Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 105

Week in Review {Pics + Links}

Week{s} in Review

After a fitful sleep with Mookie barking and lunging every few hours at Jackson the glaring cat (he’s not a fan of being stared at), I’m sitting at my desk gearing up for a 12-hour day and asking myself what can be checked off before heading out to my first meeting.

Some times it feels as if I’m a human robot checking off task after task for project after project. Other times, I’m able to appreciate the beauty of the moment with a yummy cuppa tea, journal, and deep breaths.

How to have more of the latter and less of the former while still staying productive? Hmmm, I’m guessing that’s the million dollar question.

As I make my way into this new season focused on blooming and bringing forth what’s been lying dormant all winter, I wonder what’s ahead.

I wish for more creative space, less email. More color, less drab. More meaning, less going through the motions. More being, less doing. More space, less overbooking. More clarity, less cloudy.

Next Thursday I’m hosting the seasonal Tranquility du Jour Live online video gathering where I’ll share tips on finding more tranquility this spring. Would love to have you join as I sort through these wishes.

The past two weeks have contained a 4-day Psychotherapy Networker conference (hello David Whyte and Rick Hanson), a jaunt to North Carolina for two Garth Brooks shows (I miss him . . . haven’t seen him for nearly TWO weeks), sacred space with dozens of clients, reading You Had Me at Woof in less than 24 hours, teaching mindfulness and writing, sharing more info on the upcoming Yoga and the Animals, long walks with Mookie and Tim, and submitting a piece to Bella Grace (fingers crossed).

As I move into the weekend and upcoming week, I’m looking for signs of spring bubbling up within and asking what needs to bloom. Bisous. x

Week{s} in Pics

Cherry blossom chasing
Pretty in pink blooms
Week 12 of 52 Weeks of Tranquility Journal
Broke out a TranquiliT sample for the NC Garth concert
Even broke out a hat
Morning reading in the NC hotel

Savvy Sources

15 Things Learned from Tiny House Living

How To Actually Accomplish Your Goals

Keep a Gratitude Journal

How Darca DIYed her Daybook

Humans of New York Founder Shares his Story Holocaust Survivor Explains Why Meaningfulness Matters More Than Happiness

My Piece on How Yoga + Creativity Intersect

How to Beat Writer’s Block

DIY: Lemongrass and Ginger Stamped Soap

Woman Left Fashion Career to Start an Organic Farm and Animal Sanctuary

Weekend Wish List

Host inspiring MBSR workshop

Dash off to the woods

Work on a few projects

Interview Cameron of Yoga Animalia Project

Finish The Art of Slow Writing

Work on writing homework

Take a digital day off

 

The post Week in Review {Pics + Links} appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

12 Ways to Make Your Day Beautiful

Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.― Marcus Aurelius

As I woke up to this morning’s news about the tragedy in Belgium, my heart felt heavy. I wondered if it was insensitive to pen a piece on making your day beautiful when there is so much suffering.

I decided that now is when we need this reminder the most—smack dab in the middle of modern life craziness.

While these suggestions won’t stop terrorism, a screaming baby, or a bullying boss, they will make your days a bit brighter. Promise. And, after all, isn’t that enough to make them worth a try as we transition into this brand new season?

When I consider my morning routine, evening routine, and special moments in between, I have a few beauty-enriching go-tos. They’re below in no particular order.

1. Light candles

2. Display fresh flowers and plants

3. Sip your favorite libation with reverence

4. Clear clutter

5. Write in a journal that feels good to touch

6. Read inspiring books (just finished You Had Me at Woof—precious!)

7. Create an altar, nook, or special spot for contemplation

8. Seek light: ambient lamps, twinkle lights, and natural vitamin D

9. Please your palate with colorful plant-based foods

10. Create a comfort drawer/totable bag: lavender oil, lip balm, moisturizer, tea bags, raw almonds, perfume

11. Listen to music

12. Surround yourself with images of people and places that bring you alive

So tell me, how do you add beauty into your day? Bisous. x

The post 12 Ways to Make Your Day Beautiful appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

TranquiliT Spring En Route

Launched in 2002, TranquiliT (pronounced tranquility) is designed to offer versatile mix-and-match wear (hello capsule dressing) for the busy woman seeking style and comfort.

