Q: Help! I would love some hip tranquil feedback on public speaking. I am a Pilates/yoga instructor, and I'm used to speaking in front of small group. My employer has asked me to speak at a symposium. Any advice, books, insight?
A: You know that the number one fear of most people is public speaking, right? Well, no worries, with some practice, deep breathing, and confidence, you'll be ready in no time. I recall the terrifying feelings from speech class in junior high. Those butterflies, the trembling, and the shaky voice. I also recall my teacher encouraging us all to get up there and act as if we're 100% confident and that statement has had a powerful effect on me speaking on and off the mat. Here are my top tips for speaking publicly while still staying tranquil:
1. Be prepared. I always have bullet points to reference.
2. Use humor. It shows you're human and keeps people engaged.
3. Create a story. Such as "7 steps to tranquility" or "how building a business is like a yoga class."
4. Slow down. Talking fast is so common - especially when nervous or excited. Slow it down so that your audience can absorb your witty words of wisdom.
5. Practice. Run through what you're sharing with a trusted friend or in front of a mirror.
6. Request feedback. Get input from trusted sources after your presentation so that you can learn to improve.
7. Bring it full circle. Avoid rambling. Have a thesis statement and bring your presentation points back to your main premise. This helps the audience see how the pieces fit together.
8. Have fun. Speaking is a gift and sharing your expertise with others is an honor. Treat it as such and watch your passion for public speaking grow.
I hope this helps. Visualize yourself wowing the audience, take lots of deep breaths, and enjoy this challenge that has come your way. Let us know how it goes!
Tips from Toastmasters
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
friday is world AIDS day
on friday, tranquil space is donating 50% of the day's proceeds to six degrees of love. six degrees of love is an organization founded by ken storen, an american who came to lesotho in southern africa several years ago as a peace corps volunteer. he stayed on when his tour of duty was complete to try to help the children of lesotho who have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. one of our teachers, marianne, knew him while she was also in the peace corps in africa and recommended his organization when i explained my specific focus - money to children in africa who have lost their parents to AIDS. during my research, i also found organizations that allow you to sponsor orphans for less than $30/month. to piggyback on the past two posts, what a great gift to give!
Monday, November 27, 2006
more chic socially consious tips
as we approach the season of giving, i wanted to share some more socially conscious ideas to compliment yesterday's podcast.
1. be a global girlfriend. give gifts that are globally chic and environmentally friendly.
2. support java with justice. buy fair trade cofee. your choice of latte can have a profound effect on coffee growers around the world.
3. buy organic flowers. south america's flower export is also quite toxic. flowers certified by veriflora label are raised organically with a focus on conserving water and restoring habitat.
4. buy eco-friendly clothing. organic cotton and bamboo are soft, less toxic on the environment, add a dash of consciousness to your flair. our line, tranquiliT, will have a new website shortly and is the perfect combo of eco-friendly flair.
5. support clean gold. mining for gold blasts the earth and leaves massive craters. cyanide is poured over the ore to extract the gold. alternatives include recycled products and vintage. greenKarat and leber jeweler are two options. some high-end retailers also support mining reform such as tiffany's, cartier, and the zale corporation. full list available at nodirtygold.org.
6. buy forest-friendly furniture. an FSC (forest stewardship council) certification assures lumber has been removed in ways that conserve water, protect animal nesting, restrict pesticides, and more! even IKEA carries FSC furniture.
7. phone a senior. visit eldercare.gov to see how a few minutes of your day can brighten another's.
may we continue appreciating and valuing our interconnectedness to all beings in simple ways that allow us to live a mindfully extravagant lifestyle!
1. be a global girlfriend. give gifts that are globally chic and environmentally friendly.
2. support java with justice. buy fair trade cofee. your choice of latte can have a profound effect on coffee growers around the world.
3. buy organic flowers. south america's flower export is also quite toxic. flowers certified by veriflora label are raised organically with a focus on conserving water and restoring habitat.
4. buy eco-friendly clothing. organic cotton and bamboo are soft, less toxic on the environment, add a dash of consciousness to your flair. our line, tranquiliT, will have a new website shortly and is the perfect combo of eco-friendly flair.
5. support clean gold. mining for gold blasts the earth and leaves massive craters. cyanide is poured over the ore to extract the gold. alternatives include recycled products and vintage. greenKarat and leber jeweler are two options. some high-end retailers also support mining reform such as tiffany's, cartier, and the zale corporation. full list available at nodirtygold.org.
6. buy forest-friendly furniture. an FSC (forest stewardship council) certification assures lumber has been removed in ways that conserve water, protect animal nesting, restrict pesticides, and more! even IKEA carries FSC furniture.
7. phone a senior. visit eldercare.gov to see how a few minutes of your day can brighten another's.
may we continue appreciating and valuing our interconnectedness to all beings in simple ways that allow us to live a mindfully extravagant lifestyle!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
hip tranquil chick podcast #59: savvy social consciousness (chap 12)
HTC: November 26, 2006 Shownotes
Bonjour! Welcome to the 59th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast: a guide to life on and off the yoga mat. Produced from the raspberry and leopard-print embellished flat in Washington, DC.
Today’s podcast is a discussion of Chapter 12 Savvy Social Consciousness and an interview with Liz Falk, topped of with a pose of the podcast, insights on upcoming events (including an upcoming international HTC retreat!), and groovy podsafe music! View our shownotes at hiptranquilchick.com/blog.
Liz Falk discovered yoga five years ago while living in Boulder. She found yoga to perfectly balance her life on and off the mat and believes it harmonizes her passion as an environmentalist. Liz explores, as a practitioner as well as teacher, how yoga recognizes the connection between our bodies and the Earth. She teaches this philosophy to her students in 'Whole Yoga' workshops. Before becoming truly energized by the beauty and creativity of Vinyasa, Liz studied various styles of Hatha yoga. Her classes integrate fundamental elements of Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga. Liz encourages her students to challenge themselves while respecting their own limits and to deepen their practice by using breath and mental awareness. Liz has been teaching yoga for almost two years in both D.C. and at a sustainability institute in Costa Rica. She has explored using yoga with troubled teens as a means to increase their self-esteem. Liz is member of the Green Yoga Association, committing to integrating Green Yoga principles into her teaching and life. Liz has a masters degree in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development. She is establishing an urban garden education program in DC to rekindle peoples' connection to the earth through growing food, supply fresh and healthy food to those without it, and provide a green safe haven in the city.
Daily green do-gooding tips from Liz:
1. Thing again before you drive. Take public transportation or carpool.
2. Shop at local stores and buy locally made products whenever you can.
3. Plant a garden or just one veggie plant in your yard or in a container in your living room. Get your hands a little dirty from its soil, water it, give it sun.
