Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 67

TranquiliT in Paris + Tranquil Travel

Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self expression and, above all, attitude.—Iris Apfel

When it comes to every day style, I’m all about ease. And layers. And then maybe even more layers. Ideally there’s not too much decision making (hence the “uniform“) and no season specific items beyond outwear, shoes, and accessories.

Above you’ll find how the items in the suitcase below got me through six days in Paris with varied looks and, yes, I wore the 2in1 and capri legging EVERY DAY with layers. I had a pair of faux leather leggings over my capris and planned to take them off, but it was too darn chilly.

The TranquiliT pieces featured are 2in1 fitted, capri legging, mesh skirt, message tee, long sleeve wrap tunic, and duster.

Also, if you need a packing checklist to prepare yourself for an upcoming holiday trip, here’s one I created to help. Pack those accoutrements that keep you comfortable and feeling good. Being out of our routine and environment can lead to additional stressors, so it’s helpful to pack lightly, carry creature comforts, and feel your best.

I’ve found that another key to tranquil travel is layers, rolled clothing, staples, and a rollerboard suitcase that fits in the overhead. Many staples come with me in my carry-on—pain reliever, earplugs, headphones, healthy snacks like nuts, meds, lavender oil, journal, pen, books, laptop. Here’s an earlier blog post on packing for 10 days in Paris.

On the plane home I watched the documentary The Gospel According to Andre Leon Tally. He’s ALL about self-expression (as noted in the Iris quote above). What would it look like if we only wore clothing that fully expressed who we are and felt really good to be in? Let’s channel our own inner Andre! Bisous. x

The post TranquiliT in Paris + Tranquil Travel appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Happy Thanksgiving Eve {+ Resources}

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.—John F. Kennedy

Today was my final day in Paris. The pastel-colored homes shown above are found on Rue Cremieux. Pink facades mixed with cobblestones and greenery sent my heart aflutter. I wandered, snapped photos, picked up gifts, and wrote.

After vegan nosh at Comptoir Veggie and a ginger lemon tonic at Merci, I headed home to pack  for tomorrow’s flight back to DC. I’ll arrive just in time to savor a plant-based Thanksgiving with Tim and our four furry rescues.

I hope those of you stateside are gearing up for a relaxing Thanksgiving complete with all the trimmings. If you’re looking for some healthy vegan options, here are ton of recipes.

Despite this celebratory time of the year, holidays can be hard for many. These tips from Thrive Global may come in handy. A gentle reminder to check expectations, prepare for and get curious about those triggers, and take good care of yourself in the process. Remember, compassion, compassion, compassion. And a dose of gratitude. Try this 10-minute meditation to connect with it.

As I prepare to crawl into bed, I want to say a BIG thank you for joining me on this journey. I’ve been blogging for 14 years here and I so appreciate each of you. Truly, Tranquility du Jour would just be a monologue without you. Your support means so much and, truthfully, it feels good to know I’m not alone on this quirky path called life.

I wanted to close with a poem I shared regularly when teaching a Thanksgiving charity class at Tranquil Space, “Be Thankful.” You’ll find it below. May we find ways to live our gratitude today and every day. Bisous. x

Be Thankful

Poet Unknown

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something,

for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,

because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,

because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,

because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who

are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,

and they can become your blessings.

The post Happy Thanksgiving Eve {+ Resources} appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

A Peek into Paris

I guess it goes to show that you just never know where life will take you. You search for answers. You wonder what it all means. You stumble, and you soar. And, if you’re lucky, you make it to Paris for a while.—Amy Thomas from Paris, My Sweet

Bonjour from the City of Light. It’s hard to believe I’ve had three full days here already and have three remaining.

So far I’ve hit my staples such as Le Grenier de Notre-Dame, Merci, Shakespeare and Company, and countless sidewalk cafes for thé vert à la menthe (mint green tea).

