Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 85
August 2, 2017
Turn Toward the Light
[image error]
I don’t think there’s anything on this planet that more trumpets life than the sunflower. For me that’s because of the reason behind its name. Not because it looks like the sun but because it follows the sun. During the course of the day, the head tracks the journey of the sun across the sky. A satellite dish for sunshine. Wherever light is, no matter how weak, these flowers will find it. And that’s such an admirable thing. And such a lesson in life. – Helen Mirren
The post Turn Toward the Light appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 30, 2017
Summer Reading List
[image error]
A longtime reader, Cindie, recently reached out asking about my summer reading list, so I’m writing to share.
After her request, I prioritized and compiled the above books as my end of summer reading list. There’s some goodies on there and I’m eager to dive in!
As of today, I’ve read 16 of my 24 books for the Goodreads Reading Challenge (quite a few in the past month)—check out the link, you may find one or two to add to your list!
Here’s how I’m making more time for reading:
I carry a book with me at all times (think Metro rides, waiting for appointments, afternoon breaks) for impromptu reading time.
The stacks of books by my bed serve as a constant reminder as I wake up and fall asleep. Keep them on-hand, rather than tucked away.
Since I love marking a book as “read,” Goodreads Reading Challenge keeps me motivated.
I make dates with myself to sit outside, sip iced green tea, and read between clients or meetings.
What’s on your summer reading list? How do you carve out reading time?
Books are beautiful. Digesting them offers an escape, raises awareness, and deepens understanding. Happy reading! x
The post Summer Reading List appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 24, 2017
Tranquility du Jour #401: Finding Your Inner Artist
Finding Your Inner Artist with Susan Prolman. In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, learn how to transition from a person who doesn’t make art to one who does, ways to improve your artistic skills, and a few books to assist your artistic journey.
[image error]
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #401: Finding Your Inner Artist
[image error]
Upcoming Events
Writing in the Woods in West Virginia: October 27-29
Yoga, Mindfulness + Creativity in Costa Rica: February 17-24
Yoga + Art in West Virginia: May, 2018 TBA
Featured Guest: Susan Prolman
[image error]Susan Prolman is an advocate by nature. Susan has lobbied against factory farming and for environmental protection in Washington, DC for years. She served as Executive Director of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and as Director of International Campaigns for The Humane Society of the United States. While a student at Georgetown University Law Center, Susan helped to create the school’s first animal law course. Earlier, she served as New Hampshire State Director for presidential candidate Paul Tsongas, who won this first-in-the-nation primary election. Susan currently leads Activism For Animals.
For fun, Susan is a world traveler, writer, vegan recipe developer, artist, and jewelry designer. She runs the Etsy shop Veg Shop. She’s is also a certified laughing meditation instructor. You can learn more about Susan at SusanProlman.com.
Tranquility du Jour
[image error]
Savvy Sources
Find Susan
SusanProlman.com
Etsy {Save 10% through 10/31 with code Tranquility}
Activism for Animals
Mentioned in Podcast
400th Episode and Follow Up
Pigs + Pugs Project – Instagram – Twitter – Website
Animal Rights Conference: August 3-6
TranquiliT fall sneak peek
Susan’s cute pig necklaces:
[image error]
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
[image error]
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.
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
The post Tranquility du Jour #401: Finding Your Inner Artist appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 13, 2017
400th Follow Up + Giveaway
[image error]
On Tuesday I released the 400th episode of Tranquility du Jour. My intention was to share stories and lessons learned while also offering ideas to inspire.
I’m considering a 400th podcast follow up episode and would love to hear: 1) what you found most helpful, 2) what you wanted to hear more about, 3) any questions or ideas that bubbled up while listening, and/or 4) your takeaways.
To enter the giveaway, answer the above questions in the comments below and/or email me by 11:59pm ET on Sunday, July 16. You’ll be entered to win an all-access pass to six e-courses and three virtual retreats.
The winner will be chosen at random and announced below Monday, July 17 (from Oklahoma, where I’m heading with the pups and Tim for the weekend).