4. Bring your own bags to the grocery store.
5. Before you buy it ask yourself, “do I really need this?”
6. Disconnect from your headphones or cell phone and look around.
7. Shop at a used book or clothing store before buying new.
8. Volunteer in your community
9. Plant a tree.
10. Learn the names of 5 native trees and animals in your neighborhood.
11. Always carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup
12. With the holidays around the corner, offset your travels. Go to www.climatecare.org. Calculate your carbon emissions from traveling and offset it in various ways.
13. Shower for 5 minutes less than you do now.
14. Turn the lights, tv, radio and computer off when you are not using them.
15. Try to hang dry some of your clothes. You'll save energy and your clothes will last longer!
Recommended Resources by Liz
More tips from a local hip tranquil chick – green travel! Learn more at gracefuledge.com.
Pose of the Podcast: tree
Haute Stuff Shoppe: Shop online for the book, CD, leopard print scarf, or crystal tee.
Soirees, Chats & Booksignings & Retreats: The step-by-step scoop for hosting a Hip Tranquil Chick Signature ChariTea Soiree is up! The downloadable PDF has discussion tips, a toolkit, yoga sequences, recipes, and more! Send photos from your soiree and, if you’re local, I’d love to swing by!
More upcoming events in DC, North Carolina, and Colorado!
Escape with me to our first HTC retreat in upstate NY for June 2007. Details at hiptranquilchick.com.
Au Revoir: Share your hip tranquil chickness with me, request show ideas, or pass along feedback by e-mailing me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com or leaving a love note in the comments section of hiptranquilchick.com/blog. A reminder that we’re on MySpace and Frappr, so please connect with the community virtually there, too!
Have a burning question that you’d like hip and tranquil feedback on? E-mail me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com to have it featured and answered in our dear hip tranquil chick segment!
To close out the show, we’re playing a special track thanks to Andy Chase and Unfiltered Records. Today’s selection is L'Anamour by Ivy. Andy is a multitasker... not only is he Ivy's guitarist, but he is also on tour heading the band Brookville... be sure to check them out in a city near you! You can learn more about Ivy and Brookville at unfilteredrecords.com and their MySpace pages.
Thanks for celebrating the 59th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast with me! Get your green on, girls! Namaste.
You don't need an iPod to listen to the podcast! Click here to listen to any episode! New to podcasting? Get more info at Yahoo Podcasts. Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast. You'll automatically get the latest edition as soon as it's available. Do you use another podcatcher? Use this link for the podcast RSS feed.
Bonjour! Welcome to the 59th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast: a guide to life on and off the yoga mat. Produced from the raspberry and leopard-print embellished flat in Washington, DC.
Today’s podcast is a discussion of Chapter 12 Savvy Social Consciousness and an interview with Liz Falk, topped of with a pose of the podcast, insights on upcoming events (including an upcoming international HTC retreat!), and groovy podsafe music! View our shownotes at hiptranquilchick.com/blog.
Liz Falk discovered yoga five years ago while living in Boulder. She found yoga to perfectly balance her life on and off the mat and believes it harmonizes her passion as an environmentalist. Liz explores, as a practitioner as well as teacher, how yoga recognizes the connection between our bodies and the Earth. She teaches this philosophy to her students in 'Whole Yoga' workshops. Before becoming truly energized by the beauty and creativity of Vinyasa, Liz studied various styles of Hatha yoga. Her classes integrate fundamental elements of Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga. Liz encourages her students to challenge themselves while respecting their own limits and to deepen their practice by using breath and mental awareness. Liz has been teaching yoga for almost two years in both D.C. and at a sustainability institute in Costa Rica. She has explored using yoga with troubled teens as a means to increase their self-esteem. Liz is member of the Green Yoga Association, committing to integrating Green Yoga principles into her teaching and life. Liz has a masters degree in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development. She is establishing an urban garden education program in DC to rekindle peoples' connection to the earth through growing food, supply fresh and healthy food to those without it, and provide a green safe haven in the city.Daily green do-gooding tips from Liz:
1. Thing again before you drive. Take public transportation or carpool.
2. Shop at local stores and buy locally made products whenever you can.
3. Plant a garden or just one veggie plant in your yard or in a container in your living room. Get your hands a little dirty from its soil, water it, give it sun.
4. Bring your own bags to the grocery store.
5. Before you buy it ask yourself, “do I really need this?”
6. Disconnect from your headphones or cell phone and look around.
7. Shop at a used book or clothing store before buying new.
8. Volunteer in your community
9. Plant a tree.
10. Learn the names of 5 native trees and animals in your neighborhood.
11. Always carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup
12. With the holidays around the corner, offset your travels. Go to www.climatecare.org. Calculate your carbon emissions from traveling and offset it in various ways.
13. Shower for 5 minutes less than you do now.
14. Turn the lights, tv, radio and computer off when you are not using them.
15. Try to hang dry some of your clothes. You'll save energy and your clothes will last longer!
Recommended Resources by Liz
- Read Stuff: the Secret Lives of Every Day Things by Alan Durning.
- Visit greenyoga.org. Green Yoga Association. Find green yoga studios and teachers across the country.
- Read “The Practice of Eco-Yoga" by Georg Feuerstein in The Deeper Dimension of Yoga.
- Read "The time is now: A spiritual response to the ecological devastation of our planet" by Rick Fields. (January/February 1998 issue of Yoga Journal)
- Visit localharvest.org. Find stores and markets to buy fresh foods and produce.
- Visit Going Green web site. Simple tips to being green.
- Visit carbonneutral.com to offset your travels, buy carbon neutral gifts, and more.
- Visit ecologicalfootprint.org to systematically measure the area of the Earth needed to sustain a nation’s annual consumption patterns. You can calculate your personal footprint on this web site.
More tips from a local hip tranquil chick – green travel! Learn more at gracefuledge.com.
Pose of the Podcast: tree
Haute Stuff Shoppe: Shop online for the book, CD, leopard print scarf, or crystal tee.
Soirees, Chats & Booksignings & Retreats: The step-by-step scoop for hosting a Hip Tranquil Chick Signature ChariTea Soiree is up! The downloadable PDF has discussion tips, a toolkit, yoga sequences, recipes, and more! Send photos from your soiree and, if you’re local, I’d love to swing by!
More upcoming events in DC, North Carolina, and Colorado!
Escape with me to our first HTC retreat in upstate NY for June 2007. Details at hiptranquilchick.com.
Au Revoir: Share your hip tranquil chickness with me, request show ideas, or pass along feedback by e-mailing me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com or leaving a love note in the comments section of hiptranquilchick.com/blog. A reminder that we’re on MySpace and Frappr, so please connect with the community virtually there, too!
Have a burning question that you’d like hip and tranquil feedback on? E-mail me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com to have it featured and answered in our dear hip tranquil chick segment!
To close out the show, we’re playing a special track thanks to Andy Chase and Unfiltered Records. Today’s selection is L'Anamour by Ivy. Andy is a multitasker... not only is he Ivy's guitarist, but he is also on tour heading the band Brookville... be sure to check them out in a city near you! You can learn more about Ivy and Brookville at unfilteredrecords.com and their MySpace pages.