There’s also been new stops like the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz (the 30 euro drinks come with pink roses), Wild & the Moon, The Abbey Bookshop, The Brooklyn Pizzeria ($4 margherita pizza, they have a vegan option but I got the margherita sans fromage), and Le Myrha into the mix.

My practice of flânerie has resulted in 15-18k steps each day and allowed me to take in various parts of the city.

I’m writing and reading about writing. I’m reflecting. I’m wandering. And I’m in love with a pink drink called la vie en rose (see last photo).

I also find myself often going in the wrong direction (despite google maps’ detailed directions), lost a sweater coat that’s been a staple in my wardrobe for 18 years, and still haven’t adjusted from jet lag.

Travel isn’t easy and is quite wonky for our systems—mentally, physically, and emotionally. And yet it also provides a beautiful balm to our creative souls. I experience Paris as one big, juicy Artist Date.

On my way home tonight I picked up a pink hyacinth for my desk. Its sweet fragrance is intoxicating and there’s so much beauty in this 3 euro delight. Ah, those simple pleasures. To me, that’s what Paris does effortlessly.

I’ll continue to share the journey over on Instagram and appreciate you following along. May the start of your week be filled with experiences that nurture your senses. Bisous. x

The post A Peek into Paris appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Packing for Paris

Paris is always a good idea.—Audrey Hepburn

Nine years ago I spent two weeks in Paris during another dark, drizzly November. That jaunt marked my first time to the City of Light since a backpacking trip post-college 14 years earlier.

Immediately mesmerized, I vowed to return again and again. I’d found a place where my soul came alive.

Tonight I’m heading back to Paris.

Why? Because I found a $450 ticket (nearly a $1,000 savings) and I desperately need to nurture my creative spark and this city fuels it.

I’m eager to retreat to sidewalk cafes with a pot of thé vert à la menthe, a journal, and pens. Basically, it’s one BIG Artist Date. With limited plans beyond a few meetups, I simply plan to write, dream, write.

Oh, and soak in the clawfoot tub I scored in my $100/night AirBnB.

You provided such thoughtful ideas in last week’s survey and I look forward to creating something that will bring meaning and delight. Pondering that while being a flâneur is definitely on my to-do list.

As Thomas Jefferson so beautifully said, “A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life.”

Yesterday I began packing and snapped the photo below. Sharing what’s inside has become tradition (here’s my summer Bon Voyage Facebook Live video where I gave a peek, a scarf-tying lesson, and an itemized list).

Although I tend to overpack (considering I wear the same thing over and over AND there’s usually a washing machine in the rented apartments), I like to show that we really don’t need much for one to six weeks in France—especially when packing TranquiliT.

While on these solo jaunts, I feel like I’m bringing you, dear readers, along on the journey. Truly. I dream up ways to serve you and enjoy sharing the experience while away. During that November 2009 trip mentioned above, I was in the midst of designing a new blog look and setting up 2010’s guest bloggers while wandering the city.

Look for inspiring photos over on Instagram and here, plus I hope to do a live event or two. Stay tuned!

I return on Thanksgiving with plans to spend it in the woods with my petite famille while hovered around a fire and wish each of you a beautiful launch into the holidays.

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Bisous. x

The post Packing for Paris appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

TDJ Survey {+ Giveaway}

Dearest reader:

I’m in contemplation mode for 2019 offerings (mainly online) and YOUR input is incredibly valuable to me.

Will you please take a moment to share your feedback by filling out this survey?

As a thank you, fill it out by FRIDAY, November 9 11:59pm ET to enter to win complimentary access to an e-course of your choice. Three of you will be randomly chosen and announced here this weekend.

Thank you for your time, ideas, and suggestions.

By the way, have I told you lately that I think you’re amazing?! Bisous. x

The post TDJ Survey {+ Giveaway} appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Tranquility du Jour #433: Positive Psychology

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I discuss the getting a certificate in applied positive psychology with three classmates: Alisha, Alexis, and Carol. Learn our takeaways from the program and how we’re incorporating them into our daily lives.

