Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 34
July 14, 2020
Musings on Meaning
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference in that you have lived and lived well.—Ralph Waldo Emerson
As we all know, it’s been a year like no other and, for many, it’s led to contemplation. Although meaning is an often overlooked concept in our day-to-day hustle, it serves as a roadmap to help us better understand ourselves and our world.
In yesterday’s podcast, we explored this in our discussion of Transpersonal psychology. According to the British Psychological Association, “Transpersonal psychology might loosely be called the psychology of spirituality and of those areas of the human mind which search for higher meanings in life, and which move beyond the limited boundaries of the ego to access an enhanced capacity for wisdom, creativity, unconditional love and compassion.”
One 2015 study by researchers Frank Martela and Michael Steger claimed that meaning isn’t asking the philosophical question “What’s the meaning of life?,” but rather “looking at the subjective experiences of human beings and asks what makes them experience meaningfulness in their lives.”
For example, “Where’s the meaning in my life?” The meaning IN life is more personal versus the meaning OF life which is more philosophical.
Over the years, I’ve sought meaning in creating community and offerings that help myself and others live an examined, tranquil life. For example, seeing a yoga student grow confidently on the mat, a therapy client begin to set boundaries, or a retreat participant have an “aha” moment has been a motivating factor.
Also, I’ve found that two of my biggest losses—losing Gramma, Louis the pug, the studio—forced me to pause and led to big lifestyle changes.
Without these two big existential knockdowns, I wouldn’t have made changes. At least not at that time. I didn’t feel like I could until these two losses forced me into questioning.
In this recent CNN article, the author wrote, “The death of anyone reminds us: What have we not done, what could we be doing? Should we re-prioritize our lives? For many, taking a step back from typically busy lives has afforded them the opportunity to question whether those lives are the ones they really want to live and, if not, what changes they may be inclined to make.”
One thing I’ve learned is that it’s not what we do that creates meaning, but rather it’s the meaning we assign to what we do as illustrated in this story about two bricklayers. When asked what they’re doing, one replies with, “stacking bricks on top of each other” and the other replies with, “creating a cathedral.”
Our ability to see the bigger picture—you know, to take that bird’s eye view—offers us the chance to recognize how we’re contributing to making the world a better place. And you do that every single day in various ways.
On Saturday I’m offering a Mid-Year Virtual Retreat where we’ll ask these questions, review meaning-making practices, healthy habits, and coping skills while designing what remains of 2020. I hope you’ll join us in exploring how meaning is found within and lived without by making each day count. Bisous. x
The post Musings on Meaning appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 13, 2020
Tranquility du Jour #497: Life with Soul
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Chiara Viscomi about psychotherapy with soul, transpersonal psychology, and ways to bring more soul into our daily lives.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj497.mp3
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #497: Life with Soul.
Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast or Overcast.
Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more episodes and the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android.
Upcoming Events
Mid-Year Virtual Retreat: Saturday, July 18: 10 am-3 pm ET
Spend a day reviewing your year and dreaming up what remains.
Guest
Jessica “Chiara” Viscomi, MA, LMFT (MFC #104851), is a psychotherapist, writer, and artist based in San Francisco. She uses an eclectic mix of talk therapy, transpersonal psychology, expressive arts, mindfulness, and somatics to help people access their innate strength, power, creativity, and ability to heal.
Chiara received her master’s in counseling psychology with a certificate in creative expression at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (ITP). Prior to that, she received a BA in psychology and a BFA in drama from New York University. Chiara is the recipient of the Jill Mellick Award for Excellence in Creative Expression from ITP. She is also the author of published articles on wellness, integrative medicine, and the intersection of spirituality and psychology. When she’s not working with therapy clients or wordsmithing, you can find her at teahouses or music shows.