Thanks for celebrating the 59th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast with me! Get your green on, girls! Namaste.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
the start of holiday cheer
this weekend has been a lovely whirlwind. dog parking daily for sir louis, taking classes, teaching classes, baking cookies, eating tons o' pie, organizing, cleaning, spring tranquiliT collection planning, reconnecting with old friends, hot baths, warm days, reading, boutique merchandising, and massage. i had planned to do the infamous closet reorg (done twice a year - last one in april almost sent louis and beau over the edge as i wasn't done until the wee morning hours and they wanted bed space to sleep!) but, alas, i haven't gotten to it yet. guess it will be my sunday project.
it's crazy to think that december is right around the corner. didn't this year FLY BY? and to think it is holiday time! i've been singing "sleigh bells ring, are you listening . . ." and am like a kid in a candy store about the holidays. next sunday is tree trimming time and i can't wait to break out the mulled apple cider, holiday tunes, white lights, and finish my holiday shopping. i'm one of those who buys throughout the year and am pretty well prepared by mid-december. and, of course, i buy the cutest cards at the end of the season so i have them early december of the following year and got a great deal! ah, the holidays. i hope that you, too, are excited about the onset and are enjoying a dose of good cheer.
it's crazy to think that december is right around the corner. didn't this year FLY BY? and to think it is holiday time! i've been singing "sleigh bells ring, are you listening . . ." and am like a kid in a candy store about the holidays. next sunday is tree trimming time and i can't wait to break out the mulled apple cider, holiday tunes, white lights, and finish my holiday shopping. i'm one of those who buys throughout the year and am pretty well prepared by mid-december. and, of course, i buy the cutest cards at the end of the season so i have them early december of the following year and got a great deal! ah, the holidays. i hope that you, too, are excited about the onset and are enjoying a dose of good cheer.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
happy tofurkey day!
greetings, greetings, greetings!
yay for the holidays! i've already started all the holiday tune playing. last night i was in such a festive mood that i got home at 7 (after reorganizing my office for 2 hours), lit a fire coupled with numerous candles, reorganized bookshelves, end tables, and more. finally i relunctantly crawled into bed at 1:30am from my whirling dervish as visions of the 7:30am alarm creeped into my head. up early to bake cookies to greet students at the studio this morning. we had two charity classes taught by the fabulous anne and danielle and raised over $500 for so others might eat! next off to teach some chair yoga at an assisted living center, tofurkey dinner at 4, and then corteo by cirque du soleil at 8! whew, what a FABULOUS thanksgiving day. i hope yours is equally divine and that you are taking some time to reflect, express gratitude, nurture yourself, and do good for others. blessings, kimberly
yay for the holidays! i've already started all the holiday tune playing. last night i was in such a festive mood that i got home at 7 (after reorganizing my office for 2 hours), lit a fire coupled with numerous candles, reorganized bookshelves, end tables, and more. finally i relunctantly crawled into bed at 1:30am from my whirling dervish as visions of the 7:30am alarm creeped into my head. up early to bake cookies to greet students at the studio this morning. we had two charity classes taught by the fabulous anne and danielle and raised over $500 for so others might eat! next off to teach some chair yoga at an assisted living center, tofurkey dinner at 4, and then corteo by cirque du soleil at 8! whew, what a FABULOUS thanksgiving day. i hope yours is equally divine and that you are taking some time to reflect, express gratitude, nurture yourself, and do good for others. blessings, kimberly
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
gratefully yours
Tuesday's Washington Post Express (article (PDF)) had a lovely feature on Hip Tranquil Chick. Enjoy!Click below if you have an hour and would like to hear my NYC Woodhull Dinner Series presentation from last week on Leading a Mindfully Extravagant Lifestyle.(1:07, 15.4 MB, MP3).
Wishing you safe travels, tons of tranquility, and oodles of good tofurkey as you venture out for the holiday. Please take a moment to reflect on all you have to be grateful for - I'm incredibly grateful for you and your connection!
XO, Kimberly
brunch book launch fete with urban divas
"Hip Tranquil Chick" Book Signing & Brunch Fete
Join us for a hip, french-inspired book signing and brunch fete at Spectrum Art Gallery in Dupont Circle! Grab a mimosa from the rolling bar, and mingle with other tranquil chicks as you partake in an afternoon filled with celebrating art and style. Meet the author of Hip Tranquil Chick, enjoy mini-makeovers and learn quick holiday tricks to keep you looking polished, listen to a presentation on creating a signature style, shop the TranquiliT collection, and enjoy a holiday art exhibit from your favorite local artists. Your ticket includes a goodie bag stuffed with a copy of Hip Tranquil Chick, a darling leopard-print scarf, and other fab treats!
Event Highlights:
Date: Sunday December 3rd 2006
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Place: Spectrum Gallery; 1421 22nd St NW, Washington DC
Tickets: $40.00 (includes book, scarf, brunch treats, mimosas, and mini-makeovers)
Space is limited at this event, so be sure to register soon!
Join us for a hip, french-inspired book signing and brunch fete at Spectrum Art Gallery in Dupont Circle! Grab a mimosa from the rolling bar, and mingle with other tranquil chicks as you partake in an afternoon filled with celebrating art and style. Meet the author of Hip Tranquil Chick, enjoy mini-makeovers and learn quick holiday tricks to keep you looking polished, listen to a presentation on creating a signature style, shop the TranquiliT collection, and enjoy a holiday art exhibit from your favorite local artists. Your ticket includes a goodie bag stuffed with a copy of Hip Tranquil Chick, a darling leopard-print scarf, and other fab treats!
Event Highlights:
- Learn tips and tricks on creating a signature style plus basic holiday stress-relieving tips for the girl-on- the-go
- Receive a mini-makeover and learn quick makeup tricks to stay looking polished throughout the holiday season
- Receive a copy of Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life on and off the Yoga Mat by Kimberly Wilson AND a darling leopard-print scarf
- Sip mimosas and nosh on croissants and french pastries while mingling with fellow fashionistas
- Shop a private showing of the comfy and chic TranquiliT Collection (featured in Daily Candy and The Washingtonian)
Date: Sunday December 3rd 2006
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Place: Spectrum Gallery; 1421 22nd St NW, Washington DC
Tickets: $40.00 (includes book, scarf, brunch treats, mimosas, and mini-makeovers)
Space is limited at this event, so be sure to register soon!
