Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 106
March 3, 2016
Behind-the-Scenes Art Journal Video
For years I’ve studied, practiced, and explored numerous ways to live with more tranquility. During Saturday’s Virtual Retreat I’ll be sharing the practices I’ve found to be mentally, physically, and emotionally life-changing.
All the modules included in our Virtual Retreat are nuggets I’ve shared in retreats led around the world over the past 15 years.
Here’s a peek at our six-hour adventure:
10-10:30 Live Opening Circle
10:30-11:30 Guided Journaling
11:30-12:30 Guided Yoga
12:30-1 Live Guided Mindful Eating and Live Check-In
1:00-2:00 Guided Meditation
2:00-3:30 Guided Art Journaling {Behind-the-scenes video recorded via Periscope}
3:30-4 Live Closing Circle
In addition, you’ll receive pre- and post-retreat PDF guidebooks, a day-of PDF guidebook, and an invite to our private Facebook group.
Can’t join us live, no problem?
Everyone gets a recording of the live portions and modules can be done at your own pace, too, in case you have a scheduling conflict.
This Virtual Retreat offers an opportunity to hit the pause button, learn new skills, connect with like-hearted ladies, and return to what’s most meaningful to you . . . just in time for spring. Let’s play!
Won’t you slow down, tune in, and dream with us?
The post Behind-the-Scenes Art Journal Video appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
March 1, 2016
Let’s Retreat . . . in 4 Days
I’m a big believer in going on retreat. Escaping one’s day-to-day routine to reflect, breathe, and create has profound results. Picture yourself on your yoga mat, on your meditation cushion, at your table surrounded by your creative supplies, and in a cozy nook curled up with your journal.
Knowing a retreat’s therapeutic value, I’ve dreamed up a sampling from the comfort of one’s own home . . . and it happens in 4 days!
Spend time reflecting and rejuvenating without booking flights or babysitters and taking time off work.
This six-hour adventure includes: an opening and closing live video gathering plus a midway live check-in, guided multimedia how-tos on journaling, yoga, mindful eating, meditation, and art journaling with accompanying exercises, pre- and post-retreat PDF manuals, day of PDF manual, and a private Facebook group.
Treat yourself to a bite-sized retreat. Hit the pause button, vary your routine, learn new skills, connect with like-hearted ladies, and return to what’s most meaningful to you.
Where
Comfort of your own home
When
THIS Saturday, March 5 10am-4pm ET (use this handy time zone converter)
Investment
What’s the scoop?
Pre-retreat experience
Preparing for your virtual retreat PDF
Private Facebook group to connect beforehand
Day of virtual retreat experience
Virtual retreat manual PDF
Create your environment
Live opening circle at 10am ET
Guided Journaling
Guided Yoga
Live mid-day check-in
Guided Mindful Eating
Guided Meditation
Guided Art Journaling
Live closing circle at 3:30pm ET
Post-retreat experience
Carrying the virtual retreat with you PDF
Private Facebook group to stay connected
Won’t you join us on this adventure? Bisous. x
The post Let’s Retreat . . . in 4 Days appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 27, 2016
Week in Review {Pics + Links}
Week in Review
Happy Saturday night! I’m sitting fireside surrounded by books, paperwork, my Daybook, journal, water bottle, cuppa tea, and two furry friends. Despite big plans to conquer pending projects on my to-do list, I’ve been moving in slow motion—researching social work licensing exam prep, looking at farmettes for sale in West Virginia, finding new creatives to follow on Twitter.
You know, doing anything but handling those patiently awaiting tasks.
This week was a sprint and my mantra was “mindful survival:” coordinating TranquiliT’s spring photo shoot, launching the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course, packing and shipping the Virtual Retreat Tranquility Toolkits, doing my first Periscope broadcasts, seeing numerous clients, baking two batches of kale chips, making steel cut oats (I doubled the recipe and now have enough for a month—oops!), finalizing the upcoming “Yoga and the Animals” event at Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary on 6/26, releasing a podcast and Love Note, attending a Hospice volunteer workshop, and playing single mom to Mookie (a full-time job) while Tim’s away.
Oh, and purchasing my 9th, yes 9th, Garth Brooks ticket! Two shows in Raleigh, NC = next stop.