The locally-sewn, eco-friendly spring collection will be available online and in Tranquil Space and Jivamukti NYC studios THIS week.

We have two new colors—sky blue and peach—and four new designs: 1. ruffle dress (wear the gathered neckline off the shoulder, across the chest, or around the neck), 2. drape cover-up, 3. racerback tank, and 4. boyfriend tee dress.

Follow TranquiliT on Instagram and Facebook for ways to wear, special savings, and peeks behind-the-scenes. Below is a peek inside our recent spring photo shoot.

Happy spring and happy slow fashion made with love in the nation’s capital. x

The post TranquiliT Spring En Route appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Tranquility du Jour #366: Polish Your Poise

Polish Your Poise with Jennifer Scott. Learn her five characteristics of poise, how to be a charming communicator, and the difference between style and clothing.

Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #366: Polish Your Poise

 

Featured Guest: Jennifer L. Scott is the New York Times bestselling author of Lessons from Madame Chic, At Home with Madame Chic and Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic (Simon & Schuster) and creator of the blog The Daily Connoisseur. She is a contributing writer for Huffington Post Style and has been featured on CNN, BBC, and CBS News, and in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, USA Today, Newsweek, and The Daily Mail. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California.

Savvy Sources


Website: jenniferlscott.com
Facebook: facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor
Twitter: twitter.com/JL_Scott
Instagram: instagram.com/dailyconnoisseur
YouTube: youtube.com/user/TheDailyConnoisseur
Books: jenniferlscott.com/books
Jennifer Scott Ted Talk
My Latest Book: 52 Weeks of Tranquility Journal
David Whyte poem I mentioned, “Sweet Darkness“
Sign up for Love Notes and access Tranquil Treasures
Podcast app: Tranquility du Jour iPhone and Android



Upcoming Events

TDJ Live {Seasonal Podcast}: March 31 at 8pmET

Art + Yoga in West Virginia: May 13-15 {1 spot}

Penning in Paris: June 6-10 {2 spots}

Yoga and the Animals at Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary: June 18

Tranquility in Tuscany: October 8-15

Writing in the Woods: October 28-30

 

Stay Connected

New to Tranquility du Jour? Peruse my FAQs.
Tranquility University E-courses.
Broadcasts on Periscope.
Connect on Facebook.
Eye candy on Instagram.
Pin along on Pinterest.
Follow on Twitter.
Read along on Goodreads.
Browse my books.
Read about my passion for animals.
Pen a review on iTunes.

Techy

To listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.
New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.
Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.
Get the Tranquility du Jour apps to get the podcast automagically on iOS or Android.

The post Tranquility du Jour #366: Polish Your Poise appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

A Peek Inside the Virtual Retreat

On March 5 I woke up at 5am so excited about the day’s Virtual Retreat. I tied a bow around the 13-page Day-Of Guidebook, walked Mookie, made kale chips, and gathered all my supplies for the adventure.

The day began and ended with a live 30-minute video session. Our six hours together whizzed by interspersed with yoga, journaling, walking meditation, seated meditation, mindful eating, and art journaling.

Technology was on our side (except when I forgot to mic up – oops!), Mookie was behaved (unbelievable), and we had a loving and supportive global group (truly delightful). I couldn’t have asked for more as the entire experience felt dreamy.

It was like I had these lovely ladies in my living room creating, dreaming, and reflecting with me. A true honor!

The entire experience, included our three live gatherings, is available for purchase so you, too, can set up your own DIY daylong retreat at home.

During our March 31 Tranquility du Jour Live (formerly called Seasonal Podcast) event, I’ll announce the date for our next virtual retreat and hope you can join us! x

hear from a few participants + see their pics:

I absolutely loved the retreat today. It was such a great way to spend a Saturday. Participating has reminded me how good it feels to slow down and give myself the time to recharge. Feeling a new spark of creativity. Loved connecting with all of you and look forward to more.

Just looked in the mirror and I think I look younger than I did this morning! I’m so relaxed!!!! What a fabulous morning.