Monday, November 20, 2006
what are you going to do differently?
i'm reading a book called true to yourself: leading a values-based business by mark albion and while reading his summary at the end he calls readers to action by asking them "when you go to the office next monday morning, what are you going to do differently?" i found this to be very profound as he's not just sharing his insights throughout the book, but he's also asking us to take action.
so i, too, would like to call hip tranquil chick readers to action. i'm receiving loads of great e-mails from florida, new hampshire, california, new york and countless others who haven't noted their location with feedback on the book. i'm eternally grateful for your e-mails and promise to answer them all in due time. however, i'd LOVE to hear what small steps you are taking toward your dreams after reading hip tranquil chick. let's hear it, girls. what are you going to do differently? inspire other blog readers with your actions at the start of this exciting holiday season. (just bought a rosemary tree and cinnamon-scented wreath and my home is filled with delightful scents . . . ahhhhhh holidays)
so i, too, would like to call hip tranquil chick readers to action. i'm receiving loads of great e-mails from florida, new hampshire, california, new york and countless others who haven't noted their location with feedback on the book. i'm eternally grateful for your e-mails and promise to answer them all in due time. however, i'd LOVE to hear what small steps you are taking toward your dreams after reading hip tranquil chick. let's hear it, girls. what are you going to do differently? inspire other blog readers with your actions at the start of this exciting holiday season. (just bought a rosemary tree and cinnamon-scented wreath and my home is filled with delightful scents . . . ahhhhhh holidays)
Sunday, November 19, 2006
hip tranquil chick podcast #58: book e-launch fete
HTC: November 19, 2006 Shownotes
Bonjour: Welcome to the 58th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast: a guide to life on and off the yoga mat. Produced from the raspberry and leopard-print embellished flat in Washington, DC.
Today’s podcast is the hip tranquil chick book e-launch, topped of with a pose of the podcast, insights on upcoming events, and groovy podsafe music! View our shownotes at hiptranquilchick.com/blog. Watch for upcoming episodes on numerous things hip and tranquil namely a deep discussion from each of the book’s 12 chapters and more!
Components of the evening included:
7:00 pm
Pose of the Podcast: Alternate Nostril Breathing
Haute Stuff Shoppe: Shop online for the book, CD, leopard print scarf, or crystal tee.
Soirees, Chats & Booksignings & Retreats: The step-by-step scoop for hosting a Hip Tranquil Chick Signature ChariTea Soiree is up! The downloadable PDF has discussion tips, a toolkit, yoga sequences, recipes, and more! Send photos from your soiree and, if you’re local, I’d love to swing by!
More upcoming events in DC, North Carolina, and Colorado!
Escape with me to our first HTC retreat in upstate NY for June 2007. Details at hiptranquilchick.com.
Au Revoir: Share your hip tranquil chickness with me, request show ideas, or pass along feedback by e-mailing me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com or leaving a love note in the comments section of hiptranquilchick.com/blog. A reminder that we’re on MySpace and Frappr, so please connect with the community virtually there, too!
Have a burning question that you’d like hip and tranquil feedback on? E-mail me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com to have it featured and answered in our dear hip tranquil chick segment!
To close out the show, we’re playing podsafe music---by new and independent artists from the Podsafe Music Network. Today’s selection is How Things Have Changed by Ella Blame. You can learn more this week's featured artist, including how to get more of her music, at ella-blame.com.
Thanks for celebrating the 58th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast with me! Namaste.
You don't need an iPod to listen to the podcast! Click here to listen to any episode! New to podcasting? Get more info at Yahoo Podcasts. Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast. You'll automatically get the latest edition as soon as it's available. Do you use another podcatcher? Use this link for the podcast RSS feed.
Bonjour: Welcome to the 58th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast: a guide to life on and off the yoga mat. Produced from the raspberry and leopard-print embellished flat in Washington, DC.Today’s podcast is the hip tranquil chick book e-launch, topped of with a pose of the podcast, insights on upcoming events, and groovy podsafe music! View our shownotes at hiptranquilchick.com/blog. Watch for upcoming episodes on numerous things hip and tranquil namely a deep discussion from each of the book’s 12 chapters and more!Components of the evening included:
- Passed Hors d'oeuvres, French pastries, cheese display
- Cash Bar with signature drink Tranquilitinis (lavender infused martinis with sugar rims)
- Book and CD sales (a portion of ALL sales will go to the Tranquil Space Foundation)
- Silent Auction with proceeds for the Foundation
- Book reading and brief talk by Kimberly and Lauren
- Tranquil Space Foundation Chari-Tea Tea Station
- Book signing area
- French, jazz, and chill lounge music
7:00 pm
- Doors open
- Book & CD sales begin
- Bar opens
- Music starts
- Silent auction opens
- Guests arrive, pass out gift bags to first 50 arrivals
- Guests mingle and eat
- Passed hors d'oeuvres begin
- Lauren spoke about TS Foundation
- Kimberly book reading
- Book signing
- Louis calms down
- 1 TranquiliT circle skirt and scarf
- 1 Tranquil Space 20 Class Pass
- 1 Kimpton Boutique Hotel Weekend Stay
- 1 CakeLove Cake
- 1 “Tea for 2” gift certificate from Teaism
- 1 Hour mentoring session with Kimberly Wilson
- 1 Thai Yoga Bodywork Session by Anne Thiel
- 1 Purse from LeMair Handcrafts
- 1 Massage from Erin McCleary
- 1 Hip Tranquil Chick Crystal Tee
- Leopard print scarf (Chapter 10 Signature Style)
- Colored pencils tied with leopard print ribbon (Chapter 6 Creativity)
- Free class pass (Chapter 1-3 Yoga)
- Tranquil Space magnet
- Bath salts and organic body products (Chapter 5 Self-care)
- Tea lights in organza bag (Chapter 11 on Soulful Surroundings)
- Bath samples
- Postcards on event planning, healthy living, and more
- Nag Champa tied with leopard print ribbon
- Pink fortune cookies filled with hip and tranquil messages
Pose of the Podcast: Alternate Nostril BreathingHaute Stuff Shoppe: Shop online for the book, CD, leopard print scarf, or crystal tee.
Soirees, Chats & Booksignings & Retreats: The step-by-step scoop for hosting a Hip Tranquil Chick Signature ChariTea Soiree is up! The downloadable PDF has discussion tips, a toolkit, yoga sequences, recipes, and more! Send photos from your soiree and, if you’re local, I’d love to swing by!
More upcoming events in DC, North Carolina, and Colorado!
Escape with me to our first HTC retreat in upstate NY for June 2007. Details at hiptranquilchick.com.
Au Revoir: Share your hip tranquil chickness with me, request show ideas, or pass along feedback by e-mailing me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com or leaving a love note in the comments section of hiptranquilchick.com/blog. A reminder that we’re on MySpace and Frappr, so please connect with the community virtually there, too!
Have a burning question that you’d like hip and tranquil feedback on? E-mail me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com to have it featured and answered in our dear hip tranquil chick segment!
To close out the show, we’re playing podsafe music---by new and independent artists from the Podsafe Music Network. Today’s selection is How Things Have Changed by Ella Blame. You can learn more this week's featured artist, including how to get more of her music, at ella-blame.com.
Thanks for celebrating the 58th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast with me! Namaste.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
attitude for gratitude
as we move into the thanksgiving holiday, i wanted to share a favorite quote by john f. kennedy: "as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live them."
