Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 89
March 4, 2017
Retreat Reflections
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Time is a great healer.—English Proverb
Last week I returned to Pura Vida Resort & Spa for the 12th time to host a week-long retreat. Dressed in layers, many of us boarded a direct flight from Dulles to San Jose. Upon arrival we shed said layers to welcome the warm weather.
We were picked up from the airport and transported to the resort where the staff greeted us with a tropical fruit mocktail and warm towel. Once checked in, we dined on fresh food created in their kitchen and settled in for an evening rain storm.
The days were filled with two yoga classes, a variety of mindfulness practices (mindful eating, body scan, loving-kindness, seated meditation, walking meditation, mindful communication), and art journaling. Spa treatments and naps in hammocks coupled with eco-excursions to waterfalls, a volcano, and hot springs provided the perfect blend of restoration. We were typically in bed around 8pm and up with the roosters and birds around 5:30am.
Hosting a retreat is an honor. It’s a joy to watch people manifest their week’s intentions, slow down, and surprise themselves. By hitting the pause button, we’re able to listen to that voice deep within that may have been ignored while going about day-to-day life.
Highlights: piles of freshly-cut papaya, green juice, ginger tea, blue butterflies, vegan chocolate cake topped with strawberries, savasana with lavender oil, art journal play, tears of gratitude, finished Z is for Zelda Fitzgerald, time with Mom (her fourth Costa Rica retreat), hours in the hammock, new connections, a mini handmade pink journal filled with notes from those who joined.
Save the date, we’re heading back February 17-24, 2018. Or join me for a weekend getaway in May or a Virtual Retreat next weekend from the comfort of your own home. Retreats provide a structured downshift to explore our deepest dreams. It’s a true salve for the soul. Bisous. x
The post Retreat Reflections appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
March 1, 2017
Virtual Retreat Giveaway
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Happy Women’s History Month!
As a thank you to Tranquility du Jour readers, I’m offering a few complimentary spots to the March 11 virtual retreat for those craving rejuvenation, but unable to attend due to financial reasons.
Join me and 50+ women from around the globe to pause, learn new tools, connect with like-hearted people, and return to what’s most meaningful to you.
Infused with experience from my work as a therapist, yoga teacher, and creative entrepreneur, this day will offer you the space to spend time immersed in practices that help you slow down, tune in, and dream.
To enter the giveaway for one of the free spots:
please leave a comment below on how you would benefit from the six-hour retreat experience.
The winners will be chosen at random and announced late Friday evening on March 3.
Peruse FAQs, testimonials and photos from former attendees.
Thank you for reading and supporting Tranquility du Jour. May we all enjoy moments of tranquility in our every day. Bisous. x
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February 24, 2017
Week in Review
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Week in Review
Hola from Costa Rica. Wednesday night I hosted our retreat group on the deck of a suite I’m sharing with Mom. Twinkle lights (yes, I traveled with them), candles, and wine contributed to a makeshift happy hour fête before dinner. This sweet evening culminated with a vegan chocolate cake topped with strawberries.
When I requested the special cake, the cook asked if it was someone’s birthday. “Nope,” I replied, “simply a celebration.”
It was a good reminder to celebrate every day versus waiting for a “special occasion.” Why save the china for the holidays, that favorite dress for a fancy dinner, or perfume for a date? Life’s little luxuries are lovely infused into our daily life.
Blue skies, sunshine, and laughter permeated the week. We practiced yoga twice a day, created in our art journals, explored various mindfulness tools (mindful eating, walking meditation, seated mediation, mindful breathing), indulged in spa treatments such as the “rain forest facial,” and eaten piles of fresh veggies. And, me, a few pounds of papaya.
I’ve been coming to Pura Vida Retreat & Spa since 2001 and hosting retreats here since 2002. It’s a quick jaunt from DC and never disappoints—dry or rainy season. Next year I’ll be hosting this experience again over President’s Day weekend and will have the details up shortly.
What little luxury can be incorporated this weekend? A walk in the park, a bike ride, a soak in the tub, a trip to your local museum or botanical garden, dinner by candlelight, a nap, or an afternoon with a book at a nearby cafe. As Annie Dillard wrote, “How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.” Why not wrap those days in simple pleasures. Bisous. x
This week I hosted 10 yoga, mindfulness, and creativity sessions, finished Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, released a podcast, set up my therapy Facebook page, penned a Love Note, worked on some essays, collaborated with a client, savored a couple spa treatments, and savored the slow passage of time.
