Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 80

A New Voice

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.—T.S. Eliot

I’m sitting fireside with my Daybook, pug, and cuppa tea preparing to wrap up 2017. Oh, I know there’s still one more day, but this time of year gets me all pensive.

With only 28 hours left in 2017 it seems apropos to be in reflective mode. The above Eliot quote speaks volumes to my feelings about this past year. It’s time to shed “last year’s language” and consider “another voice” so that we can “make a beginning.”

Saying goodbye to a business that had been my identity for 18 years has encouraged me to shed my former skin to grow and focus on private practice and Pigs & Pugs Project. While I continue to navigate this journey called life, I’m excited to explore a new voice and an embodiment of the past years’ many, many lessons.

May we bow to this past year while also shedding what we’ve outgrown.May we make space to explore a new way of being in the world that resonates more. May we honor our endings for they lead to new beginnings.

Wishing you a joyful conclusion to 2017 and a thoughtful opening to 2018. Here’s to a new voice that represents our deepest desires and most authentic selves!

If you’d like to join us for the Year of Tranquility, the e-course bonus ends as the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. It’s an honor to intimately explore 2018 with you all year. Bisous. x

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Lessons in Paris

A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life.—Thomas Jefferson

Greetings from Pah-ree! We arrived at 6:45am after a smooth flight across the Atlantic. Belle snored throughout the journey and I read Long Story Short—a fun read from a dear friend.

After dropping our bags at the sweetest pet-friendly AirBnB (top photo is our bedroom view of Sacre Coeur) complete with a bathtub and fireplace, the three of us wandered through Montmartre for a few hours with buzzing fuzzy heads, courtesy of jet lag.

At one point I asked Tim if the cafe was moving. You know, like how in NYC you can feel the subway rumbling below many street level establishments. He assured me it wasn’t. I think remnants of the plane’s movement remained in my body and, well, I was slightly delirious from no sleep.

After one more cuppa tea (shown below) at a sidewalk cafe, we headed back to the apartment to regroup before returning to the streets to flâner tonight. And here we are. He and Belle are snoring away in the room next to me and I have visions of crawling into that tub.

Since 2012 I’ve come to Paris annually to study, teach, and explore. It’s my annual dose of creative inspiration. With the transition this year and so much unknown most of it, I wasn’t able to make any big plans. Instead I was circling in tough decisions and muddy middles, unclear of what lay ahead.

So once the studio sold late summer, the first things we did was book this trip to celebrate new beginnings and visit the City of Light before 2017 was over.

Considering how much this trip means to me, similar to a yoga practice, I like to set intentions at the start. An intention is a short-term goal to stay mindful of throughout a yoga practice, adventure, or even family meal (hello upcoming family time).

What do I want to gain, experience, and let go of? How do I want to show up? What wants attention? 

That’s why I chose the Thomas Jefferson quote at the top. I have no “goal” here. I’m not leading a retreat or going through a checklist of sights (although I do have my eye on the Dior exhibit and Monet museum), I’m simply here to savor. To take in the lessons in the point of life. And that is my intention. Bisous. x

P.S. Many of these lessons will be part of our Year of Tranquility. I hope you’ll be able to join us on this yearlong adventure. Thanks to all who have signed up. We have a truly magical group so far!

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Happy Solstice!

As we head into the depths of the holidays and the shortest day of the year, let’s make time to connect within and with nature.

Enjoy a long afternoon walk. Stargaze. Put up bird feeders and keep them stocked. Make a pot of soup. Light a fire to create warmth for the longest night. Build a snowman. Ice skate. Collect pine cones to make scented pine cones. Volunteer. Sip hot cocoa by a campfire. Moisturize. Catch up on Tranquility du Jour podcasts. Schedule down time. Light candles. Try a 24-hour digital detox. Soak in the tub. Journal. Pledge to do good this winter. Reflect on your year. Practice kindness. Get crafty and create handmade gifts. Watch this 1-hour video on ways to make your holidays less harried.

May your days be merry as they get brighter and brighter! You are beautiful. Bisous. x

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Introducing the Year of Tranquility

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful that the risk it took to bloom.—Anais Nin

I’m over the moon to announce The Year of Tranquility: a yearlong program focused on helping you live your best life through intention, action, and reflection.

Daily we’ll connect via our community forum (not Facebook) to share ideas, ask questions, and explore the practice of our monthly theme. Weekly you’ll receive inspiration straight to your inbox to keep you connected to the month’s theme. Monthly we’ll dive deep into a tranquility-themed topic via an online video call and accompanying PDF to learn new tools for living with ease, achieving your dreams, and finding meaning along the way. Seasonally we’ll connect via TDJ Lives (save the date: 1/8) and private after parties (starting in spring) plus half-day retreats in the spring and fall.