Friday, November 17, 2006
the day after
wow, the past 24 hours have been an amazing whirlwind. i am filled with immense gratitude for all the support and well wishes. as soon as i get photos i'll be sure to post them, along with the reading which will go up in this week's podcast.the room was filled with light pink and hot pink gerber daisies with hot pink organza ribbon tied around the stems. there were scripted messages on pink cards strategically placed around the tables stating: meditate, breathe, accessorize, light candles, fresh flowers, sip green tea, practice yoga, leave a legacy, bake cookies, be culturally literate, write in your journal, innovate often, do things differently, volunteer, define your life as art, exude creativity, seek serenity, laugh often, think globally. we had hot pink fortune cookies with similar hip and tranquil messages inside. my beau put together a playlist with jazz, chill, and
french tunes that played throughout the night. we had a silent auction with goodies such as a weekend stay at a kimpton hotel, tea for two at teaism, a cake from cake love, a mentoring session with me, a scarf and skirt from TranquiliT, and more! the silent auction and donations at the door were all to benefit the tranquil space foundation. the 50 goody bags filled with a leopard-print scarf, colored pencils, tea lights in a hot pink organza bag, organic bath samples and bath salts were snapped up within minutes of us opening the doors. oh, and the tranquiliTinis (lavender-infused martinis) were tres yummy!
overall, such fun. i LOVE fetes and i have to give a huge shout-out to the following hip tranquil chicks who helped make the event a success: michelle, jlo, maureen, lauren, noora, angelyn, stephanie, and julia! i'm eternally grateful that the message of infusing life with tranquility in a hip way has resonated with so many. merci!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
launch fete tonight
home from new york at 2:30 am, great night sleep, and sooo excited about tonight! it's a lovely summer rain outside (pouring and 70), but the rain is to stop tonight so we're in great shape. i taped my presentation on the 8 petals of tranquility from last night's jaunt in new york so i look forward to uploading it and sharing it post-soiree. thank you to all for the phenomenal feedback and encouragement about the book. i've already started receiving ideas on book #2 from some of you. i'm eternally grateful and DELIGHTED that hip tranquil chick is resonating. pics and more coming tres soon! xoxo
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
doing things differently theme reemerges
as i sit typing away while at a nearby cafe, i can't help but be reminded of my focus earlier this year on shaking things up. since i've returned from spain, my routine has not quite returned to normal and i'm thoroughly enjoying it. bookstore browsing each night on the way home from the studio or french class, getting online at a new cafe, eating tons of miso soup, planning for thursday's fete, and listening to lots of french tunes. as i was reading the express this morning, there was an article on how to thrive 9 to 5 and it reminded me of how important it is to do things differently in order to offer ourselves a new landscape. i hope that you can take a moment today or tomorrow to try something new, incorporate a new song into your mix, use a pink pen, try a variation on your favorite yoga pose, or just sit still when you're used to running.
Monday, November 13, 2006
hip tranquil chick podcast #57: planting seeds with lynne franks
HTC: November 13, 2006 Shownotes
Bonjour! Welcome to the 57th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast: a guide to life on and off the yoga mat. Produced from the raspberry and leopard-print embellished flat in Washington, DC.
Amazon pre-orders have shipped and I have word that the book is on the shelf in NYC! Here are some ways to help share the tranquility:
Lynne Franks is an author, entrepreneur and lifestyle guru with a communication reach that stretches across the world. As a high-profile business woman and founder of the SEED empowerment programmes for women, she is either featured in or writes for many of the UK’s top publications, as well as regularly appearing in international media, television and radio, speaking on the subjects of social change, consumer patterns, corporate responsibility and women in business.
After leaving school at sixteen, she started her working life as a secretary, before joining Petticoat, the UK’s first weekly young women’s magazine. She started her own public relations firm, Lynne Franks PR, from her kitchen table at the age of twenty-one, which grew to become one of the best-known public relations agencies in the world, advising and guiding multi-national businesses and non-profit organisations around the globe.
After twenty years in public relations and wanting to branch out into new directions, Lynne left her agency in 1992 and became an international spokesperson and facilitator on the changes in today’s and tomorrow’s world – both for the individual as well as the society at large.
In 1994, she chaired the UK’s first women’s radio station, presenting her own radio show, Frankly Speaking. Prior to attending the UN Women’s Conference in Beijing in 1995, Lynne created the major UK event, What Women Want, to draw attention to the changing position of women in society.
She has authored four books, including The SEED Handbook: The Feminine Way to Create Business, published in 2000. Translated into a number of languages, the book struck a resonant chord with women around the world. Seeing the demand for women to create businesses in a new, feminine way, Lynne designed workshops and training programmes that bring her new ideas and methods to life. SEED has become the provider of one of the most internationally recognised women's enterprise training programmes, as well as a global network for women entrepreneurs.
Pose of the Podcast: Gabrielle Roth's 5 Rhythm Dancing
Haute Stuff Shoppe: Shop online for the book, CD, leopard print scarf, or crystal tee.
Soirees, Chats & Booksignings & Retreats: The step-by-step scoop for hosting a Hip Tranquil Chick Signature ChariTea Soiree is up! The downloadable PDF has discussion tips, a toolkit, yoga sequences, recipes, and more! Send photos from your soiree and, if you’re local, I’d love to swing by!
You’re invited to our book launch fete on Thursday, November 16 in DC at the new swanky boutique Hotel Palomar. The event is also an unveiling of the Tranquil Space Foundation whose signature program assists girls in finding their inner voice through yoga, creativity, and leadership. RSVP here.
Escape with me to our first HTC retreat in upstate NY for June 2007. Details at hiptranquilchick.com.
Au Revoir: Share your hip tranquil chickness with me, request show ideas, or pass along feedback by e-mailing me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com or leaving a love note in the comments section of hiptranquilchick.com/blog. A reminder that we’re on MySpace and Frappr, so please connect with the community virtually there, too!
Have a burning question that you’d like hip and tranquil feedback on? E-mail me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com to have it featured and answered in our dear hip tranquil chick segment!
To close out the show, we’re playing podsafe music---by new and independent artists from PromoNet. Today’s selection is An Elegy by Kid Koala & Dynomite D (download here - mp3). You can learn more this week's featured artists, including how to get more of their music at kidkoala.com and dynomited.com.
Thanks for celebrating the 57th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast with me! Namaste.
You don't need an iPod to listen to the podcast! Click here to listen to any episode! New to podcasting? Get more info at Yahoo Podcasts. Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast. You'll automatically get the latest edition as soon as it's available. Do you use another podcatcher? Use this link for the podcast RSS feed.
Bonjour! Welcome to the 57th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast: a guide to life on and off the yoga mat. Produced from the raspberry and leopard-print embellished flat in Washington, DC.
Amazon pre-orders have shipped and I have word that the book is on the shelf in NYC! Here are some ways to help share the tranquility:
- Purchasing additional copies of the book. Hip Tranquil Chick makes a great stocking stuffer or special gift for fave girlfriends.