Pics in Review
Me and Mom
Mom on our deck
Colorful rug
New TranquiliT off-the-shoulder top (available next week)
Reading time
Morning practice
My “An Ode to the Bath” essay in Bella Grace
New Facebook therapy page
Savvy Sources
When We Resist, We Empower The Thing We’re Fighting Against
Congressional Effort to Allow Killing Hibernating Bears and Wolf Pups In Their Dens Moves to Senate
How ‘The Beginner’s Mind’ Could Make Your Life Easier
Iris Apfel Thinks Dressing For Your Age is ‘Stupid’
How To Know If You’re In a Good Relationship With Yourself
Terrified Bull in NYC Slaughterhouse Runs For His Life (broke my heart . . . again)
Therapy Chicken in a Tutu is Teaching People to Love Animals
Buddhist Meditation is Relaxing With The Truth
I Accidentally Bought a Giant Pig
13 Things You Should Give Up If You Want To Be Successful
Australia’s Oldest Man Knits Sweaters for Penguins Injured in Oil Spills
30-Day Challenge: 30 Days of Classic Literature
Weekend Wish List
Safe travels home to DC
Host inspiring 4-hour teacher training workshop
Family time
Finish A Writer’s Guide to Non-Fiction by Elizabeth Lyon
Prep essays for writing teacher
Prep for TranquiliT’s spring launch next week
The post Week in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 22, 2017
An Ode to the Bath
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When you’re browsing through your hot-off-the-press Bella Grace magazine, scoot on over to page 79 for my essay, “An Ode to the Bath.” Any other bath devotees out there? Happy soaking. Bisous. x
The post An Ode to the Bath appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
The Lotus
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Whenever you should doubt your self-worth, remember the lotus flower. Even though it plunges to life from beneath the mud, it does not allow the dirt that surrounds it to affect its growth or beauty.—Suzy Kassem
Monday night I peered at my phone before slipping into bed and saw that a friend’s father had passed away. While I knew he was in the hospital, I didn’t expect it to be his last visit. When I reached out, she described feeling exhausted and numb. Ah, those familiar waves of grief.
Monday was also the five-year anniversary of losing my beloved Gramma and Facebook sends regular memory photos of my dear pug Louis that fluctuate between a punch to the gut and nostalgia. Today’s was a photo of us at the local dog park enjoying the snow two years ago.
As I type from a desk overlooking Costa Rican flora, a butterfly skirts past. These beautiful beings’ lifespan is an average of two weeks. Yet they fly with all their might, unaware that they only have a matter of days.
Loss and change are two constants in life. And it’s during dark times that our resiliency is tested. Will we break or will we bend?
When I snapped the above lotus in the fountain on Monday morning, I was mesmerized with the way the sunlight hit and how the lotus seemed to be growing toward the light. In the afternoon, I stopped back by and another lotus had bloomed. That evening, both had closed and returned to buds.
The lotus is a symbol of perseverance—the rising from a dark place into beauty. It grows in muddy water and yet produces delicate, fragrant blossoms. The murky environment allows the lotus to bloom. Chinese Philosopher Confucius said, “I have a love for the lotus, while growing in mud it still remains unstained.”
While most of us seek clarity and would prefer less “mud” in life, using the lotus as inspiration may help us have patience during the murky times. Could it be that the darkness is paving way for some sort of light? Possibly deeper self-understanding, the shedding of something that isn’t working or we’ve outgrown, a reminder of life’s fragility, or deep gratitude for what’s been lost.
Maybe the murkiness serves a purpose after all. By providing us with a ripe environment to pause and plant seeds, we’re given the tools to bloom.
The lotus reminds me of a Victor Hugo quote, “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” May our blooms be a precious offering to the world. Bisous. x
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February 20, 2017
Tranquility du Jour #390: Making A Transition
In this week’s episode, “Making a Transition,” I chat with Melanie Feeney about my decision to go back to school in social work, the associated challenges, and tips on making tough transition decisions.
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Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #390: Making A Transition
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Upcoming Events[image error]
Virtual Retreat: March 11
Tranquility du Jour Live: March 30
Yoga + Art in West Virginia: May 19-21
Writing in the Woods in West Virginia: October 20-22
Featured guest:
[image error]Melanie Feeney is originally from Ireland and resides in Provo, Utah. A project manager by trade and a breast cancer survivor by circumstance, she believes that life is what you make of it. She spends an inordinate amount of time snuggling with her dachshund and cat on the couch while sipping tea and reading a book. She loves being organized and is passionate about the learning journey of life itself. She believes that we can choose transformation, and we can learn lessons and grow from anything that life throws at us. After recent breast cancer treatment, prophylactic surgery and reconstruction, she is ready to embark on this new phase of life, and is excited to discover what the next few years hold for her.