Mentioned in the Podcast
Find Chiara
Website
Facebook
Writings on psychology and wellness
Resources
Psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/transpersonal-therapy
Somatic Psychology
Thomasmooresoul.com/books/
Pacifica.edu/
Link to TDJ Brunch with a side of TranquiliT replay
Let’s Connect
Join our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group. Share resources, get inspiration, make connections, be part of the online book club.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
Sign up for Love Notes weekly inbox love: invites, inspiration, and more.
Browse my 6 Books.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube (check out the Tea with Kimberly video series).
Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT.
Share a review on iTunes, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. Deets on kimberlywilson.com/review.
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 download the podcast “automagically” on iOS or Android
The post Tranquility du Jour #497: Life with Soul appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 10, 2020
TDJ Brunch Registration + Resources
Enjoy a light-hearted gathering over a virtual cuppa tea on Saturday, July 11 from noon-1pm ET.
Learn tips for finding doses of tranquility in the every day and ideas on expressing your signature style (yes, even if you WFH).
For the style section, I’ll be joined by a few special guests!
Register:
Register for the free TDJ Brunch
Resources:
Download your event worksheet PDF
Download your Everyday Tranquility PDF
Download your 21 Ways to Wear my “uniform” PDF
Shop locally-sewn, eco-friendly TranquiliT at 20% off (coupon code announced at event)
Join us for the Mid-Year Virtual Retreat
PS Here’s a peek at previous TDJ Brunches
The post TDJ Brunch Registration + Resources appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 9, 2020
Oh 2020!
To say it’s been a tough year would be a dramatic understatement. From unemployment to health issues to police brutality to lockdowns, I mean come on 2020!
When walking the pups recently I’ve run into a few neighbors I used to see often, but haven’t since the pandemic hit. We exchange niceties through our masks and I notice that people are scared, overwhelmed, exhausted, sad, and, some, surprisingly grateful.
Grateful for a shake up. Grateful to be employed. Grateful to feel as safe as one can feel in a pandemic. Grateful to be healthy. Grateful to have to slow down and listen in. Grateful for relationships. Grateful for companion animals. Grateful for the little things. Grateful to get to rethink their “normal.”
After receiving the word “unprecedented” from every corporation (even my internet provider) and solopreneur (guilty!), it may make your eyes roll at this point. And yet, it IS a time not known before.
There’s no road map. No how-to book to pick up at your local bookstore. We’re just making our way through it the best we can with the skills we have.
Remember all those new year/decade dreams you had? Life seemed full of possibility. I’d like to think it still is. Just differently.
Next Saturday, July 18, I’m hosting a half-day virtual retreat with an eye toward reviewing the year, committing to healthy habits, deepening coping skills, and designing what remains of 2020.
We’ll dabble in yoga, mindfulness, journaling, and creativity catered to all levels. You’ll leave with clarity on the first half of your year, an action plan, and inspiration to make your days meaningful.
2020 isn’t cancelled, it’s just wildly different than anything we’ve experienced before and is worth paying attention to. I hope you’ll join us for this mid-year reflection. Bisous. x
A portion of all event proceeds benefits Higher Heights for America. They’re building the political power and leadership of Black women from the voting booth to elected office and creating the environment for Black women to run, win, and lead.
PS If you haven’t seen this Coronavirus Anxiety workbook, you may find it helpful.
The post Oh 2020! appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 7, 2020
Personal Style
In preparation for Saturday’s TDJ Virtual Brunch with a Side of TranquiliT, I’ll be sharing tips related to the Style Tenet. This week’s podcast ties into that topic, too, if we consider how our personal brand is the sum of what we do, how we do it, and why.
When watching Hamilton this weekend, the idea of legacy and how we use it kept popping into my head. Again, I see personal brand as our style. And our form of expression. And our legacy.
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, famously said, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.”
How would you describe your personal brand? Think of it as your “secret sauce.” You know, that thing that makes you YOU!
Here are a few ways to help craft it, in no particular order:
1. Build a platform through your online and/or community presence. This is your own personal stage that you share with the world.
