Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 86
June 12, 2017
Tranquility du Jour #398: Make Peace with Your Mind
Make Peace with Your Mind with Mark Coleman. Learn the two essential skills needed to navigate life’s storms, how to free yourself from the inner critic, tools for dealing with the inner critic, and the therapeutic power of nature.
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Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #398: Make Peace with Your Mind
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Upcoming Events
Yoga and the Animals: June 24
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:
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Mark Coleman is the author of Make Peace with Your Mind and Awake in the Wild. He is the founder of the Mindfulness Institute and has an MA in Clinical Psychology. Mark has guided students on five continents as a corporate consultant, counselor, meditation teacher, and wilderness guide. He lives in Northern California. Visit him online at MarkColeman.org.
Tranquility du Jour
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Savvy Sources
Find Mark
Website
YouTube
Mark’s books
Mentioned in Podcast
You Can Be Brave
May’s Month in Review
Daily Mindful Moments
RAIN
The Empathic Dog article
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
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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
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The post Tranquility du Jour #398: Make Peace with Your Mind appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
June 8, 2017
You Can Be Brave
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The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.
—Elizabeth Cady Stanton
I snapped this photo of my office after a client’s session today. To frame this post, I looked up quotes about being brave and came across the one above by Stanton. It felt apropos considering what happened on the Hill today and what happens within us when we are unwilling to give voice to our truth.
Although sometimes we’re not clear on our truth and, as we grow and change, need to spend some time exploring and questioning things we may have considered truths.
There’s a mindfulness saying I like, “Is it true? Is it real?” What we feel and think is real. It’s real to us. However, is it true? For example, is it really too late to go back to school? Are there really no other options for handling a tough situation? Is it really true you have to work 24/7?
Sometimes we get so stuck in our definition of truth that we fail to see alternatives and can feel trapped. Bravery is stepping outside those long-held beliefs and considering a different way.
And when we take a step back from doing things as we’ve always done them, we may find ourselves shining in new ways. Life looks different. We’re no longer just following an old path or outdated way of being and thinking, but we’ve given space for something brewing deep within to begin to blossom.
What would being brave look like for you? Bisous. x
The post You Can Be Brave appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
June 2, 2017
Month in Review
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Sometimes, you have to look back in order to understand the things that lie ahead.—Yvonne Woon
Month in Review
Although I’m taking some space from regular blogging, I wanted to share May’s highlights coupled with Savvy Sources.
May was a sweet month filled with assorted joys—spending a winery day with my parents, attending the Taos writing workshop, sipping tea at Laduree, hearing Thievery Corporation accompanied by an orchestra at The Kennedy Center, watching the live stream as Anita Krajnc was found not guilty, attending and hosting celebrations for a friend who wrote the Hemingway spy book, enjoying a dinner in honor of four teachers’ 15-year anniversary at Tranquil Space, doing a session with my writing teacher, getting studios “springified,” collaborating with clients, spending time in my art journal, hosting the Art + Yoga retreat in West Virginia, eating outside, playing with peonies, and the tiny moments in between.
What are some of your May highlights?
New Month Wish List
Host inspiring Yoga + the Animals
Celebrate 44th birthday in the country
Savor time with Mom and Dad
Finish two books
Consume less sugar
Prepare for launch of Vet Social Work + Memoir Writing courses in July
Announce Tranquil Space Foundation’s new program: Pigs & Pugs Project
Host inspiring Writing Lab
Release two podcasts
Get 8-week Tranquil Teens program edits to graphic designer
Enjoy show at The Kennedy Center
What’s on your June wish list?
Savvy Sources
10 Trips You Should Take in Your Lifetime
Dani Shapiro on Finding the Quiet Within
The Simple Action You Can Take Right Now to Change Your Life. All You Need is a Pen.
How to Cook Healthy with More Ease
The Case for Eliminating Sugar. All of It.
