Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 87
May 6, 2017
Scenes from Taos
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I think the deeper you go into questions, the deeper or more interesting the questions get. And I think that’s the job of art.—Andre Dubus III
The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is abuzz with fellow retreaters packing up before our final morning workshop. In a few hours we’ll go our separate ways, tote our writing dreams back home, and I’ll be back in my own bed late tonight.
I’ve been in Taos for the past few days with a group of women writers working on various projects. It’s my second time to this retreat with Jennifer Louden. My first was a decade ago when I taught the yoga portion and was working on the book proposal for Tranquilista. When I saw this retreat pop up late last year, I felt called to carve out this time for my writing.
Although I’ll be processing the experience and takeaways for the next few days, I wanted to share a few highlights:
a morning walk to see the black cross Georgia O’Keeffe painted
having tea with a woman I met during my last retreat here
soaking in a clawfoot tub surrounded by windows painted by D.H. Lawrence
walking the labyrinth
discovering a cute tea house: teaography {watch for a forthcoming giveaway}
walking in to Taos Plaza three times
spending time with paint, collage, and words through art journaling
sitting with my {sometimes elusive} muse
spending time with interesting women writers
sitting by a fire in my neighbor’s room chatting about our memoir projects
Mid-week I began to experience something that hasn’t happened since grade school summer camp—I was homesick. I missed my pups and Tim. He’d send photos of Belle with her tongue out {her lack of teeth causes it to slip out sometimes} and Mookie with his usual FOMO {fear of missing out} look and I’d want to fly home. Those little beings mean so much to me and I can’t wait to snuggle with them in 13 hours {but who’s counting?!}.
During open writing time I was often torn between handling TranquiliT orders and Tranquil Space needs, so I wasn’t always able to fully drop in. I blame wifi and my inability to resist its lure. Yet when I did, the writing would flow and so would the many questions.
Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.—Rilke
What would it look like to create space and spend time with your muse? What is the longing deep within? What wants attention?
Ah, the questions. Wishing you a beautiful weekend filled with questions, creative sparks, and occasional answers. Bisous. x
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May 1, 2017
Tranquility du jour #395: The Teacher Appears
The Teacher Appears with Brian Leaf. We discuss writing his latest book The Teacher Appears: 108 Prompts to Power Your Yoga Practice, how he chose the 108 prompts for reflection, and the importance of following your spiritual journey.
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Direct download: Tranquility du jour #395: The Teacher Appears
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Upcoming Events
Yoga + Art in West Virginia: May 19-21 {1 spot left}
Writing in the Woods in West Virginia: October 6-8
Featured guest:
[image error]Brian Leaf, M.A., is the author of thirteen books, including The Teacher Appears: 108 Prompts to Power Your Yoga Practice and Misadventures of a Garden State Yogi. Brian graduated from Georgetown University in 1993 with a BA in business, English, and theology, and in 1999 he completed a master’s degree at Lesley College, specializing in yoga and ayurveda. He lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, with his wife and two sons.
About The Teacher Appears: 108 Prompts To Power Your Yoga Practice[image error]
For anyone longing to deepen their yoga practice comes The Teacher Appears, an illustrated journal of 108 prompts. Includes celebrity guest prompts from such luminaries as Krishna Das, Elena Brower, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Gannon, Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, Schuyler Grant, and more.
Acclaimed author Brian Leaf guides readers to deepen their yoga practice with dristi, mudra, and pranayama; to explore their uncomfortable edges; to cultivate intuition; and, simply, to long for the divine, as they experience the true meaning of yoga. Readers discover a new depth to their yoga practice and a new level of dedication, meaning, and happiness in their lives.
Tranquility du Jour
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Savvy Sources
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
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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
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Pen a review on iTunes and/or share this podcast via social media, s‘il vous plaît
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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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The post Tranquility du jour #395: The Teacher Appears appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
A Life of Sensations
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O for a life of sensations rather than of thoughts.—John Keats
When considering what to explore in this month’s Tranquil Space muse, I began by pulling images that represented spring’s simple pleasures: pink blooms, vegan cupcakes, rose tea, yoga, and journal writing. After compiling the collage, I looked for a quote that touched on life’s little luxuries and came across the above Keats quote.
You may wonder what simple pleasures or a life of sensations rather than thoughts has to do with yoga. As a teacher and practitioner who has been keen on incorporating yoga beyond the mat, I found the quote apropos. And, let’s be honest, the physical practice of yoga is filled with sensations.
Since we get the importance of infusing our everyday with beauty, I wanted to touch on the second part of the Keats quote . . . thoughts. We are estimated to have 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts per day. Considering 90-95% of them are repetitive and 80% are considered negative, yoga (and mindful living) is a balm to work with our human condition.