2. Highlight your unique strengths, interests, and quirks (hello, Pigs & Pugs).
3. Share yourself through teaching, consulting, writing, and speaking.
4. Consider what success will look like for you in 1, 5, 10 years.
5. Be consistent in your messaging while also giving yourself grace as you evolve and grow.
6. Create community by hosting in-person and online meetups, creating a book club or movie club, setting up an anti-racist group—anything that will bring like-hearted people together.
7. Evoke emotion and create an experience. For example, Pigs & Pugs shares the stories of the animals who receive our micro-grants and at my former yoga studio, we served tea and cookies at the end of each class.
Consider your own personal brand and style. How would you describe it? How would you like it to be described?
Here’s a previous signature style post you may enjoy. Oh, and another blog post on daily dress-up plus these Tranquility du Jour style podcasts: #289, #310, #338, #351, #366, and #414. Bisous. x
The post Personal Style appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 6, 2020
Tranquility du Jour #496: Personal Brand
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Rebecca Rubin. We discuss creating a digital course, sharing your work online, and being your brand.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj496.mp3
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #496: Personal Brand.
Upcoming Events
TDJ Brunch with a side of TranquiliT: Saturday, July 11: noon-1 pm ET
Learn ways to find doses of tranquility in your every day plus signature style tips.
Mid-Year Virtual Retreat: Saturday, July 18: 10 am-3 pm ET
Spend a day reviewing your year and dreaming up what remains.
Guest: Rebecca Rubin
Rebecca Rubin is magnetic marketing mentor for women entrepreneurs and self-proclaimed “Content Queen.” She helps her clients write content that makes waves in the online world, overcome their inner blocks to visibility, and grow their businesses to 6 figures (and beyond).Her work has been featured in Entrepreneur, Business Insider, The Huffington Post, and more.
Rebecca is also an avid traveler and spent 2016 living in 12 countries in 12 months, while running her business from her laptop.
On the days she’s not writing, strategizing + coaching up the wazoo, you can find her unwinding on her yoga mat, planning her next travel adventure, or binge-watching the latest Netflix show about teenagers with magical powers. Find her at pursuitoffabulous.com.
Mentioned in the Podcast
Bundle Your Brilliance course
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Website
Previously on TDJ: #339 Pursuit of Fabulous, #367 Dream Job
Let’s Connect
Join our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group. Share resources, get inspiration, make connections, be part of the online book club.
Share a review on iTunes, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. Deets on kimberlywilson.com/review.
Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more episodes and the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android.
Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast or Overcast.
Sign up for Love Notes weekly inbox love: invites, inspiration, and more.
Browse my 6 Books.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube (check out the Tea with Kimberly video series).
Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT.
Tech
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 download the podcast “automagically” on iOS or Android
The post Tranquility du Jour #496: Personal Brand appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 5, 2020
July Book Club Pick
Welcome back to the Tranquility du Jour book club!
From one bibliophile to another, I’d love to read stories with you that move us and make us think and to open up important conversations to encourage reflection and deeper understanding.
Together we’ll read books and discuss them over in our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group and hopefully in person someday soon. You in? Hope so!
July Book
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Description from Amazon
This is how you find yourself.
There is a voice of longing inside each woman. We strive so mightily to be good: good partners, daughters, mothers, employees, and friends. We hope all this striving will make us feel alive. Instead, it leaves us feeling weary, stuck, overwhelmed, and underwhelmed. We look at our lives and wonder: Wasn’t it all supposed to be more beautiful than this? We quickly silence that question, telling ourselves to be grateful, hiding our discontent—even from ourselves.
For many years, Glennon Doyle denied her own discontent. Then, while speaking at a conference, she looked at a woman across the room and fell instantly in love. Three words flooded her mind: There She Is. At first, Glennon assumed these words came to her from on high. But she soon realized they had come to her from within. This was her own voice—the one she had buried beneath decades of numbing addictions, cultural conditioning, and institutional allegiances. This was the voice of the girl she had been before the world told her who to be. Glennon decided to quit abandoning herself and to instead abandon the world’s expectations of her. She quit being good so she could be free. She quit pleasing and started living.