- Coming to the Book Launch Fete in DC on Thursday, November, 16.
- Hosting a Hip Tranquil Chick Signature ChariTea Soiree. Details here. If you're local, I'd love to join!
- Writing an review on Amazon.
- Sharing your thoughts on My Space.
- Reviewing the book on your blog.
- Subscribing to the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast via iTunes.
- Celebrating the concepts of the book during a weekend escaping the city at our Hip Tranquil Chick retreat.
- Connecting with your local library to ensure they have a copy of the book in their collection.
- Calling your local Barnes and Noble, Borders, or indie bookstore to make sure they carry the book.
- Donating copies of the book to a local charity or community organization.
Lynne Franks is an author, entrepreneur and lifestyle guru with a communication reach that stretches across the world. As a high-profile business woman and founder of the SEED empowerment programmes for women, she is either featured in or writes for many of the UK’s top publications, as well as regularly appearing in international media, television and radio, speaking on the subjects of social change, consumer patterns, corporate responsibility and women in business.After leaving school at sixteen, she started her working life as a secretary, before joining Petticoat, the UK’s first weekly young women’s magazine. She started her own public relations firm, Lynne Franks PR, from her kitchen table at the age of twenty-one, which grew to become one of the best-known public relations agencies in the world, advising and guiding multi-national businesses and non-profit organisations around the globe.
After twenty years in public relations and wanting to branch out into new directions, Lynne left her agency in 1992 and became an international spokesperson and facilitator on the changes in today’s and tomorrow’s world – both for the individual as well as the society at large.
In 1994, she chaired the UK’s first women’s radio station, presenting her own radio show, Frankly Speaking. Prior to attending the UN Women’s Conference in Beijing in 1995, Lynne created the major UK event, What Women Want, to draw attention to the changing position of women in society.
She has authored four books, including The SEED Handbook: The Feminine Way to Create Business, published in 2000. Translated into a number of languages, the book struck a resonant chord with women around the world. Seeing the demand for women to create businesses in a new, feminine way, Lynne designed workshops and training programmes that bring her new ideas and methods to life. SEED has become the provider of one of the most internationally recognised women's enterprise training programmes, as well as a global network for women entrepreneurs.
Pose of the Podcast: Gabrielle Roth's 5 Rhythm Dancing
Haute Stuff Shoppe: Shop online for the book, CD, leopard print scarf, or crystal tee.
Soirees, Chats & Booksignings & Retreats: The step-by-step scoop for hosting a Hip Tranquil Chick Signature ChariTea Soiree is up! The downloadable PDF has discussion tips, a toolkit, yoga sequences, recipes, and more! Send photos from your soiree and, if you’re local, I’d love to swing by!
You’re invited to our book launch fete on Thursday, November 16 in DC at the new swanky boutique Hotel Palomar. The event is also an unveiling of the Tranquil Space Foundation whose signature program assists girls in finding their inner voice through yoga, creativity, and leadership. RSVP here.
Escape with me to our first HTC retreat in upstate NY for June 2007. Details at hiptranquilchick.com.
Au Revoir: Share your hip tranquil chickness with me, request show ideas, or pass along feedback by e-mailing me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com or leaving a love note in the comments section of hiptranquilchick.com/blog. A reminder that we’re on MySpace and Frappr, so please connect with the community virtually there, too!
Have a burning question that you’d like hip and tranquil feedback on? E-mail me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com to have it featured and answered in our dear hip tranquil chick segment!
To close out the show, we’re playing podsafe music---by new and independent artists from PromoNet. Today’s selection is An Elegy by Kid Koala & Dynomite D (download here - mp3). You can learn more this week's featured artists, including how to get more of their music at kidkoala.com and dynomited.com.Thanks for celebrating the 57th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast with me! Namaste.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
musings on mallorca
Returning to the magical island of Mallorca renewed my sense of self, my purpose, and my plans. I first explored Mallorca when I took a 2-week solo vacation to celebrate my 30th birthday. This time I returned to honor the fruition of my book and a long-term dream. My time in Deia, made famous by novelist Robert Graves and the numerous artists and writers who followed, was picture perfect.
I arrived Wednesday night after 24 hours of traveling to a dark, but tranquil villa in Deia, Mallorca. The majority of the group had arrived and were chatting around a table in the outside garden. I immediately felt at home.
The first day we explored our various roles, values, and masks that we wear. I spent the afternoon down time exploring a nearby town with my newfound Finnish friend.
The second day focused on well-being and began with a 2-hour kundalini yoga session and then after breakfast turned into a lecture on the 6-fold path of well-being. Namely, mind, food, exercise, Vitamin O (oxygen), relaxation, and meditation. I spent the afternoon napping and our evening session included a lecture on herbs from a local expert and the sharing of a poem we were to write during downtime. I’ll spare you my lack of poetic prose. I read it to my beau and he said it sounded like an 80s hairband ballad!
The third day focused on emotional intelligence and how our emotions create our thoughts. This day got quite intense and the facilitator took us deeper. For example, we explored the concept of the shadow self and how we project our shadow onto others. She encouraged us to ask ourselves “What is it about them that I’ve got to learn?” The statement that 85% of leadership success is based on our EQ – how we manage emotions of self and others really struck a chord. She also emphasized self-control by choosing the appropriate response to emotions and creating space before responding. We all thoroughly enjoyed our intense day with her.
The fourth day we got to do some fun creative play. It began with sketching ourselves in 7-year increments. My only change was hair color from 7 to 14 to 21 to 28 to now. Then we practiced blind drawing and continual drawing techniques. The afternoon was spent in silence working on our visionary collage and the evening we had a bonfire where we were to throw into the fire what we were giving up or shedding ourselves of. I tend to be very practical in these exercises as I know that it isn’t as simple as throwing a piece of paper into the fire and POOF, certain things are gone. So I simply noted some simple changes I’d love to make – weekly solitude time, earlier to bed and up in the morning, carve out grocery shopping time, set a nice table, have meal times with beau, incorporate more creative play.
The final day was a focus on action steps. I’m the queen of action steps so this was a fun day after loads of inner work and play. We shared our visionary collage with our assigned buddies and they were to present our vision to the group. I was blessed with the perfect fit buddy from the beginning and we resonated on many levels. My collage was filled with images of things I love – French pedicures, hot cocoa with whipped cream, stargazer lilies, waterfalls, yoga, mediation, bathtub soaking, beaches, couple time, fresh fruit and veggies. The focus was clear – more “being” time. Although my goal for the retreat had been to get clarity on business development, what emerged was a need to focus more on being rather than doing. I spent the afternoon gallivanting in nearby Soller and visiting a huge church that brought about an immediate sense of peace. The evening culminated with sharing our action steps and dancing for three hours. We got all gussied up, some of us donned wigs (mine was a long blue bob), and had a wonderful evening of celebration.