Modules will include topics such as wellness, mindfulness, yoga, love, style, creativity, dreams, writing, entrepreneurship (even if you’re not a business owner), self-care, meaning, and reading (hello, savvy sources and book club).

This program is a piece of my heart and filled with my two decades’ experience in business, yoga, and mindfulness plus my work as a psychotherapist, writer, and designer.

I hope you’ll join me on this exciting adventure launching Sunday, January 14. If you have any questions, please peruse the FAQs or reach out.

BONUS: Sign up by 12/31 before the ball drops in Times Square (midnight ET) to pick any e-course of your choice.

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Meet Gizmo Pierre Wilson-Mooney

Over the weekend I flew to Oklahoma to drop Mookie at his grandparents’ for the holidays (Tim couldn’t bear to have him in daycare on Christmas).

I may have finagled a meet and greet with sweet Gizmo, another Homeward Bound Pug Rescue gem. Needless to say, I fell in love and he’s joining our family in January. For now, he gets to run wild in the country for two glorious weeks with his new brother Mookie.

Gizmo’s a 10-year-old owner surrender with one eye and walks like a spider. I think it’s part of his charm! The accoutrement around his waist is called a belly band used to keep male dogs from marking. A true lifesaver with two boy dogs doing their thing all over your parents’ country home.

I love the third photo which shows Mookie peeking over the counter with a confused look since I’m in the kitchen. Mom and I spent Saturday night baking these yummy sugar cookies. Vegan recipe here.

The last photo was shot today (with a snoring Belle Starr on my lap) during the recording of a video to introduce the Year of Tranquility program. More details coming tomorrow. I’m SO excited to share this with you!

Wishing you a sweet, soft day as we dive deeper into the holidays! Bisous. x

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Behind the Scenes

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom.—Anais Nin

The dryer is tossing pieces of TranquiliT around and around to soon fill my suitcase. Jackson the cat is on my lap keeping me warm. Belle Starr is snoring in her vintage suitcase turned dog bed. Mookie is at daycare to run wild before our afternoon flight to Oklahoma.

For now, I sip my green smoothie and sit surrounded by books, planners, art journals, peonies, and markers while tapping away at the computer. The house is quiet and my mood is soft.

As mentioned on Monday, I’m dreaming up something very special for our community in 2018. A sweet space to learn, grow, connect, and reflect.

Consider devoting a year to flourish, dream, and live in full bloom.

2017 was a big year of transition for me and I’m putting the wheels in motion to share what I’ve learned through a yearlong program filled with tools, tips, inspiration, connection, and love.

Think Facebook community (but not on Facebook). Picture video gatherings. Envision inbox inspiration and colorful PDFs. Imagine devoting at least one hour each week to your dreams (not your to-dos). Visualize dressing with ease each morning (hello, capsule wardrobe) and feeling your best with nutrient dense, clean food.

Well, that is a peek into the project I’ll be announcing next week. I hope you’re as excited as I am! Bisous. x

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Tranquility du Jour #411: Meditation Retreat

Meditation Retreat with Jennifer Howd. In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, Jennifer and I discuss silent meditation retreats—how to set up a home meditation retreat, what to bring to a group retreat, and why retreats serve as a “metaphysical tune-up.”

 



Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #411: Meditation Retreat

Upcoming Events

Yoga + Mindfulness Mini Retreat in DC: December 31, 2017

Yoga, Mindfulness + Creativity in Costa Rica: February 17-24, 2018

Yoga + Art in West Virginia: June 1-3, 2018

Penning in Paris: July 23-27, 2018

Featured Guest: Jennifer Howd

Hi! My name is Jennifer. I’m an Author, a Developmental Editor, and a UCLA-Certified Mindfulness Facilitator.

I see your potential (even when you can’t). I believe in you (even when you don’t). I’m insatiably curious, and I like to ask questions—especially the big ones. Sunshine makes me happy. So does my family. I’m both a cat person AND a dog person. Hot pink is (obviously) my favorite color. I enjoy: writing, acting, drawing, making music, meditating, collaborating (and eating dark chocolate). And I spend a lot of time contemplating unquestioned answers.

 

 

Savvy Sources

Find Jennifer

jenniferhowd.com
Twitter
Facebook
Sit, walk, don’t talk
Huffington Post
Ways to work with Jennifer
Jennifer on NPR

Mentioned in the Podcast

First interview on Tranquility du Jour #317
Facebook Live video
Longwood Gardens

Social Media



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


Tranquility Tips + Tools

Shop slow locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT
Browse my 5 Books
New to Tranquility du Jour? Peruse the FAQs
Tranquility-filled E-courses
Download the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android
Sign up for Love Notes and access Tranquil Treasures
Read about my passion for animals

Request

Pen a review on iTunes and/or share this podcast via social media, s‘il vous plaît.
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.