According to Psychology Today, positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. It is a call for psychological science and practice to be as concerned with strength as with weakness; as interested in building the best things in life as in repairing the worst; and as concerned with making the lives of people fulfilling as with healing pathology.

New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here

 



Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #432: Writing

 

Upcoming Events

Year of Tranquility: Join anytime

New Year’s Mini Retreat: December 31, 2-5pm

New Year’s Salon: January 1 {stay tuned}

TDJ Live: January 6

Writing Salon: January 12, 2-4:30pm

4-Week Tranquility Salon: Starts January 13

Tranquility in the Topics: February 16-23, 2019 in Costa Rica

Tranquility in Tuscany: July 13-20, 2019 {8 spots left}

Guests:

 

 

Carol Meyers is a Washington, DC-based life coach + mentor, positive psychology practitioner, and strategic communications consultant. She blends the science of well-being and the art of mindfulness to help clients create a joyful life in alignment with their values and purpose. Her top five VIA character strengths are gratitude, love of learning, perspective, kindness, and hope (with appreciation of beauty, creativity, and curiosity rounding out the top eight). Learn more at carolmeyers.com.

 

 

 

Alexis Buckles is a Health and Wellness Coach working in both private and corporate settings. In addition to being a certified health coach, she also holds a BA in Global Affairs and is certified in Applied Positive Psychology. Outside of coaching, Alexis shares her passion for holistic well-being through her Living Well + Wild community and her upcoming journal, The Book of Extraordinary Things. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband Chris Mooney and a precocious border collie mix named Ripley. Alexis enjoys eating vegan food, fencing, and reading epic fantasy stories. Learn more at livingwellandwild.com.

 

Alisha Wielfaert is a leadership, life and creativity coach who specializes in working with women, walking as a guide with fellow women seekers on their path towards clarity of purpose. Alisha is a positive psychology practitioner and weaves positive psychology, yoga and creativity together while working with clients to ensure them a journey to flourishing. Alisha coaches individuals and groups, leads workshops and retreats that inspire you to move north of neutral.  She is the host of The Yoke and Abundance Wise Women Podcast. Alisha believes that when we as women realize and step into our own power we make the whole world a brighter place. Learn more at yokeandabundance.com.
Mentioned in the Podcast

Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology

The concept of flow with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Positive Psychology + the Study of Happiness

Via Character Strengths Assessment

10 Positive Psychology Studies to Change Your View of Happiness

A Compilation of Positive Psychology Articles

Sign up for Love Notes and access Tranquil Treasures

Social Media



Eye candy on Instagram
Pin along with me on Pinterest
Let’s connect on Facebook
Follow moi on Twitter
Watch via YouTube


More Tranquility

Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT
Browse my 5 Books
Tranquility-filled E-courses
Download the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android
Read about my passion for animals

Request

Pen a review on iTunes and/or share this podcast via social media.
Pen a review of my books on Amazon or Goodreads.


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 #433: Positive Psychology appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

October in Review

The month of November makes me feel that life is passing more quickly. In an effort to slow it down, I try to fill the hours more meaningfully.—Henry Rollins

Month in Review

Anyone else feeling like that quote above? Two months left in this year is hard to believe. I plan to spend some time with my art journal this month to explore how I’d like to tie a bow around 2018. And I’m contemplating hosting an online event to share my process. Stay tuned.

October kicked my “asana,” so to speak. Gum surgery, two weeks of an unpleasant cold, a 40-hour round trip drive to Oklahoma, planned and hosted multiple events, and missed my energy and routine.

On the other hand, it was also amazing.