I’d forgotten how much fun art journaling can be – especially not having to stay within the lines, cut with a scissors, or make something perfect. The last time I wrote in my art journal was January 2015. So much has changed since then, and this exercise helped me to shift my perspective to embracing change and discerning what I need in my life to spark joy.

I’ve been to local day long yoga workshops and enjoyed being with a group. But I have to say, being the introvert that I am and loving my quiet time, this was something I would do again and again. Being in my own familiar space, relaxed but at the same time connected with everyone by your video and the Facebook Group. You thought of everything!

The Virtual Retreat is exactly what I needed during this busy time of the year for me. As an introvert with an extroverted job and tendencies, it was wonderful to give myself the opportunity to “check out” for the day while still being in my own space. I lit candles and incense, put on soothing jazz, and spent the whole day in my comfiest clothes virtually connecting with my favorite yoga and mindfulness guru. I also loved that we will always have access to the modules. I have been on a few retreats with Kimberly, and leave wishing I could take it all with me. Now I can!  

I LOVED attending my very first virtual retreat! It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday. Kimberly was the perfect host interacting with us through a live feed at the beginning of the retreat as well as through the Facebook group and Periscope. My expectation was that I would be “alone” on this retreat, but I was wrong! I felt so connected to the other women that attended even though we were from all over the world. One of my biggest takeaways was that taking time out for myself is not only important, but imperative. This was truly a one of the best workshops I’ve ever attended and will not be my last.

When I decided to sign up for Kimberly’s Virtual Retreat I wasn’t convinced that it would work. The idea that I would be able to cut off the phone and commit myself to the experience seemed a bit of a stretch. Yet, I was able to stick with the schedule, ignore the phone-text -email messages, and fully immerse myself in the activities. If you aren’t able to free up the full day, I think it would work use the videos and break the sessions into two half days.

I can’t thank you enough for such a clearly thought out virtual retreat. It was such a blessing not to need to get dressed, drive to an airport, not have to put on make-up, and to be comfortable in my own home without distraction (except for my two fur babies).

The hallmark of an enlightening retreat, presentation, email, or post are the moments a heart is touched, a thought is planted, or a direction changed. And, how all this continues to impact. It’s a week later (I like to wait a while and let things process.) and I realize that the virtual retreat was more powerful than I thought it would be. In fact, it’s helping me to change direction, well, actually, to reconnect to my core being.

I highly recommend her Virtual Retreat. It didn’t feel virtual at all. No distractions from others in attendance, or traveling, or needing to be presentable. Just following along with a smile, my coffee, computer and toys of choice.  It was a meaningful day, one, it turns out, I deeply needed. I felt joyful thinking about it in the weeks previous to it. Looking at my calendar brought a little spark of light waving at me to carry on as my reward was coming soon.

The post A Peek Inside the Virtual Retreat appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

DIY Daybook

Over the weekend I received a note from a long-time Daybook supporter, Darca, who did a revamp of her binding. She sent me the how-to with links, so I’m writing to share these thoughtful suggestions.

We’re down to three 4.0 Daybooks and five 3.0 Daybooks. If you want one, scoop it up now. I’ll start designing 5.0 shortly and it will be available this fall.

Also, we’ve upgraded the website so you can now purchase multiple items such as parfum, tea, books, CDs, and more in one order.

Darca’s DIY tips:

“Just to give you something new to think about Daybook-wise, I decided that I wanted to be able to add and remove pages from it — so I took out the spiral spine, re-punched the holes and remade the spine from discs that I had from a different planner.

The result is that I can remove months that have gone by and add in any sheets of paper I like very easily. I insert blank pages to work on various projects I have on the go.

The spinal discs are from here.

The hole-punch I use is from Levenger.

This company also sells them.

I am sure that many people prefer the original, spiral spine, but this system works well for me! I love the Daybook — it is so much nicer than any other out there.”

 Happy planning!

The post DIY Daybook appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Week in Review

 

Week in Review

While browsing through a magazine last night, I came across this Keats quote: “Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather, and a little music played out of doors by somebody I do not know.” Does it resonate? Life’s joys are wrapped up in the simplest of pleasures.