Thank you for being an integral part of spreading and living tranquility. I look forward to hearing from you! Bisous. x
The post 400th Follow Up + Giveaway appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 11, 2017
Tranquility du Jour #400: Celebrating 400 Episodes and 12 Years
Celebrating 400 Episodes and 12 Years. In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, hear the lessons I’ve learned since starting this podcast and what’s bringing me inspiration these days.
[image error]
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #400: Celebrating 400 Episodes and 12 Years
[image error]
Upcoming Events
Writing in the Woods in West Virginia: October 6-8
Yoga, Mindfulness + Creativity in Costa Rica: February 17-24
Yoga + Art in West Virginia: May, 2018 TBA
Tranquility du Jour
[image error]
Savvy Sources
Mentioned in Podcast
HTC10
Use code podcast400 to save 20% off books, e-books, perfume, tea and CDs today through Friday, July 15
First podcast episode in September 2005
OKJA and The Last Pig
Goodreads
What Makes You Come Alive blog post
The Busy Trap New York Times article
Francine Jay’s The Joy of Less
Pigs + Pugs Project – Instagram – Twitter – Website
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
[image error]
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.
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
The post Tranquility du Jour #400: Celebrating 400 Episodes and 12 Years appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 10, 2017
400th Episode
[image error]
Dearest Reader + Listener:
This week’s 400th Tranquility du Jour podcast episode is delayed. Look for it in your inbox and on your Tranquility du Jour app shortly.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead and thanks for listening to 399 episodes since 2005! Bisous. x
The post 400th Episode appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 2, 2017
Month in Review
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
Our task must be to free ourselves from our prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.—Albert Einstein
June in Review
Greetings from a light-filled cabin in rural Virginia. I’m sitting at a pine table filled with books, peonies, a cuppa iced hibiscus tea, and an unfinished salad while Belle snores away on my lap. We arrived Friday afternoon and have been nestled in ever since to read, watch movies (you must see Okja), write, and be. The views are stunning—rolling green hills covered with trees, James River, the Lotus Shrine—and the wraparound porch offers varied vistas. Friday was my 44th birthday and this escape to the countryside was my gift (along with a pink electric toothbrush).
As I searched for a quote to sum up my June experience, I connected with the one above by Einstein. The launch of Tranquil Space Foundation’s Pigs & Pugs Project, the Yoga and the Animals event, roasting s’mores and waving sparklers with my parents at dusk, dining al fresco, and arriving to this lush setting all align with “widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.”
June offered the opportunity to cultivate my patio garden, read five books (devoured Apprenticed to Venus and savored Transitions like fine wine), bike to The Kennedy Center for two shows, host Writing Lab, teach Mindfulness classes, enjoy a productive Tranquil Space directors’ meeting, collaborate with clients, send a Q2 Love Note to the Tranquil Space team, and eat much less sugar. I found myself doing less and feeling more.
Wishing you a joyful launch into this brand new month! Bisous. x
June Blog/Podcast Wrap Up
You Can Be Brave
Podcast #398: Make Peace with Your Mind
Happy Summer Solstice
Podcast #399: Creating Big Sky Yoga Retreats
What Makes You Come Alive
July Wish List
Safe travels to and from Oklahoma for pups’ gotchaversary
Sing along at Garth’s Oklahoma City show
Savor trip with childhood friend to New York City
Enjoy birthday weekend away in the Virginia countryside
Experience afternoon tea at Hillwood Estate with a girlfriend
Collaborate with clients
Enjoy show at The Kennedy Center
Read four books (finished two already this weekend!)
Write 4,000 words for my memoir
Release two podcasts (400th is next!)
Keep up with memoir writing course curriculum
Savvy Sources
How to stop cruel factory farming: start with one animal
Two kinds of stories we tell about ourselves
A campaign to eliminate straws
Vegans, vegetarians, and now . . . reduceitarians
What if all I want is a mediocre life?