126 Dog Meat Restaurants in China are Closed Thanks to Activists
How Showing Compassion For Animals Can Improve Your Health
The Writer’s Process
The Pig Trial Is Not Over
Activist Who Gave Water to Pigs is Found Not Guilty of a Crime
How to Add Summer Fruits and Veggies to Your Dog’s Diet
Simplicity, Productivity, and the Personal Uniform
13 Things You Can Do to Reduce Stress
Wishing you a beautiful weekend filled with a deep exhale. Bisous. x
The post Month in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
June 1, 2017
Everyday Mindful Moments
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In today’s rush, we all think too much — seek too much — want too much — and forget about the joy of just being.—Eckhart Tolle
Recently I hosted a weekend retreat in the woods of West Virginia. We practiced yoga and mindfulness, dabbled in paint and collage, and roasted vegan s’mores over a campfire. For many, they confessed that it had been far too long since they’d taken time to focus on their inner selves.
Taking the time to stop and notice what’s going on in the body and mind is challenging. It requires shifting from autopilot, carving out space to push the pause button, noticing the mind’s activity, feeling any emotions that arise, and observing the body’s physical sensations.
The good news is that we don’t have to wait for a weekend retreat to hit reset. You can do it right now. Stop reading and take three deep breaths . . . voilà, you did it!
In the above photo collage, I captured a few sweet moments from May—trying to do yoga despite my pups antics, walking a labyrinth, setting out succulents to greet the retreaters, savoring tea at the new Laduree in Georgetown. It’s these spontaneous mindful moments that make my day brighter and offer a mini-retreat in the middle of everyday life.
Here’s how I like to take a mindful moment:
Sip a cuppa tea
Write a love note
Practice yoga
Sit in meditation
Read in a café
Eat a plant-based meal
Journal
Sit in a park
Connect with a friend
Get my hands dirty in the garden
Drink a green juice
Take a walk
Ride my bike
Soak in the tub
Savor dark chocolate
Connect to my breath
Spend time with animals
Embroider
Plan my day in color
Walk the pups
Sit fireside or around a campfire
Take photos
These are my simple every day activities that offer an opportunity to slow down, tune in, and savor the moment. What are yours? List them. Then choose three to make a priority today.
As Annie Dillard reminds us, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” I believe that our days, and lives, are made up of these tiny moments. Namaste.
The post Everyday Mindful Moments appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
May 30, 2017
Tranquility du Jour #397: Nourish 360
Nourish 360 with Stephanie Horning. We discuss the importance of nourishment, self-care, and connection. Learn how to incorporate more wellness into your life, which nutrient-dense staples to have on hand, and why being bored is important.
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Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #397: Nourish 360
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Upcoming Events
Yoga and the Animals: June 24
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:
[image error]Stephanie Horning is a certified holistic nutritionist, wellness coach, and food developer. She recently launched her wellness site and brand Nourish 360 based on the three pillars of health and healing: nourishing the body, elevating self-care, and deepening connection. She also recently released her first e-book, “A Guided Journal For Your Day” to help and encourage men and women take time to strengthen their intuition and listen to the wisdom they hold. She is passionate about well-being and helping others attain a happier, healthier, and more inspired state. She is proud to say she is a passionate mom, step-mom, and wife. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from NYU, is a certified yoga teacher, and graduated from the Bauman School of Holistic Nutrition.
Tranquility du Jour
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Savvy Sources
Find Stephanie
Website
Mentioned in Podcast
My blog post on Weekend Delights
My blog post on Get Curious
Stephanie’s Guided Journal
Stephanie’s blog post on the Importance of Being Bored
Stephanie’s blog post on How to Cook Healthy with Ease {+ Meal Planner}
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
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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 #397: Nourish 360 appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
Weekend Delights
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With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?—Oscar Wilde
After three days of leisure, my heart feels full. Mom and Dad arrived Friday night and we’ve spent our days gazing out on winery vistas of rolling hills, browsing at Politics & Prose, and noshing at local restaurants. Belle enjoyed resting in her new vintage suitcase pet bed made by Mom and both seemed to bask in hindering my yoga practice by strategically placing themselves across my mat.
Tim and I also hosted a cocktail party for a friend who recently released a book on Hemingway as a spy—complete with macarons, homemade kale chips, and handmade flags of the book cover to top the display.
