Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #122381 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Review
This is the definitive girls' guide to being in shape, having style, and living a meaningful life all at once! -- Cyndi Lee, founder, OM Yoga

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.

Customer Reviews

Falls flat for me
I see I'm going to rock the lovefest, but.... I like KW's CDs, which is why I ordered this book - even though I didn't really like the name. The reviews were all so brilliant too.... Maybe I'm just not its market, which seems to be - what? I don't know. Very young girls? But she talks about work a lot, so it can't be teenagers. It's just a touch too shallow. By the end of the book, I couldn't see the words kitten heels again without rolling my eyes. Basically, a hip tranquil chick should wear all black, kitten heels, sequinned hairbands, and have lots of leopard print or bright pink either on her or in her apartment. Tres chic, as she would say. The writer also seems to think that sticking in a French word every here and there makes for hipness.... overuse of tres does not automatically make for chic-ness.

Anyway, I now know not to order any more products from her. My mistake. Yoginis who don't like Cyndi Lee's way of writing or humourous asides on her media (I do, by the way) should avoid this product, as it is much more frivolous than Ms Lee's.....

This book is not just for hip tranquil chicks ... aspiring women and even those who are never going to get close will enjoy!
The Hip Tranquil Chick is ostensibly a book about yoga and its affect and potential for multiple benefits "on -and -off -the -mat." It is that... and so much more! Kimberly has some of the best suggested sequences and poses for creating a good practice with enough diversity for yogis at every level. I own over 25 books on this topic but this is by far the most user friendly, offering clear explanations presented in a charming and engaging manner.


Kimberly makes a regular practice seem more of a jaunty adventure then an obligatory exercise. The effervescent tone of this book does not forfeit important information or belittle yoga's powerful and historical significances. It is solid in its recommendations and instructions and honors those who practice yoga. Kimberly's passion is apparent and strengthens all aspects of her book. And her obvious delight in her own personal practice is at the heart of the book. Every chapter ends with suggestions and guidance for additional resources: recommended books, websites, cd's and other authors and experts. That is unusual and incredibly generous of her to promote others in her own book ; but that exemplifies her attitude of doing good and doing well.

She is successful studio owner and markets a clothing line; but donates a healthy percentage of her profits to local charities, women's shelters, transitional programs for for women entering the workforce and organizations that promote the arts - giving women the chance to work at their craft.

Despite the demands on her time, Kimberly teaches workshops, teacher trainings and some Yoga I classes all with the same bubbly attitude and attention to form.

The book is just like she is. Good for you and fun too.

It is a clever juxtaposition of a how-to-manual, motivational reading, witty essays and a tremendous amount of serious content. I have now read the book twice and look forward to many more readings. Every chapter asks some critical questions and includes some questions for journaling (nothing onerous). These have been especially valuable to me and may help me to make major life change as the exercises are designed to help determine if you are pursuing the dreams you once (or still) cherished. I am considering a career change but frankly even an attitude change would be a welcome change! And while I am a middle-aged suburban mother working in a very conservative field - I do think there is a "Hip Tranquil Chick" spirit within me. I would not have made that statement prior to reading this book. For all those who need advice, validation, compassion or a smile; this is a must read.

Not just for chicks!
I found this book to be helpful not just to all the hip tranquil chicks, but also to the hip tranquil dudes! Kimberly is really speaking to anyone who is looking for meaning and balance in their lives - a particularly difficult struggle in 2006. I found the yoga sequences really helpful, as well as the tips and suggestions on taking the lessons from yoga into other aspects of one's life. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to deepen their commitment to yoga in their life, or who is curious about yoga and needs an introduction. There is also a great CD that goes with the book that makes an excellent companion!