Keep a gratitude journal
Seeing Okja in every animal: a film review
11 bookish things every bibliophile should do at least once
Why I taught myself to procrastinate
Trader Joe’s vegan shopping list
The things we can really learn from books
Nature makes us happier and kinder
10 books about books and reading
5 rituals of highly creative people
12 animal books to read this summer
The post Month in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
June 27, 2017
What Makes You Come Alive
[image error]
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.—Howard Thurman
Friday is my 44th birthday and we’re celebrating with a jaunt to the rural Virginia countryside followed by our first visit to stroll Virginia Beach’s boardwalk. Birthdays offer a time for reflection and mine falls mid-year when it’s good to review those New Year’s resolutions and explore what’s to come. In preparing for my birthday reflection, I’ve been thinking about the role of animals in my life.
My deep connection to animals traces back to early childhood. There were abandoned cats and dogs that became our family’s beloved pets, followed by numerous fish, newts, and hamsters. Turtles became my first true obsession at the age of seven. Then apes, now pigs.
In April 2007 I funneled through the receiving line for my coveted 300-hour Jivamukti yoga teacher training certificate and at the end teacher Sharon Gannon reminded us, “Don’t forget the animals.” I haven’t.
During the training, I learned about Farm Sanctuary and adopted a piglet named JD. He had been washed down a river in a flood and was the first of many adoptions. This small offering made me feel like I could have an impact on what was happening in factory farms. Now I know that there are 117.6 million pigs killed for food every year in the Unites States alone and JD is only one survival story.
In 2010 and 2012 I traveled to India to co-host yoga retreats. In between visiting temples and shopping for pink saris, I spent my time doling out tea biscuits to Rishikesh street dogs and cows. I fell in love with a tan mutt who wandered the Lakshman Jhula bridge, dodging mopeds and pedestrians. He had a skin condition, a skeletal frame, and eyes that appeared enhanced with eyeliner. I visited him daily during our weeklong stay. We named him Lumpyji. Lumpy because of his skin condition and “ji” is a suffix added to names in Hindi to convey respect.
Last Saturday I met up with 30 other animal lovers at Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary for our second annual Yoga + the Animals event. The day began with iced mint tea and a private tour of the sanctuary to met goats, sheep, a cow, horses, mules, pigs, turkeys, chickens, geese, and donkeys. Next we rolled out our mats on the green grass under a huge oak for an all-level practice. We were enveloped with a gentle breeze, sounds of the sanctuary (especially Greta the chatty goose), and hands-on assists by Courtney Hattan.
Thanks to participants’ support, we raised $1500 for the work of Burleigh Manor and $500 for Tranquil Space Foundation’s new Pigs & Pugs Project. We immediately used the funds to support Woodstock Animal Sanctuary’s rescue of four sick piglets and their mother.
My favorite Hindi mantra is Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu and Sharon Gannon translates it as: May all beings everywhere be happy and free. May the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.
I’m enrolled in University of Tennessee’s Veterinary Social Work program and have transitioned the work of Tranquil Space Foundation to focus on animal welfare. So, no Sharon, I haven’t forgotten the animals. I believe all beings should be happy and free. And this is what makes me come alive. Namaste.
Here’s how you can help: adopt a farm animal, support pug rescues (here’s our local one), support farm sanctuaries, try veg (pick up a starter kit at one of Tranquil Space‘s front desks).
The post What Makes You Come Alive appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
June 26, 2017
Tranquility du Jour #399: Creating Big Sky Yoga Retreats
Creating Big Sky Yoga Retreats with Margaret Burns Vap. We discuss her move from a corporate career in NYC to starting a yoga studio in DC to forming Big Sky Yoga Retreats in Montana. You’ll learn the hardest and best parts of running the business and how her practice has evolved over the years.
[image error]
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #399: Creating Big Sky Yoga Retreats
[image error]
Upcoming Events
Writing in the Woods in West Virginia: October 6-8
Yoga, Mindfulness + Creativity in Costa Rica: February 17-24
Yoga + Art in West Virginia: May, 2018 TBA
Featured guest: Margaret Burns Vap
[image error]Margaret is the founder of Big Sky Yoga Retreats and creator of Cowgirl Yoga™. Her relationship with yoga began more than a decade ago, when she began attending Jivamukti Yoga and took up the practice in an attempt to balance her hectic New York City lifestyle and corporate career with cosmetics giant L’Oréal.