As I scan my table covered in tools to help me complete various tasks, I want to crawl into bed. It’s been a good week, a productive one. And now it’s time for rest. The to-dos will be right here waiting for me when I wake up. I’ll give them the attention they deserve after I take care of myself first.
It’s transformative what sleep can do. And a hot bath. And a good cuppa tea. And a nutrient-packed green smoothie. And a Toffuti Cutie for breakfast. You know, because mindful indulgence is a good thing.
Sleep tight loved ones. May tonight bring you respite. Bisous. x
Week in Pics
Mookie big pimpin’
A peek at one of TranquiliT’s new spring colors: peach
Pink cowboy boots in honor of my 9th Garth Brooks concert ticket
Kale chips
Week 8 of 52 Weeks of Tranquility: Artist’s Date
A fireside moment
Savvy Sources
Amazing Vegan Clogs Made in the USA: Mohop
Steven Pressfield on The Truth is Out There
10 Ways Successful People Spend Their Time After Work
What I Wish Everyone Knew About Factory Farming
Meatless Monday with Tracey Stewart (+ Pig Belly Rubs)
The Stigma of Doing Things Alone
How to Embroider Vines and Leaves
How to Be a Great Listener
Reading Program Teaches Kids Empathy and Helps Shy Shelter Dogs
Focus on These 4 Things to Organize Your Business
Why I Turned Vegan and What It Means for My Travel Lifestyle
Weekend Wish List
Host inspiring workshops
Work on essay
Read more of The Art of Slow Writing
Take long walks with Mookie
Time with writing group
Rest
The post Week in Review {Pics + Links} appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 26, 2016
Behind-the-Scenes Periscope 2pm ET
After hosting a recent Tranquility du Jour live event, I began dreaming up ways to do more video events with you.
Enter Periscope. It’s a live streaming video mobile app and I’m going to do my first broadcast TODAY, February 26 at 2pm ET during our spring TranquiliT photo shoot!
I’ll reveal the two new colors YOU chose, a few swanky spring designs, a peek into our seasonal photo shoot at the Pink Palace (my petite home), and maybe even a guest appearance by Mookie.
Not familiar with Periscope? Here’s the basics. Hope to see you shortly!
Oh, and watch for our spring collection online mid-March.
Dreaming of spring,
Kimberly
The post Behind-the-Scenes Periscope 2pm ET appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 23, 2016
Setting Up a Creative Space
After a whimsical week in Costa Rica hosting a yoga and creativity retreat, I’m back to my creative space prepping for this week’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course, next week’s Virtual Retreat, and writing. Considering how much value I get from my creative space, I wanted to share tips on setting up your own.
1. Determine the why. Why do you need a nook for creativity? (Hint: because we all do!) What do you want to do in your space? What supplies will you need? How much space will you need and what do you have available? Your creative space may be a basket stuffed with your favorite pens for writing, a corner nook near a bookshelf for reading, a table in your studio apartment for jewelry making, a barre and mirror for ballet, or your very own craft room.
2. Create inspiration. Set the right amount of lighting. If you’re working on intricate trinkets, you may need a bright lamp with a movable arm. Natural lighting is a big perk. My creative space overlooks a tiny garden. Paint a wall for a pop of color—green is said to breed inspiration. Add additional greenery with plants. Display design boards filled with images you love, fabric swatches, art journal pages, book ideas—anything that inspires.3. Gather your tools. I found that when my creative tools were tucked away in drawers, I would forget what I had and not use certain markers, ephemera, paints, or note cards because they were out of sight, out of mind. Now I have most of my tools set out on my desk or in a wire birdcage CD holder that now serves as my supply source.
4. Organize for easy access. Set like with like. I have all my writing tools, scissors, and paint brushes set out in reused glass jars and mugs. My washi tape supply is connected by one large ribbon hung on the bird cage. Rubber stamps are on one shelf along with stamp pads. My art journal/journal/laptop are on m
y desktop for easy access, along with a few inspiring books of the moment. There’s typically an abundance of note cards and stamps handy for penning quick love notes.
5. Add pretty details. I have a lamp with little crystals that provides ambient lighting, a reused berry carton from a farmers’ market to hold trinkets like Post-its or metallic washi tape, a gifted necklace with Louis’ photo and a mala hanging from the lamp, a scented soy wax candle, a space for my morning cuppa tea, and perfume to spritz while working.
