother’s Day, a day we honor love that connects us to one another and gives us life. This Sunday, from 3:30 to 4:30, Tranquil Space will donate all proceeds of an afternoon yoga class to Woodley House, a DC-based nonprofit that helps people with mental health problems reclaim their lives and reach their personal goals and aspirations.

Each year, approximately 300 people with mental illness avoid hospitalization because of Woodley House’s programs and services, located in neighborhoods across DC. Again and again, people come to Woodley House experiencing feelings of shame and isolation, and leave with confidence and hope for the future.

At the heart of these stories of transformation lie connections between people. Often, the personal bonds Woodley House consumers develop with each other and with Woodley House staff can mean the difference between relapse and recovery.

So as we celebrate Mother’s Day this year, I am very happy to be teaching a yoga class for Woodley House – to honor the power of connections that are at the root of so many of our personal transformations.

If you can make this Sunday’s class, great! It will be a slow flow, open to yogis of all experience levels. If you can’t make it, you can help by spreading the word about Woodley House. As a volunteer for Woodley House, I know first-hand that on average, Woodley House is reimbursed only 73 cents for every dollar of care it provides. And in order to maintain our highest standards of care, Woodley House must raise of $250,000 annually from private donors. Woodley House has a small group of longstanding, committed donors, but we greatly need to increase awareness of our work in the Washington, DC region.

Some ways you can help:

· Join us for class on Sunday! Or let friends know about Sunday’s class

· Read more about Woodley House on our website: www.woodleyhouse.org

· Follow us on Twitter: @woodleyhousedc

· Or join our Facebook page

Namaste,

Diane Renzulli, Tranquil Space Instructor

Karma Class this Sunday

2012-04-26T15:23:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, April 29^th at 3:30, treat yourself to $5 charity yoga class in which all proceeds will go to Women for Women International.

Empowered women are crucial to lasting peace.

Women for Women International is an amazing nonprofit organization that provides women survivors of war with the tools they need to help rebuild their lives. They currently provide services for women in 8 countries (including Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iraq). One of the unique things about this organization is that it provides a sponsorship opportunity where individuals can sponsor women ('sisters') in these countries, which allows for individual emotional and financial support as well as one-on-one relationships to be built through letter writing. I currently volunteer at their headquarters in Washington DC. I can’t say enough about the amazing staff at the organization and all the work they do. I have also sponsored several sisters from both Nigeria and Afghanistan and it has been such a joy getting to know them by exchanging letters and pictures! Many of these women graduate from the year long sponsorship program as business women and have gone on to transform entire communities and villages helping to create stability and peace in their countries. These women are proving that “one women can change anything and many women can change everything!”

I will be co-teaching this class with two of my fellow TT200 classmates as part of our Karma Yoga Project. We hope to see you there!

Stephanie Peterson is a graduate of the Tranquil Space 200 hour teacher training program. Join her and her fellow graduates Sunday!

TStv: Yoga, Vegan + Volunteer: A Day at PIGS Sanctuary

2012-04-25T11:46:00.001-04:00

This week's TStv features a look at Pigs Animal Sanctuary, site of ~~Sunday's~~* September 16th's Yoga, Vegan + Volunteer Day. More information and registration at tranquilspace.com/pigs!

TStv is getting an iOS and Android app this spring!

Subscribe to tranquilspace.tv for free on iTunes to get the videos as soon as they go live!

view on iTunes

RSS * Sorry, due to rain, we have to reschedule!

Yoga, Vegan + Volunteer: A Day at PIGS Sanctuary

2012-04-21T10:13:00.003-04:00

Join Kimberly Wilson ~~next Sunday, April 29~~*, for a day of mindful play with 4-legged friends in Shepherdstown, WV. The day's adventure begins at 10am with tea and treats plus a private tour of Pigs Animal Sanctuary. Around noon we'll roll out our yoga mats on the grass and engage in an all-level yoga class while enjoying sunshine and fresh air as we flow. Next we'll savor a tasty vegan brunch from Mellow Moods and mingle off the mat with new friends. Finally, all interested yogis will have the opportunity to assist with a few hours of karma projects before heading back hOMe. Projects include petting and connecting with animals, painting, organizing, and more. Wear layered comfy clothes for yoga plus jeans and boots for farm time. Bring your yoga mat, animal crackers (pigs and dogs LOVE them), a camera, and a playful spirit. Transportation is on your own and approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes from DC. Tranquil Space will work to coordinate rides among drivers.

$75 donation to Pigs Animal Sanctuary includes tea + treats, private yoga class, private sanctuary tour, vegan brunch, a darling Pigs tee, and goody bag. Register for Yoga, Vegan + Volunteer here!