Last night we joined friends in Logan Circle for a gathering to say farewell to a beautiful pup who had succumbed to cancer. It was heartbreaking as she has been part of our lives for nearly a decade. Louis loved being with her (even though she proudly stole his toys and treats from my office). The event was a beautiful send off to honor her life and the tremendous amount of joy she brought others.
The above Oscar Wilde quote serves as a regular reminder to focus on the simple joys: dogs, succulent strawberries, laughter, freedom, books, pink peonies, tea, friends, family, long walks, the moon, macarons, pink shoes, green grass, yoga, spaciousness, succulents, vintage suitcases, wine, sweet goodbyes. These are a few of last weekend’s delights.
Wishing you a wonderful start to this short week and brand new month. Hello, June! Bisous. x
The post Weekend Delights appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
May 25, 2017
A Peek into WV Retreat
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If you don’t love the sea, the sun, all the simple pleasures, what sort of life are you going to have?—Marty Rubin
Last weekend nine beautiful souls descended on Tim’s cabin. As you can see, Belle was enthralled.
I had succulents and goody bags waiting by their beds and decorated the cabins with twinkle lights and bunting. Tim made vegan and veg cuisine topped with ample kale chips, green juice breaks, and dessert. We practiced yoga on the porch, set intentions, watched Funny Face while creating in art journals, roasted vegan s’mores by a campfire, and created action plans.
After spending a few days immersed in nature, yoga, art, and kind spirits, it can be jarring to think of returning to the real world. To help with the transition, I came up with five post-retreat tranquility tips.
1. Slow. Let your return be gradual. Create space for yourself to ease back into routine. Keep the slower pace of the retreat with you. Remember to breathe and observe what is happening within you.
2. Nook. Create a space to hold memories of what fed you on this retreat—a photo, quote, page from your art journal, yoga pose. Have your art supplies and yoga mat in this nook so that you can create and practice during those sweet moments in between.
3. Hold. Keep the retreat experience close to your heart. Honor how you showed up. Remember the smell, taste, sound, touch, and views of where you were.
4. Space. Carve out a sense of spaciousness in your schedule. Avoid overbooking and work with your energy flow. Midday naps or walks around a city block can have a profound effect on the mind, body, and spirit.
5. Explore. Consider how you are different from your time away. What do you understand better about yourself? What were your takeaways and how will it expand at home?
Since you, too, may be headed off on an adventure this weekend, I thought these may be helpful for a smooth return. Safe travels this weekend. May it be restorative and intentional with hints of decadence. Bisous.
The post A Peek into WV Retreat appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
May 17, 2017
Get Curious
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Curiosity is the truth and the way of creative living.—Liz Gilbert
Greetings from DC. I’m back from two trips out West: one to the Northwest for a wedding and one to Taos for a writer’s retreat.
I’ve been back in the swing of things for a week now—teaching mindfulness class, seeing clients, walking the pups, taking personal and professional meetings, practicing yoga. It’s grounding to be back to routine despite the thrill of travel.
In a recent post I mentioned that I’d be away for the month to take time out to disconnect. Although I released podcasts, penned a few blog posts, and posted pics on Instagram, I found myself craving more and more space. While I’m not sure what this will look like, I’m getting curious about what’s bubbling up.
When I released HTC10 last December, I shared five lessons I’d learned since writing Hip Tranquil Chick and wrote in the Conclusion:
“Over the next decade I picture myself reading more books, writing more books, sipping more tea, taking more baths, and hitting the pause button on a regular basis. I plan to work to shift our non-profit’s mission to animals and complete the University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work Certificate program. I hope to return to Paris multiple times and host inspiring retreats around the globe. I intend to simplify my businesses: clothing line, yoga studio, and Tranquility du Jour offerings. And how all of this will unfold? Now that I don’t know yet. Although no five-year plan is in place, I do have an inkling of how I want to feel.”
So, basically, I’m curious. I’m asking myself questions. I’m noticing how I feel. I’m observing what wants attention.