During this morning’s walk with Mookie, I stopped to snap the white blooms featured above. DC’s trees and gardens are beginning to come alive with colorful blossoms. I sense a similar thing happening with people. Spirits seem lighter, almost happier, and I don’t think it’s just the open-toed shoes.

The past two weeks have been filled with seeing clients, hosting an all-day Virtual Retreat, participating in meetings, taking classes, teaching, signing up for a retreat with Christine Mason Miller, signing up for a 2-day social work licensure prep course, hiring and working with a dog behaviorist, going to the ballet, and teaching.

This weekend we’re off to Raleigh, North Carolina to see two Garth Brooks shows. Initially we had tickets for one night and I was like, “Hey, we’re already there, let’s stay Sunday, too!” Much to his chagrin, Tim obliged. Yes, it’s concert #7 and #8. #9 is Vegas around my birthday! Insert confetti toss.

I’m looking forward to brunch at a museum cafe,  singing loudly at two concerts, making time to finish two books: Always Too Much and Never Enough (podcast interview forthcoming) and The Art of Slow Writing, and ample time to gaze out the car window and daydream.

As your week draws to a close and you prepare for the weekend, I encourage you to consider the Keats quote. What would you like to be given to truly appreciate the sacred moment in front of you? Bisous. x

Week in Pics

Sunday night planning
Pretty spring blooms
Virtual Retreat set up
Week 9 of 52 Weeks of Tranquility : Snail mail
New copy of Lucia arrived

Savvy Sources

10 Habits of Highly Effective Writers

Drinking Champagne Every Day Could Help Prevent Dementia

How People Size You Up in Seconds

33 Life-Changing Books

Confessions of a Failed Self-Help Guru

5 Museum Cafes: The Paris List

Getting Out of a Creative Rut

How Veganism Became an Integral Part of My Feminism 7 Ways to Inspire Truly Great Ideas

Meet is Murder {meetings}

4 Tips for a Digital Detox

Weekend Wish List

Host inspiring week 3 of mindfulness-based stress reduction

Safe travels to and from North Carolina

Savor TWO Garth Brooks concerts

Fun brunch at Nasher museum cafe with old friend

Yummy dinner in Raleigh with a dear couple

Finish reading a few books

Bask in yin yoga before hitting the road

The post Week in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

What I’m Reading

Confession: My bookshelves are constantly overflowing.

If you’ve been following over the years, you are probably aware of my book problem. Some women like shoes, I like bound paper wrapped in pretty covers.

It’s an addiction. My name is Kimberly Wilson and I love books.

I’m currently reading and savoring an assortment of books, so I’m writing to share them with you.

The Art of Slow Writing by Louise DeSalvo

The Great Spring by Natalie Goldberg

Always Too Much and Never Enough by Jasmin Singer

The Here-And-Now Habit by Hugh Byrne

Living the Farm Sanctuary Life by Gene Baur

Simple Matters by Erin Boyle

Bella Grace magazine

So tell me, what’s on your bedside table, in your handbag, or placed in a cozy nook that you’re loving? Bisous. x

P. S. Consider joining me in a Goodreads challenge to read (ahem, finish!) 24 books this year.

The post What I’m Reading appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Tranquility du Jour #365: Living the Farm Sanctuary Life with Gene Baur

Living the Farm Sanctuary Life with Gene Baur. Learn the five tenets of living the Farm Sanctuary life, his story from Hollywood to Hilda, how Farm Sanctuary found their first spot in Watkins Glen, New York, and how he stays motivated as an activist.

Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #365: Living the Farm Sanctuary Life with Gene Baur

 

Featured Guest: Gene Baur has been hailed as “the conscience of the food movement” by Time magazine. Since the mid-1980s, he has traveled extensively, campaigning to raise awareness about the abuses of industrialized factory farming and our system of cheap food production.

A pioneer in the field of undercover investigations, Gene has visited hundreds of farms, stockyards, and slaughterhouses, documenting the deplorable conditions that exist. His pictures and videos exposing factory farming cruelties have aired nationally and internationally, educating millions about the plight of modern farm animals.