* Sorry to report the weather this week and this weekend are forcing us to reschedule this event... Join us Sunday September 16th!

Save the Date: ChariTea Clothing Swap + Potluck

2012-01-11T11:57:00.000-05:00

TSF Celebration a big success!

2011-10-13T20:59:00.001-04:00

What a night! Our fifth annual celebration raised nearly $2700 for our programming and generosity grants. In our five years, TSF has given over $10,000 to like-minded organizations, including some of the grantees we celebrated with last night. The foundation has also served over 300 girls through its TranquilTeens program.

A big thanks to everyone who came to support, those who were with us in spirit, our raffle and auction winners, and of course to DJ Ten for spinning the tunes on our celebratory night!

You're Invited: 5th Annual Tranquil Space Foundation Celebration

2011-10-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night is the celebration of our tiny non-profit created with lots of love.

This special annual event includes:
- inspiring speakers sharing how the grants we gave them has made a difference
- raffle prizes, including yoga classes and more goodies
- tasty vegetarian hors d'oeurves and a cash bar
- DJ Ten spinning chill tunes
- a special gift for the first 50 guests

Please consider joining us in celebration of bringing yoga, creativity, and leadership to women and girls in DC and around the globe!

How can you support?
1) Attend the event and note on Facebook.
2) Out of town or otherwise engaged? Buy a virtual ticket.
3) Spread the word – please share the invite with your personal network via email and social media.
4) Bid on the fabulous online auction items including private yoga sessions, mentoring with moi, TranquiliT goody bags, massage, consulting, facials, and more.
5) Support TSF through various efforts.

Celebrate 5 Years of TSF + Earn 25 Points

2011-09-22T14:58:00.000-04:00

DEETS: Join us on Wednesday, October 12 in celebration of Tranquil Space Foundation's 5th year of bringing yoga, creativity, and leadership to women and girls. The evening festivities at Darlington House (1610 20th Street, NW. Metro: Dupont Circle) will include tasty vegetarian treats, goodies for first 50 guests, inspiring speakers, raffle prizes, and a DJ Ten (our very own Marq Few) spinning chill tunes. Learn about the programming and grant giving work of Tranquil Space Foundation. Purchase a $10 in-person or in-spirit ticket here and shop the online silent auction (coming early October) to support our efforts.

DO-GOOD BONUS: Tranquil Space Rewards participants, buy a ticket and get 25 bonus credits in your account by October 15.

DONATE TO ONLINE AUCTION: Have a product or service you'd like to donate to the cause? Contact Allison to get the information.

Benefit for the Animals TONIGHT 7-9

2011-07-29T11:42:00.001-04:00

My beloved Walter from Pigs Animal Sanctuary

Tasty treats from Sticky Fingers Bakery and Cafe Green have arrived, along with libations from Tevolution. Our outside tent is going up and we'll be decorating with saris from India and colorful flowers all afternoon to get ready to welcome you!

I'm truly over the moon to be hosting tonight's Benefit for the Animals featuring Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary, Washington Humane Society and Pigs Animal Sanctuary. Our special event is featured in the Washingtonian's "what to do this weekend." Also, Gene will be on Fox at 5pm today before heading over. Tune in!

Here's the story behind the event and a video sharing more PLUS showcasing my beloved Walter. We'll have cats and dogs available for adoption plus a Farm Sanctuary book signing.

Swing by and say hello! I'll be the one in black with a BIG smile. Namaste.

You're Invited: Benefit for the Animals THIS Friday

2011-07-26T09:04:00.002-04:00

I'm over the moon about Friday's event and wanted to share the story behind it. Tranquil Space has been a supporter of Farm Sanctuary ever since I learned about their amazing work in my 2007 Jivamukti teacher training. Last December I found out that 2011 was their 25th year anniversary (woo-hoo!) and that Gene Baur, the founder, was doing a big tour for it. A light bulb went off and I began concocting an event. I reached out to another organization we work with a lot, Washington Humane Society, and requested they get involved, share information on their Humane Education program (where we tend to send the majority of our donations), and bring animals for adoption (yes, we'll have cats and dogs at the event)! Finally, after joining the Board of Pigs Animal Sanctuary (and stalking Walter the Pig for the past 10 months), I invited them to be involved, too.

The 2-hours will involve mingling off the mat with fellow Tranquil Space yogis, a presentation by Gene on everyday activism, a presentation by WHS Humane Educator, a booksiging of Gene's Farm Sanctuary book, yummy local vegan food by Sticky Fingers and Cafe Green, and animals available for adoption.