While I let this unfold, I may continue to take time out as I did the past month. I’m still here, still sharing, still loving this community and, also, getting curious about what’s percolating within. Bisous. x
The post Get Curious appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
May 15, 2017
Tranquility du Jour #396: Start Right Where You Are
Start Right Where You Are with Sam Bennett. We discuss her latest book, Start Right Where You Are: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers, and Recovering Perfectionists. Learn her tips for handling overwhelm and small, doable changes that can lead to big joy.
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Direct download: Tranquility du jour #396: Start Right Where You Are
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Upcoming Events
Yoga + Art in West Virginia: May 19-21 {sold out}
Writing in the Woods in West Virginia: October 6-8
Yoga, Mindfulness + Creativity in Costa Rica: February 17-24
Featured guest:
[image error]Sam Bennett is the author of Start Right Where You Are and Get It Done. She created The Organized Artist Company to help creative people get unstuck and achieve their goals. She is a writer, actor, teacher, and creativity/productivity specialist who has counseled thousands of artists and entrepreneurs on their way to success.
Tranquility du Jour
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Savvy Sources
Find Sam
Website
Mentioned in Podcast
First podcast with Sam
Playing with Peonies post
Scenes from Taos post
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
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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 bi-monthly 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 #396: Start Right Where You Are appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
May 11, 2017
Playing with Peonies
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Earth laughs in flowers.—Ralph Waldo Emerson
My plane landed in DC shortly before midnight on Saturday. With ears buzzing from a three-hour drive followed by five hours on planes, I was eager to unpack, start laundry, and reunite with my pups and Tim. I knew Sunday was a big day—off to Pharsalia to cut my own peony bouquet!
We needed to bring our own shears, bucket, and vase, so Tim got me pink ones while I was away. When we pulled into the drive of Pharsalia, it was like inhabiting a new planet: rolling hills, flowers, white picket fence, swings, greenery.
Tim dropped me off and I met up with a friend who had also traveled down from DC for the event. Over the next few hours we were giddy about the experience. Foxie (yes, that’s the owner’s real name) showed us her walk-in cooler filled with peonies while we all oohed and ahhed. Then she walked us around the property showing various flowers and greenery from bushes to add to our bouquets.
Next came the rows and rows of peony plants. I’d never seen so many peonies! The baby pinks were still in buds, but the bright pinks were ready for cutting (and matched my bucket). After taking way too long to choose my 15, we cut more greenery and flowers from bushes to add as filler as we made our way around the property.
We raced back to the wooden farm tables to assemble our loot. My vase was a small cylinder and I kept adding more and more peonies along with a smattering of greens, white and yellow flowers. You’ll see the final product in the bottom photo and I’m holding it on the bench above.
Yes, it was worth a seven-hour drive!
Our home smells like perfume. This morning when Belle woke me up to feed her at 5am, I opened the bedroom doors and a floral bouquet wafted throughout the living area. It was dreamy (and not just because it was 5am)!
Peonies are by far my favorite flower. They are so delicate, layered, and soft—just like us. Peonies represent a fragile beauty that we, too, possess deep within. Bisous. x
This morning the green fists of the peonies are getting ready
to break my heart
as the sun rises,
as the sun strokes them with his old, buttery fingers
and they open —
pools of lace,
white and pink —
and all day the black ants climb over them,
boring their deep and mysterious holes
into the curls,
craving the sweet sap,
taking it away
to their dark, underground cities —
and all day
under the shifty wind,
as in a dance to the great wedding,
the flowers bend their bright bodies,
and tip their fragrance to the air,
and rise,
their red stems holding
all that dampness and recklessness
gladly and lightly,
and there it is again —
beauty the brave, the exemplary,
blazing open.
Do you love this world?
Do you cherish your humble and silky life?
Do you adore the green grass, with its terror beneath?
Do you also hurry, half-dressed and barefoot, into the garden,
and softly,
and exclaiming of their dearness,
fill your arms with the white and pink flowers,
with their honeyed heaviness, their lush trembling,
their eagerness
to be wild and perfect for a moment, before they are
nothing, forever?
from New And Selected Poems by Mary Oliver
The post Playing with Peonies appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
