Photo by Flickr User 'Susan NYC'

“I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life
as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.”

- Joseph Campbell



Mind Your Stress (TONIGHT): Find out how mindfulness can help reduce your stress level in a workshop at the Shambhala Meditation Center. The class is from 7-9pm and costs $25. The Shambhala Meditation Center is at 118 West 22nd Street, 6th Floor (between 6th and 7th Avenues); their phone number is 212.675.6544.

There’s an App for That: I don’t have an iPhone myself, but if I did, I’d definitely check out the brand new TranquiliCity app, “the instant locator for refuge, relocation and renewal in New York City.” The app is brought to you by Allan Ishac, author of New York’s 50 Best Places to Find Peace and Quiet.

Soak in a Sunset: Wave Hill, a beautiful natural oasis in the Bronx, is hosting sunset walks every Wednesday in July and August (for those of you who practice yoga – they’re offering sunset yoga, too). Another option is to find a spot along the Hudson in Manhattan, and watch from there – I’ve found great spots by Chelsea Piers and near West 10th Street. If you’d like a little live music with your sunset, head to Pier 45 on Friday at 7pm (see other upcoming events in Hudson River Park here). A word to the wise: the forecast is calling for thunderstorms on Thursday.

Volunteer: Helping someone else can do wonders for your own mental health. Join New York Cares – after an initial orientation session, you can sign up online for a host of volunteer projects citywide. If you’re like me, and the city’s green spaces are an essential oasis, consider signing up to help revitalize a park, plant a garden or even launch an urban farm. See the schedule of upcoming orientation sessions here.

Laughter Therapy: Check out the Del Close Improv Marathon this weekend for over 150 hours of improvised comedy. If you like what you see, consider taking a class at one of New York’s three improv theaters – Upright Citizen’s Brigade (UCB), Magnet and The People’s Improv Theater.

Yesterday I visited the TSalon in Chelsea Market for the first time, and it was such a relaxing experience. Walking into the store, you’re greeted by a combination of warm hues and walls lined with canisters of tea, punctuated by a few artful displays: a glass teapot, candles for meditation and books about the art of drinking tea.  At a counter in the back, the friendly staff will brew you a cup of any tea you select from the store’s vast collection. I chose White Chelsea Chai – milder than a typical chai tea, with a buttery aroma. It was delicious, and as I sat in the store’s sunny lounge area with two girlfriends, I was transported. We sat for almost an hour, with TSalon’s owner, Miriam Novale, offering hot water refills and making sure we had everything we needed. We did.

Visiting TSalon

TSalon is located in Chelsea Market at 459 West 15th St. (between Ninth and Tenth Avenues). View map.

It’s hours of operation are:

Monday-Saturday: 8:45am-8:45pm

Sunday: 10am-7:30pm

Note, this information was accurate at the time of publication. To verify, call TSalon at 212.243.2259.