To gain more insight into Gene, here's a snippet of his recent interview on Martha Stewart.

AGENDA
7:00pm-7:15pm: Meet and Greet
7:15pm-7:45pm: Welcome and Farm Sanctuary presentation
7:45pm-8:00pm: Q+A followed by Farm Sanctuary book signing
8:00pm-8:10pm: Washington Humane Society presentation
8:10pm-8:20pm: Pigs Animal Sanctuary presentation
8:20pm-8:30pm: Q+A
8:30pm-9:00pm: Mingle off the Mat

Please join us for this special event in honor of 4-legged beings. All animal lovers welcOMe. Namaste.

Tranquility Tips: Benefit for the Animals

2011-07-14T15:09:00.000-04:00

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Happy mid-July and thank you for being a part of the Tranquil Space cOMmunity.

This month's Tranquility Tip features Kimberly sharing the story behind our upcoming Benefit For the Animals featuring Farm Sanctuary, Washington Humane Society, and Pigs Animal Sanctuary on Friday, July 29 7-9pm.

Join us for an evening celebrating the work of these amazing organizations, hearing Gene Baur speak about everyday activism, savoring tasty vegan treats, and meeting furry 4-legged friends up for adoption. Enjoy the videos below sharing inspiring snippets into their work and meet Kimberly's beloved pig Walter.

Requested $10 donation to support these three organizations work. Purchase an in-person or in-spirit ticket here or simply show up. Festivity, inspiration, compassion, treats, and libations await your arrival.

Washington Humane Society:

Farm Sanctuary founder Gene Baur (speaking at the event!) on The Martha Stewart Show:

A reminder that Yogi Appreciation Week begins THIS Sunday - learn more about the specials we have just for you all week long.

Help TS Foundation win a grant

2011-07-01T14:52:00.001-04:00

Pepsi Refresh is giving $5000 to the top vote-getters in several charitable categories, and Tranquil Space Foundation’s TranquilTeens program is one of them! Help boost our efforts to teach girls in the 9^th-12^th grade yoga, creativity and leadership skills by:

Voting for Tranquil Space Foundation every day through the end of July at refresheverything.com/tsfound. Yes, you can vote every day!
Looking for gold caps on Pepsi products… the code inside turns a single vote into 10 or even 100 votes! If you don’t want to use it to vote yourself, please bring any caps you find (yours… your co-worker’s… your boyfriend’s… the guy about recycle it in the park…) to either Tranquil Space studio and we’ll be sure to use them for more "power votes!"

Thank you for your support of Tranquil Space Foundation! Now, go vote!

Thank you dogis!

2011-06-11T13:28:00.000-04:00

We just returned from a very warm and muggy Doga 2011! The rain held off for us, and we got in a fun class. Best news of all... we raised $250 for Washington Humane Society. Thank you to everyone who supported Doga this year!

Donate to Race for the Cure and Team TranquilSpace

2011-05-31T16:56:00.003-04:00

Team TranquilSpace is ready to rock Race for the Cure once again this year! Our solid team of 8 will be joining more than 40,000 participants coming together as a living testament to the power of individuals to impact the world. Our ambitious goal was $500 and I am thrilled to report that we have exceeded our goal and raised a whopping $605.00!!! Big thanks to Ngoc-Mai Nguyen and Rhodo Nguyen, our top fundraisers for the team!

If you still want to donate, there is time, just click here: http://bit.ly/jPv2x2.

Want to come out to enjoy the festivities?

Saturday, June 4, 2011
The National Mall
Washington, D.C.
http://globalrace.info-komen.org/site/PageNavigator/hq_gr_participant_activities_2011

In my heart, I will carry the loving spirit of my dear cousin who passed away years ago, and whose memory lives on though the love and support of all of those who run, walk, donate and support the Race for the Cure.

Thank you!

Niyati & TranquilSpace Team for the Cure!

Short Film Fest TONIGHT

2011-04-21T12:00:00.001-04:00

This evening is Tranquil Space Foundation's 3rd annual feature of Lunafest: short films by, for, and about women. I'm over the moon about this year's selection and always come away inspired by what is shown during this short film fest. It's also our annual spring fundraiser for Tranquil Space Foundation and The Breast Cancer Fund. Plus we announce our 2011 grantees including Nest, N Street Village, Community Bridges, and Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project.

Enjoy the trailer and please consider joining us in person or in spirit by purchasing your ticket here. We're truly grateful for your support of our efforts to make a difference in the lives of women and girls globally.