Gene has also testified in courts and before local, state, and federal legislative bodies, advocating for better conditions for farm animals. His most important achievements include winning the first-ever cruelty conviction at a U.S. stockyard and introducing the first U.S. laws to prohibit cruel farming confinement methods in Florida, Arizona, and California. His efforts have been covered by top news organizations, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and The Wall Street Journal. Gene has published two bestsellers, Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food (Scribner, 2008) and Living the Farm Sanctuary Life (Rodale, 2015), which he co-authored with Forks Over Knives author Gene Stone. Through his writing and his international speaking engagements, Gene provides simple actionable solutions coupled with a compassion-first approach to help us be the change we wish to see in treatment toward animals and in our food system.

Gene began his activist career selling veggie hotdogs out of a VW van at Grateful Dead concerts to fund farm animal rescues. Today, he serves as president of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, with shelters in New York and California. Providing rescue, refuge, and adoption for hundreds of farm animals each year, Farm Sanctuary shelters enable visitors to connect with farm animals as emotional, intelligent individuals. Gene believes these animals stand as ambassadors for the billions of factory farm animals who have no voice, and he has dedicated his career to advocating on their behalf.

Gene holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from California State University, Northridge, and a master’s degree in agricultural economics from Cornell University. In 2015, Gene was granted an Associate appointment in Health, Behavior, and Society at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In this prestigious position, Gene is focused on implementing courses related to evidence-based work on diet and farming as it aligns to Farm Sanctuary’s goals of shedding light on factory farming’s threat to public health, the environment and animal welfare.

Savvy Sources


Books: Living the Farm Sanctuary Life and Farm Sanctuary
Website: Farm Sanctuary
Twitter: twitter.com/genebaur
Twitter: twitter.com/FarmSanctuary
Facebook: facebook.com/GeneBaurofFarmSanctuary
Facebook: facebook.com/farmsanctuary
Instagram: instagram.com/farmsanctuary/
Instagram: instagram.com/GeneBaur/
TDJ Live {Seasonal Podcast}: March 31 at 8pmET
Latest Book: 52 Weeks of Tranquility Journal
Sign up for Love Notes and access Tranquil Treasures
Podcast app: Tranquility du Jour iPhone and Android



Upcoming Events

Art + Yoga in West Virginia: May 13-15 {2 spots left}

Penning in Paris: June 6-10 {2 spots left}

Tranquility in Tuscany: October 8-15

Writing in the Woods: October 28-30

 

Stay Connected

New to Tranquility du Jour? Peruse my FAQs.
Tranquility University E-courses.
Broadcasts on Periscope.
Connect on Facebook.
Eye candy on Instagram.
Pin along on Pinterest.
Follow on Twitter.
Read along on Goodreads.
Browse my books.
Read about my passion for animals.
Pen a review on iTunes.

Techy

To listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.
New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.
Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.
Get the Tranquility du Jour apps to get the podcast automagically on iOS or Android.

The post Tranquility du Jour #365: Living the Farm Sanctuary Life with Gene Baur appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

What Are You Doing Today?

Happy Saturday!

The sky is a medium blue with a slight twinge of light as the sun begins to rise on the east coast. I’m up early sitting at my desk and looking out the garden window while I write. There’s a purring kitty on my lap and pot of Tranquility Tea to my side.

I’m eager to launch today’s Tranquility Virtual Retreat in three hours. Insert colorful confetti toss!

During today’s gathering, you will:

Practice seated and walking meditation

Practice mindful eating with a raisin

Learn how to art journal and play with an assortment of prompts

Practice yoga

Spend time with journaling prompts that dive deep

Learn the benefits of yoga and meditation

Learn how journaling and art journaling help lower stress

Connect with like-hearted ladies live and online

Be guided through the process each step of the way

Receive an extensive guidebook filled with multimedia links and resources

Have the opportunity to pause, dream, and play

Plant seeds for spring

If you haven’t signed up yet and would like to join us, we’d love to have you.

Gather your yoga mat, journal, and creative tools.

Give yourself the gift of tranquility.

If you’re hoping to catch it after today, the DIY retreat will be available for $125.

Today it’s $99.

The post What Are You Doing Today? appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.