A few years and several hundred down dogs later, she traded in her designer duds for yoga pants – and moved to Washington DC to open her own studio. She combined her business background and passion for fitness to create Georgetown Yoga, which soon became one of DC’s most popular studios.
She practiced at Jivamukti London, when her family relocated to the UK for six months, and studied Ashtanga Yoga under Richard Freeman, David Swenson, and Dave Oliver. Margaret also completed a 200-hour training program with renowned California/New York-based Yoga Works and traveled to Hawaii for Baron Baptiste’s Level 1 Teacher Training Bootcamp.
Margaret’s students have included celebrities and DC luminaries to wheelchair-bound seniors, beginner yogis to other experienced yoga instructors – and everyone in between.
Her belief that yoga can benefit anyone was part of what excited Margaret when her family relocated to Bozeman, Montana in early 2007. Alongside her husband David, daughter Morgane, and two Boston Terriers, she quickly embraced the laid-back-yet-vibrant town, its outdoor fitness focus, and breathtaking 360-degree mountain views.
It wasn’t long before Margaret felt called to combine her love of yoga with her new-found love for Montana. Her fresh approach to teaching and natural gift for creating nurturing, safe spaces for people to practice yoga inspired the formation of Big Sky Yoga Retreats. With the help of her close-knit team, especially her first Head Wrangler Janice Cartwright from Montana Horse Sense, Margaret developed a one-of-a-kind retreat experience that welcomes women to enjoy calm, refreshing, and vigorous yoga with an unforgettable Montana backdrop.
Big Sky Yoga Retreats has been featured in numerous publications and has received impressive press coverage since its inception.
Margaret earned her B.S. from Georgetown University and her MBA from Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management. She speaks French, Spanish, and un po d’Italiano and has traveled extensively across the U.S. and abroad.
She and David make the most of Montana’s endless outdoor activities and love watching their daughter Morgane grow up on the ski slope and on horseback. She’s also proud ‘mom’ to English Mastiff Lili and her equine herd – Dude Boy and Java.
Tranquility du Jour
[image error]
Savvy Sources
Find Margaret
Website
Mentioned in Podcast
Blog post about Yoga + the Animals
Pigs & Pugs Project
Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes
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
[image error]
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.
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
The post Tranquility du Jour #399: Creating Big Sky Yoga Retreats appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
June 20, 2017
Happy Summer Solstice
[image error]
And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.
—F. Scott Fitzgerald
Earlier today I received a sweet email from someone worried that she wasn’t getting my posts in her inbox anymore. I reminded her that I was taking a bit of a blogging/Love Note break for the first time since 2004.
I’m in one of those creative fallow spaces where I’m stepping out of routine to reassess and rest.
Creativity goes in cycles. Sometimes there’s a harvest, sometimes there’s planting seeds, and sometimes there’s leaving it fallow to restore. I’m in the latter at the moment.
As promised, podcasts are still releasing every other week, I’m still posting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and penning blog posts here and there.
And although for the first time in a decade I’m not hosting the online Summer Solstice gathering, I wanted to wish each of you a sacred launch into this new season. This is the longest day and shortest night of the year. It’s a wonderful time to do some seasonal reflection.
What cycle are you in right now? Planting, harvesting, resting. What do you crave most?
For me, it’s time curled up with a book (just finished Apprenticed to Venus: My Secret Life with Anaïs Nin = SO good), writing in my Moleskine, long walks with Tim and the pups, tending my garden, nurturing my clients, practicing yoga, and enjoying experiences like plays at The Kennedy Center and weekend jaunts away.
May summertime bring you a sense of beginning over again. I like to think that each day (or moment) offers this opportunity and, yet, there is something about summer that brings us back to a childlike state—playing in the sand, letting watermelon juice run off our chins, climbing trees, watching fireflies, camping under the stars. Bisous. x
The post Happy Summer Solstice appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