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 1.2, Patanjali writes yoga chitta vritti nirodha. This is often translated as “yoga as the cessations of the fluctuations of the mind.” While we may consider yoga to be the physical practice of poses on a mat, Patanjali is emphasizing quieting the mind as the core of yoga practice. And Keats, also, emphasizes the connection to sensations over a busy mind.
While we need our mind to be a productive, thoughtful member of society, we also need training to focus and quiet the mind to live as Patanjali and Keats encourage. This comes through meditation, time in nature, yoga, and any other activity that allows you to get lost in the flow.
Practicing the sixth limb of yoga, dharana (concentration), offers the opportunity to quiet our monkey mind and notice the sensations within and around us. Feel the air on your skin. Notice the beat of your heart. Observe any cravings. Slow down to taste your food. Pay attention to sensations as you move through sun salutations.
As we welcome May, consider Patanjali and Keats when you find yourself stuck in rumination or worry. Similar to the life-saving technique of “stop, drop, and roll,” remember to STOP: stop, take a breath, observe what’s happening, proceed with awareness.
May we have more sensations from life’s simple pleasures and less distraction from a mind stuck in the past or worrying about the future. Namaste.
The post A Life of Sensations appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
April 27, 2017
Books, Tea, Flowers + Belle
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I can never read all the books I want; I can never be all the people I want and live all the lives I want. I can never train myself in all the skills I want. And why do I want? I want to live and feel all the shades, tones and variations of mental and physical experience possible in my life.—Sylvia Plath
After three meetups with friends on Alberta Street in Portland, I hopped in a Lyft en route to Powell’s City of Books on Monday night. The city was dark and covered in a cold rain from the day’s constant downpour. I watched the buildings and lights blur by as I fidgeted with anticipation in the back seat.
Filled with over two million books, multiple levels, and a cafe, this bookstore is like no other. I wandered through the stacks navigating different colored rooms in search of nothing in particular, yet feeling ravenous.
Being among so many ideas and creative sparks ignites a typically inaccessible part of me and serves as a full-fledged dopamine hit.
My go-tos are writing, psychology, memoir, blank journals, stationery, and creativity. The psychology section had moved to a different-colored room and the search for it led me past an animal rights section. Three shelves dedicated to animal rights books!
I used to spend hours in the business section and loved that they even had a women’s business shelf. The specificity and volume of options is comforting. It’s like the bookstore gets me (and everyone else) and has shelves designated to our unique interests. Yep, even a shelf for art therapy.
Striking at the Roots and Memoirs of the Soul made their way into my life and I’m honored to give them a happy home.
Apparently the Japanese have a word for my buying-more-books-than-can-read issue: Tsundoku. Any other sufferers out there? The affliction (and delight) is real. Doesn’t it feel good to be understood? Bisous. x
Last weekend we flew to the Northwest for Tim’s cousin’s beautiful wedding at Lairmont Manor. There was a night in Seattle, followed by two in Bellingham, and then two in Portland. Here are some highlights:
browsing bookstores
discovering peony tulips
sipping many cups of tea
connecting with longtime friends (one was a yoga student in my living room circa 1999)
loving the bride’s gorgeous wedding dress (very boho)
spending time with Tim’s family
toasting the bride and groom
bringing Belle to the wedding
seeing Belle acclimate so smoothly to travel
eating vegan cupcakes topped with gold glitter and dried rose petals (Back to Eden)
sitting outside in the rain waiting for our train
renting the coolest car (Jeep Renegade). I’m not a car person, but I kinda have a crush.
picking up two ballet-inspired skirts
finding a dog-friendly bookstore, Village Books
dancing with Tim at the wedding
experiencing warm sunshine and cold rain
eating my first crumpet
The post Books, Tea, Flowers + Belle appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
April 20, 2017
Taking Time Out
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Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.—Albert Einstein
Saturday afternoon we packed up the pups and our vintage camper to head into the mountains for the weekend. It was the two-year anniversary of losing our beloved pug Louis and being in nature is therapeutic.
As you’ll see from the photo above, I packed all the “essentials:” washi tape, books, magazines, Moleskine, journal, water bottle, flowers, and lavender oil. In between an evening campfire, afternoon nap, and a morning walk, I did peruse most of that stack. These tools serve as a baby bottle of sorts—always nearby for comfort.
On the anniversary we headed off for a hike around the campground in search of a spot to honor Louis. We made our way to the Appalachian Trailhead as a warm afternoon rain began to fall. Tim wanted to head back to camp so the pups wouldn’t get wet, but I wanted to leave a bit of Louis at that trailhead.
During one of our last outings with Louis, we hiked a small part of the Appalachian Trail so returning felt apropos. We sprinkled a tiny bit of the ashes, expressed gratitude, and shared how much we missed him before heading back in silence.