What are your favorite ways to set up creative space within your work and/or home environment?
Wishing you a cozy, creative nook that nurtures your inner artist. Bisous. x
The post Setting Up a Creative Space appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 22, 2016
Tranquility du Jour #364: My Old Dog
My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts with Laura Coffey. Learn what’s so special about senior dogs, how to help senior pets even if you can’t adopt or foster, and why she’s a fan of .
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #364: My Old Dog
Featured Guest: Laura T. Coffey is a longtime writer, editor, and producer for TODAY.com, the website of NBC’s TODAY show. A journalist with more than two decades of experience, Laura has written and edited hundreds of high-profile human-interest stories. She has won numerous awards, including first-place feature-writing awards from the Society for Features Journalism and the Dog Writers Association of America. Laura lives in Seattle with her husband, Michael, her son, Tyler, and their dogs and cat. You can connect with Laura at lauratcoffey.com.
Savvy Sources
lauratcoffey.com
myolddogbook.com
Twitter: twitter.com/ltcoff
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyOldDog
TDJ Live {Seasonal Podcast}: March 31 at 8pmET
Live on Periscope: Friday, February 26 2pm ET
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
8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in DC: Starts February 26
Tranquility Virtual Retreat: March 5
Art + Yoga in West Virginia: May 13-15
Penning in Paris: June 6-10
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.
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 #364: My Old Dog appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 19, 2016
Week in Review {Pics + Links}
Week in Review
Hola from blustery Costa Rica. Strong winds began stirring while we slept and haven’t let up. The trees are constantly dancing as we savor our final full day together.
This week offered the opportunity to rise and fall with the sun. By 7:30pm, I was ready for bed. By 5:30am, I was greeting the day with the birds.
Although I’ve missed my loved ones back home terribly, it’s been a delight to work with the amazing ladies who joined me on retreat. One thing I added this time was a “silent table” to offer a space to sit in silence to read or write without having to be “on.”
This alleviates social pressure, especially when one is here to dive deep, slow down, and simply be. It also helps introverts maintain energy for the yoga and art journaling.
As we move about our day, it’s helpful to create our own sort of silent table. That sacred space to step off the hamster wheel to breathe. Maybe it’s a special nook at home by a window, a comfy bench in a nearby park, or a corner table at your favorite cafe.
Next Friday I’m starting an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course to share what I’ve learned in my two MBSR courses coupled with last summer’s MBSR teacher training course. The practice has the ability to literally change our brain (see Savvy Sources below) and I’m honored to bring it to Tranquil Space.
May you have a moment to pull up a chair at your own silent table this weekend. Bisous. x
Pics in Review
Obligatory shoe shot
Morning view
Moi + Mama by our favorite tree
Another morning view
Blue skies + flora
Books of the week
Savvy Sources
The Decline of the American Book Lover
Essential Wine Accessories for the Wine Lover
Mindfulness Can Literally Change Your Brain
How to Read 365 Books in a Year
Creative Burnout and Reclaiming Who We Are
How the Most Successful People Avoid Burnout
Carolina Herrara on White Shirts As Security Blankets
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Big Secret to Her Incredible Glow
Weekend Wish List
Savor final moments in Costa Rica
Safe travels home
Regroup
Write
Prep for week ahead
The post Week in Review {Pics + Links} appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 17, 2016
Virtual Retreat in 17 days
Wind is blowing a warm breeze through the resort’s tropical trees as I savor space to read, write, and create during this week’s Costa Rica Art + Asana Retreat. Knowing the therapeutic value of going on retreat, I’ve dreamed up a sampling from the comfort of one’s own home . . . and it happens in 17 days!
Spend time reflecting and rejuvenating without booking flights or babysitters and taking time off work.
This six-hour adventure includes: an opening and closing live video gathering plus a midway live check-in, guided multimedia how-tos on journaling, yoga, mindful eating, meditation, and art journaling with accompanying exercises, pre- and post-retreat PDF manuals, day of PDF manual, and a private Facebook group.
Treat yourself to a bite-sized retreat. Hit the pause button, vary your routine, learn new skills, connect with like-hearted ladies, and return to what’s most meaningful to you.