Namaste. x

Tranquility Tips: Lunafest

2011-04-18T22:43:00.005-04:00

This month's tranquility tip features a festive way to take your practice off the mat. Click below to watch Tim Mooney introduce the trailer to Lunafest 2011, Tranquil Space Foundation's annual spring event coming THIS Thursday 6:30-9pm.

Mingle off the mat, enjoy a wine and cheese reception followed by acknowledgement of our spring grantees and presentation of short films by, for and about women. The festival benefits Tranquil Space Foundation and The Breast Cancer Fund.

Buy your tickets online for $20 and enjoy an evening of truly amazing films! Can't make it, but would like to support us? Buy a "there in spirit" ticket.

We hope to see you Thursday night!

You are Making a Difference: Second Sundays Success

2011-02-18T12:44:00.000-05:00

Thanks to YOUR support at our latest Second Sundays $5 charity class we raised $165 for our non-profit, Tranquil Space Foundation. Get involved by suggesting a grantee for our spring generosity efforts and join us for Luna Fest (films by, for, and about women) on Thursday, April 21. Learn more about our Tranquil Teens program and efforts via our short film.

Nominate a 2011 TS Foundation grantee

2011-02-16T16:08:00.004-05:00

For the first time, Tranquil Space Foundation is opening up the nomination process for its spring grants to members of the Tranquil Space community.

If you're unfamiliar with TSF's generosity program, it's a microgrant model, giving grants typically in the $500 range to like-minded organizations that are aligned with the mission and values of TSF. As a member of the board of directors, I'm truly excited that we are opening up the nomination process to members of the Tranquil Space community. If you know a worthy organization, take a moment and let us know about it - our 2011 online nomination form only takes a few minutes to fill out.

The deadline for nominations is March 4, 2011. Grantees will be announced in late March 2011 on the websites, blogs and social media outlets of TS and TSF. Thank you!

India Night this Friday @ TS Dupont Circle

2011-01-18T12:37:00.005-05:00

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

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

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

We hope to see you Friday! Namaste.

This Week at Tranquil Space

2010-11-21T09:56:00.004-05:00

We hope your Thanksgiving is full of good food, gratitude, and yoga! Please note that our schedule is reduced this week starting on Tuesday. Check the schedule before you come to class. Below are the classes that are scheduled for the week.

We will be hosting Thanksgiving day classes to benefit So Others Might Eat (SOME). These classes will likely be busy so consider signing up ahead of time to save your spot!

Dupont Circle studio

Thanksgiving Yin/Yang charity class with Danielle Polen, from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Thanksgiving Slow Flow with Anne Thiel, from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Thanksgiving Yoga On-the-go with Niyati Shah, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thanksgiving yoga On-the-go with Susanna Montezemolo, from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Arlington studio

Thanksgiving Open Flow class with Jenni Pfeiffer, from 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Thanksgiving at TS

2010-11-10T12:30:00.002-05:00

Due to class popularity Tranquil Space will be offering 5 Thanksgiving classes this year (4 at Dupont, 1 at Arlington). We suggest that you sign up ahead of time as these classes tend to fill up. If you are planning to bring friends or family that are new to Tranquil Space save your self some time and hassle at the studio and have them fill out the new student form ahead of time! Note that you can't sign up for someone else online so if you are signing up for more than just yourself give the studio a call or stop by the front desk. All classes are appropriate for all levels. Donations to benefit So Others Might Eat.

Sign up online below:

Thanksgiving Yin/Yang charity class with Danielle Polen, from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Thanksgiving Slow Flow with Anne Thiel, from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Thanksgiving Yoga On-the-go with Niyati Shah, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thanksgiving yoga On-the-go with Susanna Montezemolo, from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
At the Arlington location: Thanksgiving Open Flow class with Jenni Pfeiffer, from 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Thank you for your support!

2010-10-15T18:39:00.000-04:00

The evening sparkled last night as a community committed to do-gooding gathered at the Darlington House in Dupont Circle in support of Tranquil Space Foundation's 4th Annual Celebration.

The event was mentioned in Washingtonian.com in their "Ten Under $10" post and we raised nearly $4k to increase our generosity and programming efforts.

A committed group of volunteers and a small volunteer board oversee the efforts of Tranquil Space Foundation. Thank you for your support in person, virtually, and via our online auction!

Tranquility Tips - Being an Activist

2010-10-12T23:51:00.003-04:00

Tranquil Space founder Kimberly Wilson talks about being an activist through divine do-gooding in this month's Tranquility Tips.

A quick reminder to join the Tranquil Space community tomorrow, Thursday October 14th at Darlington House for Tranquil Space Foundation's 4th annual celebration. Details and more here.