Grief serves as a continual wake-up call to focus on what’s important.
While going deeper into the woods, we lost cell service and for nearly 24 hours we were disconnected. Disconnected not only from social media, the studio, or friends, but disconnected from the constant buzz of life. I look forward to returning to that spot.
Over the next two weeks I’m traveling—out West for a wedding and to the Southwest for a writing conference. My plan is to take time to disconnect, so my next Love Note will be mid-May and blog posts will be sparse. I’ll be posting images of my adventures on Instagram in case you’d like to follow along. Otherwise, look for a reemergence in a month.
Of course I’ll be packing up all my travel comforts with an intention of listening within. I look forward to the space and scenic settings to explore.
Wishing you a glorious month with time in nature (even lunch in the park counts) and moments of disconnection. Bisous. x
The post Taking Time Out appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
April 18, 2017
Tranquility du Jour #394: MeatLess
MeatLess with Kristie Middleton. We discuss how eating less meat benefits you, the environment, and the animals, the psychology of change and why it’s so hard, and ways to align our plates with our values.
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Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #394: MeatLess
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Upcoming Events
Yoga + Art in West Virginia: May 19-21 {1 spot left}
Writing in the Woods in West Virginia: October 6-8
Featured guest:
[image error]Kristie Middleton is senior food policy director for The Humane Society of the United States and the author of MeatLess: Transform the Way You Eat and Live—One Meal at a Time. She’s a sought-after speaker and thought leader on the topic.
Middleton has partnered with the nation’s biggest school districts including Los Angeles, Detroit, and Boston to implement plant-based initiatives such as Meatless Monday. Her work has been covered by national media, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and CNN.
She holds certificate in plant-based nutrition from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies.
About MeatLess:
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Part exposé, part lifestyle book, with stories and over 60 recipes, MeatLess presents scientific and nutritional research along with real-life examples in a compelling and relatable style to help guide readers on their journey to reduce meat and eat more plant-based foods. It offers a concise, practical, and realistic approach to enjoying healthier, meat-free meals on each reader’s own terms.
Tranquility du Jour
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Savvy Sources
kristiemiddleton.com
Recipes
Upcoming events
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
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The post Tranquility du Jour #394: MeatLess appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
April 11, 2017
My #the100dayproject Plan
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We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.
—Kurt Vonnegut
Last week I shared information on the 100-Day Project and received such wonderful responses. Thank you for your excitement!
Since it began, I’ve been mulling over the best way to engage while challenging myself and setting myself up for success (i.e., not overpromising).
So here’s my commitment: 100 days of writing, reading, and/or exercising (yoga, biking, long walks). Ideally all three daily, but at least one each day.
Above are three of the books I want to finish by July 12, my Moleskine filled with ideas, and my favorite gold pen (thank you, Lizi).
Curious how yours is unfolding? Happy creative and conscious commitment keeping to you! Bisous. x
The post My #the100dayproject Plan appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
April 8, 2017
Week in Review
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Week in Review
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.—Albert Einstein
After this morning’s yin yoga class, I headed to a nearby cafe. Armed with a book and Moleskine, I ordered tea and found a cozy spot under an umbrella outside. Although it was quite chilly, I craved fresh air and was fine staying bundled in layers. Tim and the pups joined and we read until our hands were too cold to continue.
My cafe read is a book I pulled out last night and purchased nearly two decades ago, Your Life As Story. While sitting outside I finished a chapter on the history of autobiographical writing starting in 3000 BC with the Egyptians to Saint Augustine in 399 AD to ex-slave narratives in the mid-nineteenth century to Gertrude Stein and Henry Miller to Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior.
While researching the author, Tristine Rainer, I saw that she considers Anaïs Nin her mentor. No wonder I like her book (I also have her other book, The New Diary and she has a new one coming out about her relationship with Anaïs Nin, Apprenticed to Venus)! Just a few hours ago during the Business of Yoga session I confessed how I thought I’d have lots of time to read Anaïs Nin’s journals when I left a full-time job to teach yoga (circa 2000).
I laughed at my naiveté. Her journals remain prominently stacked on an entire shelf of my built-ins awaiting their much-deserved attention. They are my equivalent of a religious relic. I’ve had a thing for her since my early 20s when Jewel sang about Anaïs Nin and Henry Miller being together until the end. When I dressed up as her for Halloween one year, I found that people’s responses to who I was spoke volumes.
“Who?!” “What’s that?” “Omg, love her!”
Tomorrow we’re heading to a dog-friendly winery with plans to soak up the sunshine and fresh air. I’ll have my Anaïs Nin-mentored book in tow. At times city living can feel constricting—as if the walls are closing in. Not surprising, at my desk and by my bed I find myself closed in by books. A jaunt to rolling hills, vineyards, and open space does wonders.