Where
Comfort of your own home
When
Saturday, March 5 10am-4pm ET (use this handy time zone converter)
Investment
Add on an optional Tranquility Toolkit filled with TranquiliT arm warmers, TranquiliT headband, lavender candle, five biodegradable bags of organic tranquility tea, a yoga practice CD, markers, Tranquillité parfum vial, 4×6 spiral art journal, and handwritten love note. $49 plus shipping (a $90 value).
Tranquility Toolkits (see below) ship the week of February 22.
The post Virtual Retreat in 17 days appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 15, 2016
Morning View
Hola from Costa Rica where days are filled with art journaling, yoga, meditation, writing, spa treatments, good conversation, and local veg cuisine. My belly is happy and my heart is full.
Back home they’re battling more snow and ice, so I’m feeling particularly blessed about sunshine on my skin right now.
Before today’s 7am practice, I headed to the restaurant to prep my morning hot water and lemon libation and snapped this photo with sunlight streaming through the trees.
The Fred Allen quote on the cover reads, ” A human being is nothing by a story with skin around it.”
My focus to grow as a writer remains strong as I read about writing (is this avoidance?), practice, work with a writing teacher, and push myself in new directions.
Although this effort may not show on the blog, lots of fodder is filling those Kraft Moleskines pictured above. My hope is that my next book will bubble up from these volumes of penned prose.
Something different. Something deeply personal. Something filled with story, dialogue, action. Something uniquely me.
While I continue to draft to discover (as Jeffrey Davis recommends), I am working to put the pieces together in a way that taps into a universal desire.
Stay tuned. I am, I mean that’s all I can do. Pen to paper. Pen to paper. Pen to paper.
In the interim, I wanted to share a few favorite writing books I’ve read in the past month or so:
Chapter After Chapter by Heather Sellers
Pen On Fire by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett
Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper by SARK
The True Secret of Writing by Natalie Goldberg
The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr
And I’m currently reading Good Prose.
Wishing you connection to a story deep within. Let it out. The world deserves to hear it. Bisous. x
The post Morning View appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 12, 2016
Week in Review {Pics + Links}
Week in Review
I’m sitting fireside after a day of retreat planning for Costa Rica and Tranquility Virtual while consciously engaged in packing procrastination. Although I have a huge suitcase stuffed with ephemera, stamps, paint, and tools for art journaling in the rainforest, it’s now time to tackle my tiny personal suitcase. Since that involves laundry, toiletries, and, the hardest decision of all, which books to bring, I’m writing instead!
This week offered doses of inspiration including Jasmin Singer’s book signing at Compassion Over Killing and vegan afternoon tea at the Willard talking nonprofits, animals, and life updates with a longtime girlfriend. There was strategic planning at all-day Director’s Retreat, at home with Tim, and over tea with the Dupont Studio Director. I enjoyed the opportunity to serve clients at The Women’s Center, co-teach a 5-hour Mindfulness Urban Retreat plus my weekly Mindfulness class, and collaborate with my local seamstress on TranquiliT’s spring designs. I also chatted with a local animal sanctuary director about hosting an event: animals, yoga, community. Ooh la la, details forthcoming.
A few additional sweet moments were sprinkled throughout such as wishing Pops a happy 73rd, soaking in the tub, savoring a cupcake, announcing my first Periscope broadcast, and preparing to host next week’s Art + Asana Retreat.
Look for images and inspiration from the rainforest next week. In the interim, wishing you a soulful and playful Valentine’s Day filled with your favorite things. x
Week in Pics
Morning journal, reading, planning time
Afternoon tea at The Willard
My vegan desserts
Tea and parfum packed with love
A peek at the Virtual Retreat Tranquility Toolkit
Pink Palace set up for yoga video shoot
Post-shoot belly rubs
Savvy Sources
More Young Women Choosing Dogs Over Motherhood
Why We Should All Take a Sabbatical
Art As Experience: Highs and Lows of Life
Sweet Christmas Sweater Pup Adopted {this story broke my heart}
DIY Vicks Shower Tablets
Jane Goodall Tells Life Story
New Generation Knitting To Relieve Stress
What Stress Does To Your Brain
The Death of the Artist and the Birth of the Creative Entrepreneur
The Armchair Dog Rescuer
Weekend Wish List
Date night
Finish packing
Safe travels to Costa Rica
Read
Write
Stuff goody bags
Launch inspiring retreat
Et toi? What’s on your weekend wish list? Bisous. x
The post Week in Review {Pics + Links} appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