Soulful and uproarious, forceful and tender, Untamed is both an intimate memoir and a galvanizing wake-up call. It is the story of how one woman learned that a responsible mother is not one who slowly dies for her children, but one who shows them how to fully live. It is the story of navigating divorce, forming a new blended family, and discovering that the brokenness or wholeness of a family depends not on its structure but on each member’s ability to bring her full self to the table. And it is the story of how each of us can begin to trust ourselves enough to set boundaries, make peace with our bodies, honor our anger and heartbreak, and unleash our truest, wildest instincts so that we become women who can finally look at ourselves and say: There She Is.
Untamed shows us how to be brave. As Glennon insists: The braver we are, the luckier we get.
Why I Chose It
In honor of Pride Month in June (a few days late), I wanted to choose a book by a LGBTQ+ author and I’ve heard wonderful things about this one from clients and friends.
How to Join
Read the book (here’s a list of black-owned bookstores or download via an e-reader) and join us over on the TDJ Insider’s Facebook group for a discussion. Here’s a book club questions guide.
The post July Book Club Pick appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 4, 2020
June in Review
Hello love! Each month I do a review of the month and also share my next month’s dreams. This reflection exercise allows me to stay accountable, review goals, celebrate, and note what needs adjustment. I duplicate this process in my Daybook, too, since I’m a paper lover! You’ll also find an assortment of photos from the month plus Savvy Sources I thought you may enjoy. Bisous. x
June in Review
Daily exercise class [MOSTLY, TOOK 26 YOGA, BALLET AND HIP HOP CLASSES]
Memoir writing [BACK TO IT]
Finalize and set up TDJ welcome series [DONE]
Host inspiring TDJ Brunch on June 6 and TDJ Live on June 21 [RESCHEDULED BRUNCH, YES TO TDJLIVE]
Plan and share July offering [YES, MID-YEAR RETREAT]
TranquiliT efforts [ONGOING]
Design and release Therapy newsletter [NOT YET]
Record four new Tea with K videos [NOPE]
Release five podcasts [DONE]
Celebrate 47th birthday [DONE]
Read three books [READ TWO: WHITE FRAGILITY AND CREATIVE CALLING]
June Highlights
Birthday celebrations
Hosting TDJ Live and connecting with YOU
Protesting
Reading and discussing White Fragility in the TDJ Insider’s Facebook group
Tea dates (virtual and socially distanced)
Farmers’ market jaunts
Filling my tiny home with flowers
Collaborating with clients
Saturday afternoon virtual hip hop class
Plump cherries, ripe peaches, and organic strawberries
First mani/pedi, massage, and hair color/cut since mid-March
Evening campfires and family walks
July Dreams
Read 3 books
Host fun TDJ Brunch with a side of TranquiliT on 7/11
Host meaningful Mid-Year Virtual Retreat on 7/18
Release 4 podcasts
Record new Tea with Kimberly videos
Send a TranquiliT and Kimberly Wilson Therapy newsletter
TranquiliT rebrand efforts
Complete Daily Om writing course
Pen and send birthday thank-you notes
Set up content calendar
Announce next online book club pick
Savvy Sources
Safeguard Your Mental Health During Covid
7 Books to Add to Your July Reading List
Vegan Pancakes with Roasted Rhubarb
Black & BIPOC Leaders We’re Learning From
5 Ways to Reimagine Life in Quarantine
Herbs for Managing Stress & Anxiety {plus rose latte recipe}
650 Ft. of Feminine Style
How to Be Anti-Racist
6 Techniques to Reduce Stress
How to Make Plant Babies
The One Fashion Rule We Learned in Quarantine
9 Black Vegan Chefs Who Will Make You Forget About Meat
The post June in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 1, 2020
Birthday Love
The past few days have been all about my June 30 birthday and I’m pretty sure Tim couldn’t wait for July 1 to roll around.