The following day was bittersweet as I was one of the last to leave and said goodbye to my colleagues throughout the day. I spent some time at the Robert Graves museum, podcasted with Lynne, sipped tea in the village and discussed visionary work with Tatiana, and hopped in a cab for the airport. The drive to the airport was sad. I knew the experience had come to an end and we were all heading back to our regular routines. All the women were such gems, powerful entrepreneurs, and incredibly loving beings. The sun was setting as we drove the 45-minutes to Palma and I kept peering out the window until I could no longer see. The island of Mallorca is truly powerful and has offered me many lessons over the years.
I arrived Wednesday night after 24 hours of traveling to a dark, but tranquil villa in Deia, Mallorca. The majority of the group had arrived and were chatting around a table in the outside garden. I immediately felt at home.The first day we explored our various roles, values, and masks that we wear. I spent the afternoon down time exploring a nearby town with my newfound Finnish friend.
The second day focused on well-being and began with a 2-hour kundalini yoga session and then after breakfast turned into a lecture on the 6-fold path of well-being. Namely, mind, food, exercise, Vitamin O (oxygen), relaxation, and meditation. I spent the afternoon napping and our evening session included a lecture on herbs from a local expert and the sharing of a poem we were to write during downtime. I’ll spare you my lack of poetic prose. I read it to my beau and he said it sounded like an 80s hairband ballad!The third day focused on emotional intelligence and how our emotions create our thoughts. This day got quite intense and the facilitator took us deeper. For example, we explored the concept of the shadow self and how we project our shadow onto others. She encouraged us to ask ourselves “What is it about them that I’ve got to learn?” The statement that 85% of leadership success is based on our EQ – how we manage emotions of self and others really struck a chord. She also emphasized self-control by choosing the appropriate response to emotions and creating space before responding. We all thoroughly enjoyed our intense day with her.
The fourth day we got to do some fun creative play. It began with sketching ourselves in 7-year increments. My only change was hair color from 7 to 14 to 21 to 28 to now. Then we practiced blind drawing and continual drawing techniques. The afternoon was spent in silence working on our visionary collage and the evening we had a bonfire where we were to throw into the fire what we were giving up or shedding ourselves of. I tend to be very practical in these exercises as I know that it isn’t as simple as throwing a piece of paper into the fire and POOF, certain things are gone. So I simply noted some simple changes I’d love to make – weekly solitude time, earlier to bed and up in the morning, carve out grocery shopping time, set a nice table, have meal times with beau, incorporate more creative play.The final day was a focus on action steps. I’m the queen of action steps so this was a fun day after loads of inner work and play. We shared our visionary collage with our assigned buddies and they were to present our vision to the group. I was blessed with the perfect fit buddy from the beginning and we resonated on many levels. My collage was filled with images of things I love – French pedicures, hot cocoa with whipped cream, stargazer lilies, waterfalls, yoga, mediation, bathtub soaking, beaches, couple time, fresh fruit and veggies. The focus was clear – more “being” time. Although my goal for the retreat had been to get clarity on business development, what emerged was a need to focus more on being rather than doing. I spent the afternoon gallivanting in nearby Soller and visiting a huge church that brought about an immediate sense of peace. The evening culminated with sharing our action steps and dancing for three hours. We got all gussied up, some of us donned wigs (mine was a long blue bob), and had a wonderful evening of celebration.The following day was bittersweet as I was one of the last to leave and said goodbye to my colleagues throughout the day. I spent some time at the Robert Graves museum, podcasted with Lynne, sipped tea in the village and discussed visionary work with Tatiana, and hopped in a cab for the airport. The drive to the airport was sad. I knew the experience had come to an end and we were all heading back to our regular routines. All the women were such gems, powerful entrepreneurs, and incredibly loving beings. The sun was setting as we drove the 45-minutes to Palma and I kept peering out the window until I could no longer see. The island of Mallorca is truly powerful and has offered me many lessons over the years.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
making a list and checking it twice
met with my enthusiastic book launch fete team over the past two days and am getting excited about the approaching big day. considering i'm still suffering from spain time and waking up at the crack of dawn, it's amazing how much one can fit into a day that starts at 6:30 or 7:30am. even louis has his outfit picked out. well, ok, so i have it picked out for him and he has no choice but to don it for the launch at the pet-friendly hotel. all the details that go into putting on an event are exciting and mind-boggling at the same time. i can't wait to spend the evening celebrating with you (in spirit or in person).
i'm still formulating the write-up of the retreat and look forward to sharing it with you. tomorrow's podcast is an interview with the host from the reatreat and i know you'll enjoy it. upcoming podcasts will cover each chapter from the book as requested from a fellow podcast listener (great idea, thanks!).
if you have any special requests for thursday, please let me know as i'm finalizing the fete's checklist as i write!
i'm still formulating the write-up of the retreat and look forward to sharing it with you. tomorrow's podcast is an interview with the host from the reatreat and i know you'll enjoy it. upcoming podcasts will cover each chapter from the book as requested from a fellow podcast listener (great idea, thanks!).
if you have any special requests for thursday, please let me know as i'm finalizing the fete's checklist as i write!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
greetings from dc!
ahhh, after 15 hours of travel and 11 hours of sleep, i am delighted to be home and reconnected with everyone. a BIG thank you to our guest bloggers for sharing such valuable insights while i was away. i plan to write a muse on my time in mallorca but need a bit more space and a clear head (sans jet lag) to do so properly. in the meantime, i wanted to share the lyrics from a song that we used to close our circle on monday night. i think this will speak volumes and hope you enjoy it.
be who you were born to be
by bliss
may we all take a moment today to explore who we were born to be. namaste.
be who you were born to be
by bliss
no more time to waste, no more excuses
got to reach out your arms and embrace th sun
no more time for self-pitying abuses
got to stand up and shout and say
i am the one
'cause there's too much crying and talk of being free
got to jump off that cliff and be who you were born to be
no more time to waste on photos of the past
there's a star with your name on it and a love that's going to last
'cause there's been too much holding on and talk of being free
got to take it all with you and be who you were born to be
now i know the ice is melting, all the ships are going home
and the wind is getting colder and we feel more and more alone
so stop all your excuses, got the answers all for free
jump off that cliff and be who you were born to be
may we all take a moment today to explore who we were born to be. namaste.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Quotes
[Kimberly's still away. Guest blogging continues!]
-Amanda (creativedc.org)
Let's admit it: we all love quotes. It's part of why we love Tranquil Space so much -the inspirational quotes on the walls, on the Web site, read aloud at the end of each practice. For those of us yearning for a meaningful life, quotes are like signposts, providing clarity, at least for a moment.
The other day, I was reorganizing the furniture in my office, and I came across a book my parents gave me for my birthday back in 1998 (as the inscription reminded me), called Right to Write, by Bonni Goldberg. I started flipping through it, and remembered that this is a book full of writing prompts, most of which are accompanied by - you guessed it - inspirational quotes. Flipping through the pages was like visiting with an old friend, or paging through a photo album - it made me nostalgic. I remembered 22-year-old me, imagined myself in the overalls I used to love wearing, reading the quotes, savoring them, chewing on them, clutching them to me as temporary guides to life, which perplexed me so much.