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SO excited!

Wow, while reviewing your feedback via blog comments and emails, I felt like you were reading my mind! Truly, I was all smiles and have read and reread each comment. Savored them actually.

My favorite comment was from Karen: “Mindfulness, writing, self-care, yoga. Anything truly except please no cooking. I saw your sweet potato post

10 Holiday Tranquility Tips

Despite the festivities, garlands, and twinkle lights, the holidays can feel a bit, well, less than tranquil. To combat the chaos, I’ve sought to adjust my expectations and output over the years. It’s an ongoing recalibration.

Over the years I’ve shared an assortment of ways to help the holidays feel more tranquil inside and out. While this list is not exhaustive, the suggestions are tried and true. My hope is that they’ll offer moments of tranquility, too!

1. Get outside. Brisk, fresh, outdoor air helps ground me. Take in the scent of pine trees and wood smoke. Time in nature builds on a sense of interconnection. This larger view helps put things in perspective. Go see Christmas lights and outdoor displays. Last night Tim and I wandered through Longwood Gardens and it felt like a fairy tale.

2. Center yourself. During the hustle and bustle, it’s extra important to make time for self-care. Keep up your favorite centering practices such as sipping tea, sitting on a meditation cushion, writing in your journal, practicing on your yoga mat, or soaking in the tub.

3. Give. Gift your loved ones a batch of homemade jam, a beloved book, an artisanal treat from a small business, a box of their favorite tea (or whip up your own blend), or tickets to see an exhibit. Think useful and consumable. Volunteer. Donate to a special cause, adopt an orangutan, or sponsor a farm animal in their name.

4. Be kind. This time of year can be hard. Be gentle with yourself and others. Know we’re all doing the best we can. Practice loving-kindness meditation. This may have been a hard year. Honor your growth, lessons learned, and what’s to come. When you make a mistake, say to yourself “Bless my heart.”

5. Breathe. When you notice your shoulders creeping up toward your ears, your heart racing while stuck in traffic, or stress building, tune into your breath. Inhale to the count of four, exhale to the count of four, repeat. Again and again.

6. Travel lightly (and off-peak). Print this Tranquil Travel checklist. Save space by rolling your clothing. Choose layers perfect for mixing and matching, dressing up (pearls and heels) or dressing down (clogs and denim jacket). When possible, choose off-peak travel to avoid congestion.

7. Express gratitude. Take time to appreciate the little things: a warm bath, a steaming cuppa tea, a cozy bed, a devoted pet. Studies show that expressing gratitude can lower stress levels, help you sleep better, improve self-esteem, enhance empathy, and adjust your attitude.

8. Get moving. Exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, and helps offset those extra holiday cookies. Put on your hiking boots or tennis shoes and hit the trails. Roll out your yoga mat and do a few sun salutations (yes, even when staying in a hotel or Grandma’s house). Grab your bike and begin pedaling.

9. Celebrate. If you’re feeling a bit of the bah humbug blues, put on your favorite holiday film, create a playlist of festive tunes (here’s one I created last year), go see a childhood treat such as The Nutcracker, and put up a few holiday decorations to evoke good memories.

10. Reflect + Dream. Review the year and list highlights and lessons learned. Create time to daydream about the new year. What do you hope to see, taste, touch, smell, and hear in the coming year? List everything that comes to mind and focus on the experiences you hope to have. Join me on December 31 for the Yoga + Mindfulness Mini Retreat and I’ll walk you through this process.

Wishing you a holiday filled with your favorite things. May this season be meaningful. Namaste.

P.S. Watch last year’s Facebook Live video on Tranquil Holidays.

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Seeking Your Insight

Dearest Reader:

Last night while I was working on the new project I hope to announce later this month, I realized I should ask YOU what you most needed. Sure, I know what I would find helpful (which is what has led me to create every business, e-course, or product to date), but what would be most helpful to YOU?

After having to take some time off from Tranquility du Jour to get through the sale of my baby Tranquil Space and to refill the creative well, I feel a strong desire to create something special for you in 2018. An offering that takes the idea of tranquility in every day further, brings it to life in tangible ways, and deepens our community.

What would you most like to learn? Mindfulness. Style. Entrepreneurship. Creativity. Transition. Beauty. Decor. Wellness. Self-care. Animals. Giving back. Yoga. Writing. Bringing dreams to life. Vision boards. Reading.

Would you like this in the form of an ongoing offering? An e-course? A book? A live in-person or online event? Something else?

Please share how I can best serve you by leaving a comment below or sending an email. Thank you in advance for your input and collaboration on bringing forth a useful, beautiful, inspiring offering for 2018! Bisous. x

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