Birthday celebrations began Friday with a pink vegan cake made by Tim (it didn’t last 24 hours!), journal writing, and time with a dear friend on the Spanish Steps. Sitting under magnolias and oaks, we savored veg Udon soup and sweet matcha lattes from Teaism and caught up while socially distanced. That evening I slipped into pink ballet slippers for an online ballet class with a favorite encouraging teacher from NYC’s Ballet Academy East.
I enjoyed a leisurely start on Saturday followed by an afternoon virtual hip hop class. Then I got ready for the evening’s adventure: a private concert with Hidden Jazz Club from London (found on Airbnb experiences) with a few dear friends. I smiled the entire hour and soaked up their beautiful music. I miss live jazz and this experience stoked the fires. Seeing jazz in the flesh will be one of my first to-dos post-COVID.
With a post-jazz glow, we packed up the Jeep and pups to head 90 minutes to the nearest drive-in located in Stephens City, Virginia. During the drive we played Garth Brooks’ greatest hits (I really milk this birthday thing). Upon arrival, we pulled into a spot near the back with a perfect view and awaited Garth’s drive-in concert kickoff. Psst, here’s a peek into my Garth obsession.
Sunday started with a jaunt to the farmers’ market in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia to pick up cherries, strawberries, and rosemary artisanal bread. Before our next adventure, I took another online ballet class and then we packed up the car again to head to Barrel Oak Winery for the weekend finale. They’re a dog-friendly winery with rolling hills, mountain vistas, and tasty wines.
For my birthday, I played 50 cent’s In Da Club (sent by a dear friend via text) and as I raised my fist in the air while pseudo dancing, Mookie started barking uncontrollably (he’s easily upset) and Tim just shook his head. I treated myself to a sensitive skin facial (my poor, poor skin—rosacea and eczema), had tea with a friend, took an online ballet class, spent time writing, FaceTimed with my parents, and had dinner at a favorite local Italian resto with Tim.
Whew, that’s 47!
I felt spoiled, loved, and appreciated. I’ve never received so many flowers, cakes, or kind words. I’m now ready to launch into my 48th year with a full heart and intentionality. Wishing you a gorgeous launch into Q3a and the second half of 2020. Let’s do this! Bisous. x
The post Birthday Love appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
June 29, 2020
Tranquility du Jour #495: Free the Creative Within
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Diana Rowan. We discuss why creativity is so important, how it’s an antidote to stress, her five steps to freeing the creative within, and more!
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj495.mp3
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #495: Free the Creative Within.
Upcoming Events
TDJ Brunch with a side of TranquiliT: Saturday, July 11: noon-1 pm ET
Learn ways to find doses of tranquility in your every day plus signature style tips.
Mid-Year Virtual Retreat: Saturday, July 18: 10 am-3 pm ET
Spend a day reviewing your year and dreaming up what remains. Details TBA.
Guest: Diana Rowan
Diana Rowan is the author of The Bright Way. She is a professional harpist, and has performed on six continents. She founded the Bright Knowledge Guild to be able to teach in the digital environment, and
she offers students around the world access to her system through an ongoing membership program, several dynamic Facebook communities, and videos. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Find her at dianarowan.com.
Mentioned in the Podcast
YouTube
Book
Let’s Connect
Join our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group. Share resources, get inspiration, make connections, be part of the online book club.
Share a review on iTunes, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. Deets on kimberlywilson.com/review.
Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more episodes and the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android.
Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast or Overcast.
Sign up for Love Notes weekly inbox love: invites, inspiration, and more.
Browse my 6 Books.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube (check out the Tea with Kimberly video series).
Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT.
Tech
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 download the podcast “automagically” on iOS or Android
The post Tranquility du Jour #495: Free the Creative Within appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