Tranquility du Jour
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Savvy Sources
Mentioned in the Podcast
Top 5 regrets of the dying
kimberlywilsontherapy.com
VIDEO: TranquiliT behind-the-scenes sneak peek
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
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
Shop slow locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT
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
Ask questions, share what you do while listening, or how this podcast has helped you. I love hearing from you!
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 #390: Making A Transition appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 18, 2017
Week{s} in Review
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Week{s} in Review
The sun has yet to rise and I can see a pretty half moon outside my window (or is it a streetlamp?!).
In a few hours I’m off to Costa Rica to lead a week-long retreat I’ve been hosting since 2002 and I woke up before the alarm with last-minute packing concerns: “Omg, you forgot a glue stick!,” “Did I pack enough washi tape?,” “What about ribbon for the gift bags?”
Clearly the big questions in life were plaguing me.
Before Tim and the pups drop me at Dulles, I wanted to pen a quick bon voyage. While away I’ll post pics on Instagram, release a podcast on making a transition, send a Love Note, and may share a blog post or two, so please join me on this voyage in spirit.
Wishing you a respite from the day-to-day in whatever form feels most appropriate. Bisous. x
Over the past two weeks I collaborated with clients, spent a long weekend in West Virginia, taught mindfulness and a Writing Lab at Tranquil Space, met a friend in Miami for a three-day mindfulness training with Jack Kornfield, prepped for Costa Rica retreat, coordinated the spring TranquiliT photo shoot {video}, had dinner with a friend, released a podcast, listened to eight memoir readers at Politics & Prose, savored rose macarons at Ladurée and yummy raw cuisine at Plant Food & Wine, walked the Miami boardwalk, read in a pet-friendly cafe for hours, met a long-time online friend in person over tea, submitted a speaker submission for an animal rights conference, enjoyed a vegan Valentine’s lunch with Tim at Fare Well, and practiced yoga.
Pics in Review
Bookstore Love in Shepherdstown, WV
Mookie hearts his green dinosaur
Gold Buddha snow globe gift {thanks, Carol!}
Creative space
TranquiliT’s spring shoot {collection launches early March}
Cozy night at Tranquil Space
First stop in Miami: Ladurée
Legs up the lounge chair
Miami view
Valentine’s Day vegan cupcake at Fare Well
Savvy Sources
17 Books I Read in 24 Hours or Less
Flow, The Secret of Happiness {Ted Talk}
World’s Oldest Yoga Teacher Shares Mantras She Swears By
A Zen Master’s Advice on Coping with Trump
15 Stirring Book Recommendations For Women Who #Persist
David Foster Wallace on Ambition
24 Pieces of Bookshelf Porn
Why Is Trump Covering Up Animal Cruelty Cases?
Why to Get a Paper Notebook
5-Minute Movement Practice To Start Your Day
10 Mindful Attitudes That Decrease Anxiety
DIY Hibis-Kiss Bath Bombs
How Changing Your Diet Helps Wildlife
13 Tips To Feel Good Today
Glitter Guide’s Must-Read List for February
Weekend Wish List
Safe travels to Costa Rica
Settle in
Read
Write
Eat lots of papaya
Host inspiring start to retreat
Exhale
The post Week{s} in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 14, 2017
Be Your Own Valentine
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To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.—Oscar Wilde
Visualize a life filled with love, romance, and delight. And no valentine needed. Just yourself. At least that’s my interpretation of Wilde’s quote.
I imagine Wilde was reminding us that true love starts from within and it’s hard to spread love when we don’t have it ourselves.
While we may feel far from perfect (okay, I’ll speak for myself here) and at times undeserving of love, there’s beauty within our quirks and mishaps. We must hold ourselves with the same gentle care we’d offer a sweet little puppy that we’re training.