Nature therapy, here I come. Bisous. x
This week I collaborated with clients, taught mindfulness, took a workshop at Tranquil Space, taught writing lab, taught the business of yoga workshop, released a Love Note, released a podcast, conducted three podcast interviews, attended teacher auditions, finished a box of 100 blow pops gifted over Christmas (#notproud), took yoga, biked around town in the rain, penned Tranquil Space’s newsletter muse, enjoyed an acai bowl over date brunch, and started the 100 day project.
Pics in Review
Reading
More reading
Post-yoga cafe time with pups
All 3 pets on my lap
Acai bowl brunch at Le Pain Quotidien
My 4th grade class photo found on Facebook {See me? hint: I’m wearing a turtle t-shirt}
Savvy Sources
Turn Negative Thinkers into Positive Ones
22 Documentaries That Will Change the Way You Think
How Simple Mini Habits Can Change Your Life
The 12 Most Instagrammable Spots in Paris
How to Be Mindful With Your Phone
13 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life
Doing Something Creative Can Boost Your Well-Being
How Highly Successful Women Make the Most of Friday
Sleep Is the New Status Symbol
Pig Begins New Life at Sanctuary
{Recipes} Acai Bowls: The World’s Best Healthy Breakfast
30 Outstanding Podcasts for Writers
Weekend Wish List
Host inspiring Biz of Yoga workshop
Host inspiring Writing Lab
Savor yin yoga
Read
Write
Family time
See Chicago at The Kennedy Center
Prep for the upcoming week
Head to the country for the afternoon
The post Week in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
April 7, 2017
A Passion Project
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The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.—Mark Twain
Chatting over cups of lavender green tea and vegan BLTs, I told a friend about the 100-day project last spring. We were nestled into a plush velour burgundy couch at a local cafe with journals and pens on our laps.
She was all in . . . until we never spoke about it again.
We met regularly to share writing goals and catch up, so committing to write for 100 days seemed like a great next step. However, one needs to do more than say, “Absolutely, I’ll commit if you will.” And then fade to black.
I don’t blame her, I blame myself. I needed a plan, not just an intention.
Last weekend Tim was on a biking trip with our pug Belle Starr so I was home with Mookie surfing into the wee hours. Before I knew it, I was about to sign up for a six-month online course and a six-month certificate program. I caught myself before fully committing as I’m already enrolled in University of Tennessee’s Veterinary Social Work program and here I was considering two more programs—one for writing and one for therapy.
Truth be told, I’ll probably still sign up for one (or both) of those programs, but it was good to pause and consider what I am truly capable of giving to numerous projects right now.
While hosting a mentoring session this weekend over tea and ginger scones, my client said, “It seems like writing and therapy are your passions right now.”
I considered her comment, nodded, and added, “And animals!”
Note: each of these programs align with my passions. Yes, I may be justifying.
Tuesday started another round of the 100-day project and I wrote about it on the blog. It can be daunting to choose one thing to focus on through July 12, so I listed a few ideas such as draw a flower, make a page in your art journal, dance through a song, plant a seed, crochet a granny square, bake a sweet treat, send a snail mail note, walk a mile, or take a photo.
Consider your passions. Philosopher Howard Thurman wrote, “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.”
Earlier I texted with that same friend—who has moved away so we catch up via phone over virtual cups of tea—and we both plan to try again. I told her I wanted to commit to something that would challenge me and yet not be too audacious. You in?
This weekend I’ll be sharing my 100-day project and am inviting you to reveal yours over on the blog. Studies show that we’re more likely to follow through with our plans if we write them down and have an accountability buddy. I’m happy to be yours.
Here’s to 100 days of a creative project close to our hearts. Bisous. x
The post A Passion Project appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
April 4, 2017
#the100dayproject
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Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.—Rumi
Elle Luna, author of The Crossroads of Should and Must, hosts a 100-Day Project encouraging participants to commit to 100 days of doing a creative project for 5-10 minutes. No fancy tools or training needed. Just a desire to try and commit to something for 100 days.
Is there a project you’d like to commit to through July 12?
If you’re stumped, here are a few ideas: make a green smoothie, paint with mixed media, write in your journal, do sun salutations, read a book, draw a flower, make a page in your art journal, dance through a song, plant a seed, crochet a granny square, bake a sweet treat, send a snail mail note, walk a mile, take a photo, meditate outside, pick up litter, cook a new recipe, donate one item to charity, or be an activist for your favorite cause.
Interested in joining along? If so, what are you willing to commit to do for 100 days?
Share in the comments below (studies show we’re more apt to follow through with things when we write them down and share them) and good luck! I’ll share my plan later this week. Happy creating! Bisous. x
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The post #the100dayproject appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