A friend sent me flowers to help the healing process (top photo). Yoga with pigs (second photo). Wrapped up my first Tranquility Salon. Raised $871 for Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue during Pugs & Pints. Virtual retreat was fun and went smoothly. Time with family in Oklahoma. Leaves began changing colors. Dressed up to support Humane Rescue Alliance’s Bark Ball event. 80 people joined me for the fall detox. Eve Ensler and Anne Lamott inspired at their local talk. Saw Reese Witherspoon at her Whiskey in a Teacup event. Savored time in the woods. Forest bathed in a Smithsonian garden. Finished Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One. Saw Halloween on Halloween (scary!). An encouraging Writing Salon group. Collaborated with mentoring and therapy clients. Started a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy series. Ate LOTS of vegan marshmallows (last photo). Hosted Year of Tranquility’s writing module.

Filled to the brim and overflowing, October brought me to my knees. I kept asking myself, “How did this overscheduling happen?”

Rationalizing, I blamed it on squeezing lots in post-summer and pre-holiday. However, my hope is to do some deeper digging to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Like ever.

It’s time to slow down, sink in, and savor this magical time of the year sans overflow. Won’t you join me? Bisous. x

November Wish List

Safe travels to and from Paris

Write for hours in Parisian cafes

Savor a vegan Thanksgiving

Release and host inspiring Entrepreneurship Year of Tranquility module

Determine Veterinary Social Work programming plan

Design new Tranquility du Jour and TranquiliT postcards

Compile feedback for idea generation

Create capsule wardrobe plan

Take 8 ballet classes

Finish Journal Therapy programming

Track and evaluate time

Finish Cognitive Behavioral training

Savvy Sources

A Star is Born Review: The New vs. the Old

9 Books to Add to Your November Reading List

The Science—and Magic—of Forest Bathing

Break Bad Habits and Create New Ones

The Power of Journaling

7 Tips for Getting Yourself Back into Creative Writing

Tips for Coping During the Holidays

Why Everyone Should Keep an Art Journal

Messy Nessy’s Secret Paris Archives

The post October in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Forest Bathing

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.—John Muir

Since hiking the hills of Oklahoma as a little girl, I’ve sought nourishment in nature.

Muir Woods—a redwood-infused forest located outside San Francisco is my most treasured spot on earth and I believe that nature is therapy.

According to the Nature and Forest Therapy website, “Forest Therapy, also known as ‘Shinrin-Yoku,’ refers to the practice of spending time in forested areas for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness.”

The Forest Agency of Japan began promoting this practice in 1982 and it’s spread globally. You’ve probably seen the multiple books and articles in outlets such as Time, NPR, The Atlantic, and the Huffington Post touting the many benefits.

Last Sunday we packed up the family and headed to a rented Getaway tiny house in the woods. It was nearly a year ago that we first visited these darling cabins and I’d been eyeing a possible return date ever since. We arrived at the 3pm check-in time excited to set up camp.

In this glamping type situation, setting up camp means placing my stack of books on the table, putting food items on the one shelf and inside the refrigerator, and setting out bowls and beds for the pups. Next, campfire time.

Our two days consisted of campfires, noshing (lots of vegan poutine), and walks in the woods. For hours we sat and stared at the fire with pups wrapped up in blankets on our laps. When I looked up and saw the stars, I realized how completely content I felt.

To watch the flames dance, smell the burning wood, and feel the radiating heat is magical. I see how gathering around the campfire was a sacred and social experience for our ancestors.

One recent study found “that hearth and campfires induce relaxation as part of a multi-sensory, absorptive, and social experience.” The anthropologist researcher believes fires awaken our inner cavewoman.

The day after we returned, I took a Forest Bathing workshop through the Smithsonian Associates with Melanie Choukas-Bradley, an author and certified nature and forest therapy guide. We were invited to disengage from our phones and to-dos and to walk through the Enid A. Haupt Garden paying attention with all our senses. Smelling a gardenia plant was a highlight.

Next we wandered through the Katherine Dulin Folger Rose Garden where many roses were in bloom (see last photo). I noticed the sounds of trickling water from a fountain and a nearby carousel that began to play music to entice children (and me) to ride. We ended the two-hour experience with a tea ceremony sipping maple water and eating pure maple candies.