Here are some ways to keep the inner romance fire lit:
1. Go to bed early.
2. Adopt a pet.
3. Have tea with a friend.
4. Go for a brisk walk during your lunch hour.
5. Pack your lunch.
6. Tote your water bottle and stay hydrated.
7. Move—yoga, hiking, biking, dance.
8. Move your spine. Video.
9. Write in your journal. Muse.
10. Meditate.
11. Release expectations.
12. Create a morning and evening ritual.
13. Observe your self-talk and replace negative comments with positive affirmations.
14. Nibble on dark chocolate, roasted thyme and tamari nuts, or roasted pumpkin seeds.
15. Nap.
16. Say no.
17. Reward your efforts before moving on to the next thing.
18. Get out in nature.
19. Practice self-compassion.
20. Feed your body plant-based love.
21. Soak in the tub.
22. Keep fresh flowers on your desk or mantel.
23. Write a love letter to yourself.
24. Read by candlelight.
25. Sip hot cocoa with vegan marshmallows or bubbly.
26. Get a mani.
27. Surround yourself with succulents.
28. Indulge in a Maison Ladurée macaron or a vegan cupcake.
Wishing you and yours a beautiful Valentine’s Day. Bisous. x
The post Be Your Own Valentine appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 9, 2017
Tranquilosophy: Slowing Down
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The great benefit of slowing down is reclaiming the time and tranquility to make meaningful connections—with people, with culture, with work, with nature, with our own bodies and minds.—Carl Honore
Sitting fireside Sunday night, I finished In Praise of Slowness. While finishing a book may not seem like a big feat to most, I read many books a few pages at a time, so completing one is a call for celebration.
I purchased this used book in prep for the upcoming Virtual Retreat themed around slowing down. Curious what research showed, how the Slow movement began and grew, and takeaway tips, I dove in.
The book begins with a quote by Gandhi, “There is more to life than increasing its speed,” and then explores our addiction to do everything faster. To what end?
Since starting this book, I’ve been observing my own fast-paced way of living. Impatience over the indecisive person in front of me at the cafe counter, frustration over carts left in the center of the grocery aisle, and eagerness to pass people who walk two abreast on narrow sidewalks.
While these may seem like every day city-living challenges, they don’t have to be stressors. If I simply slow down.
In observance of what’s coined “time-sickness”—obsessive belief that time is getting away, I’m aware of its constant tick. To alleviate some of the ingrained hurry mentality, I strive to leave 15 minutes earlier for work, observe my frustration over delays with a sense of humor, and insert blank space into my schedule.
When I wrote HTC10 last year, I confessed how for years I’d operated under a “crazy busy” mindset. You know, when people ask how you’re doing and the response is, “Crazy busy!” I cringe at that now. It’s not how I want to live my life.
Instead, I want to slow down and remain slow even in the midst of life’s many twists and turns.
The best part? I don’t need a 10-step program, special equipment, or weekend away. These practices are free and most are available daily—meditate, walk, sit down to eat at a table, write, read, spend time with family and friends. Think quality over quantity.
This boils down to essentialism—a beloved theme from January’s Tranquility du Jour Live—doing only the essential with more attention.
Here’s to slowing down despite a world that’s speeding up! Bisous. x
The post Tranquilosophy: Slowing Down appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 6, 2017
Tranquility du Jour #389: Less = More
In this week’s episode, Less = More with Dara Zycherman, we discuss minimalism, ways to downsize, and her favorite organizing tips.
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Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #389: Less = More
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[image error] Upcoming Events
Yoga, Creativity + Mindfulness in Costa Rica: February 18-25 {2 Spots Left}
Virtual Retreat: March 11
Tranquility du Jour Live: March 30
Yoga + Art in West Virginia: May 19-21
Writing in the Woods in West Virginia: October 20-22
Featured guest:
[image error]Dara Zycherman is the quiet mind and entrepreneur behind Less = More, a lifestyle consultancy that helps people create well-organized spaces in their homes and offices with a focus on reducing waste and simple living. One of the original staff of the U.S. Green Building Council, Dara spearheaded the launch of the first certification for neighborhood development and was instrumental in the launch of the latest version of the LEED rating systems. While at USGBC, Dara worked part-time as a professional organizer, but last year decided to turn her side project into a new business that marries sustainability, minimalism, and helping people who need a nudge. She lives in Washington, DC, and when not getting rid of stuff, Dara writes about getting rid of stuff, creates music (she released an album in 2016), travels, and practices yoga.
Tranquility du Jour
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Savvy Sources
Find Our Guest
Less = More
Mentioned in the Podcast
HTC10: 10k-word piece on the past 10 years
HTC10 Survey
kimberlywilsontherapy.com
VIDEO: TranquiliT behind-the-scenes sneak peek
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
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
Shop slow locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT
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
Ask questions, share what you do while listening, or how this podcast has helped you. I love hearing from you!
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 #389: Less = More appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