As I’m writing this many days later, there’s a fire crackling in the fireplace and a pug snoring on my lap. Since my time in the forest I’ve been more pensive and moved at a slightly slower pace. I think there’s something to this forest bathing!

Thoreau wrote, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

Now, that’s one to ponder as we move through our weekends. Bisous. x

The post Forest Bathing appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Smoothie Delights

Remember that every single green drink you create is an investment in your quality of life — now and always.—Kris Carr

My name is Kimberly and I’m a green smoothie junkie. Smoothies make for a delicious meal and/or snack. Truth be told, they help balance out the copious amounts of vegan cheese I consume.

When Naked Nutrition reached out and asked if I’d like to sample their vegan protein powders, I couldn’t resist. While I typically sprinkle a protein powder into my smoothie making, I’m never a big fan.

There’s usually an aftertaste, a horrible flavoring (yuck, vanilla), or it somehow alters the overall consistency of the smoothie. I tried Naked’s Pea Protein (featured in this video) and their Rice Protein (used in today’s smoothie) and love both.

First, their packaging is darling. I know, I know, don’t judge a book by its cover, but I love the simplicity.

Next, there’s no taste to the protein powder and the consistency is super fine so there’s no grainy nuggets found inside my smoothie.

Basically, I’m a new fan.

When choosing a protein powder to add to your smoothies, skip the dairy options as there are so many wonderful plant-based, protein-elicious options out there.

Here’s my basic recipe:

1-2 handfuls of spinach
frozen fruit
banana
avocado
chia seed
almond milk
scoop of protein powder

After whipping it up in a blender, I pour it into a Mason jar and head into the office with a nutrient dense treat . . . that just happens to be bright green.

Happy smoothie making! x

 

The post Smoothie Delights appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

A Peek into Writing Salon

I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.—Joan Didion

For nearly two decades I’ve sought to create community that supports and nurtures women creatively and spiritually. First it was a yoga studio in my living room, then workshops and retreats, followed by books, a blog, and podcast. The how continues to evolve.

On Saturday I hosted a newly-conceived Writing Salon in my Dupont Circle therapy space in Washington, DC.  I rearranged the furniture to accommodate multiple chairs, set out light vegan treats such as rosemary crostinis, vegan cheese, mini Kind bars, dried local apples, grapes, and herbal tea.

My goal was to offer a safe space to explore the writing practice by offering tools to enliven our writing, tips to create time and space for writing, prompts to practice in the moment, and ways to share our voice with the world.

The 2.5 hours zoomed by as we wrote, shared, took notes, offered ideas, and created community around writing. Save the date for our next Writing Salon on January 12!

Here’s what one participant had to say about her experience:

Kimberly welcomed me into the writing salon before I even arrived, with a series of mindful journaling questions to prepare for the session. Then, she opened her atelier, a divine, cozy space in the heart of the city, for an intimate and engaging class. Kimberly offered tools, tips, and prompts to enliven the practice of writing. I left having reconnected with my voice and inspired to share it with others. Highly recommend Kimberly’s salon as an investment in your best creative self. 

One prompt that I enjoy sharing is “Barn’s burnt down now I can see the moon.” I LOVE this piece found on Medium that brings it to light:

“After watching his barn burn to the ground, 17th Century samurai and poet Mizuta Masahide wrote the following haiku:

‘Barn’s burnt down now I can see the moon’

Maybe you’ve watched as your metaphorical barn burned to the ground. Perhaps life is truly not moving in the direction you had planned, or maybe you’ve been unwilling to see anything but the rubble.

My message to you is this:

Look Up. See the beauty and magic of your life. Know that you arrived on this planet with all of the courage and faith you need to turn tragedy into triumph.

See the moon.”

Wishing you moments of seeing the moon and connecting to the writer within. Join me for the next Writing Salon on January 12 with a focus on the new year! Bisous. x

The post A Peek into Writing Salon appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.