Life still perplexes me - the questions of how to live meaningfully, how to be authentic, how to be of service. The other night, I ran a bath, and as I soaked in the aromatic water, I let these quotes wash over me once again, and I felt connected to the younger me who'd first encountered them...to the author who compiled them... to the readers everywhere who need them just as much as I do.
The other day, I was reorganizing the furniture in my office, and I came across a book my parents gave me for my birthday back in 1998 (as the inscription reminded me), called Right to Write, by Bonni Goldberg. I started flipping through it, and remembered that this is a book full of writing prompts, most of which are accompanied by - you guessed it - inspirational quotes. Flipping through the pages was like visiting with an old friend, or paging through a photo album - it made me nostalgic. I remembered 22-year-old me, imagined myself in the overalls I used to love wearing, reading the quotes, savoring them, chewing on them, clutching them to me as temporary guides to life, which perplexed me so much.
Life still perplexes me - the questions of how to live meaningfully, how to be authentic, how to be of service. The other night, I ran a bath, and as I soaked in the aromatic water, I let these quotes wash over me once again, and I felt connected to the younger me who'd first encountered them...to the author who compiled them... to the readers everywhere who need them just as much as I do.
That's one of my favorite quotes. What are yours?"To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive."- Robert Louis Stevenson
-Amanda (creativedc.org)
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
what is the most valuable use of my time?
Kimberly returns from her leadership retreat later this week... for our U.S. hip tranquil chicks, make sure you get out and vote today!
many of you have asked how to find balance. i, too, am constantly searching for the myth that we call work-life balance. i read tons of time management books, i think everything is an "A" in the whole A B C categorization of to-dos, and can't bear to be away from e-mail very long at all (unless it is forced like right now since i'm in espana and pre-wrote this!). however, this one question has been a helpful tool when i'm struggling (you know that feeling of being completely paralyzed because you have so much to do?). well, practice asking yourself "what is the most valuable use of my time at this moment" on a regular basis and let me know what unfolds!
bonus tranquil tip: handle deadlines first (we all know that), try to spend the beginning of your day focused on the big task at hand rather than handling the little ones first (i always read this but it is sooo hard to do), and avoid compulsive checking of e-mail (i know, i know - this is a hard habit to break but maybe we could start a 12-step program for it!).
many of you have asked how to find balance. i, too, am constantly searching for the myth that we call work-life balance. i read tons of time management books, i think everything is an "A" in the whole A B C categorization of to-dos, and can't bear to be away from e-mail very long at all (unless it is forced like right now since i'm in espana and pre-wrote this!). however, this one question has been a helpful tool when i'm struggling (you know that feeling of being completely paralyzed because you have so much to do?). well, practice asking yourself "what is the most valuable use of my time at this moment" on a regular basis and let me know what unfolds!
bonus tranquil tip: handle deadlines first (we all know that), try to spend the beginning of your day focused on the big task at hand rather than handling the little ones first (i always read this but it is sooo hard to do), and avoid compulsive checking of e-mail (i know, i know - this is a hard habit to break but maybe we could start a 12-step program for it!).
Monday, November 06, 2006
fearlessness
While Kimberly is in Spain at her leadership retreat, guest hip tranquil chicks are filling in to share some of their thoughts... enjoy!
Do you ever let anxiety or nervousness stop you from doing something
you really want to do? For me, as a freelance writer, the hardest
thing is getting rejected when I pitch a story to an editor. Even when
I know I have a good idea, I can wake up in the middle of the night
wondering if maybe I shouldn't even have tried to write a story for
that publication because my idea isn't good enough.
In her new book, On Becoming Fearless, author and blogger Arianna
Huffington says that she deals with this kind of fear by looking for
the "still center" inside herself, the part of herself that is not
affected by life's ups and downs, and finds her way back to that
center when fear creeps in. "If we can find that greater inner freedom
and strength, then we can evolve from a fearful state of living to a
state of freedom, trust and happiness." And we better get to it,
because "to live in fear is the worst form of insult to our true
selves."
For me, finding that "center" is easiest when I practice yoga, write
in my journal, or take a bath. It actually really helped me recently.
After I submitted an idea to an editor, I felt really anxious. So that
night I took a bath, and thought about the fact that no matter what
the editor said, I would still be able to get back to my "center."
Somehow, it did make me a little less nervous.
-- Kimberly Palmer (goodgirladvice.blogspot.com)
Do you ever let anxiety or nervousness stop you from doing something
you really want to do? For me, as a freelance writer, the hardest
thing is getting rejected when I pitch a story to an editor. Even when
I know I have a good idea, I can wake up in the middle of the night
wondering if maybe I shouldn't even have tried to write a story for
that publication because my idea isn't good enough.
In her new book, On Becoming Fearless, author and blogger Arianna
Huffington says that she deals with this kind of fear by looking for
the "still center" inside herself, the part of herself that is not
affected by life's ups and downs, and finds her way back to that
center when fear creeps in. "If we can find that greater inner freedom
and strength, then we can evolve from a fearful state of living to a
state of freedom, trust and happiness." And we better get to it,
because "to live in fear is the worst form of insult to our true
selves."
For me, finding that "center" is easiest when I practice yoga, write
in my journal, or take a bath. It actually really helped me recently.
After I submitted an idea to an editor, I felt really anxious. So that
night I took a bath, and thought about the fact that no matter what
the editor said, I would still be able to get back to my "center."
Somehow, it did make me a little less nervous.
-- Kimberly Palmer (goodgirladvice.blogspot.com)
Sunday, November 05, 2006
hip tranquil chick podcast #56: get your podcast on
HTC: November 5, 2006 Shownotes
Welcome to the 56th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast: a guide to life on and off the yoga mat. Produced from the raspberry and leopard-print embellished flat in Washington, DC.
Today’s podcast is a chat with hip tranquil chick's podcast producer Tim Mooney on podcasting, topped of with a pose of the podcast, insights on upcoming events, and groovy podsafe music! View our shownotes at hiptranquilchick.com/blog. Watch for upcoming episodes on numerous things hip and tranquil such as ecotrends, home spa tips, meditation, and more!
Resources:
Liberated Syndication - libsyn.com
Audacity
Podcast Alley
Yahoo! Podcasts
Podcast411
tim-mooney.com
Tricks of the Podcasting Masters by Rob Walch
Podcasting: The Do It Yourself Guide by Todd Cochrane
Pose of the Podcast: Reclining Big Toe Stretch
Haute Stuff Shoppe: Shop online for the book, CD, leopard print scarf, or crystal tee.
Soirees, Chats & Booksignings & Retreats: The step-by-step scoop for hosting a Hip Tranquil Chick Signature ChariTea Soiree is up! The downloadable PDF has discussion tips, a toolkit, yoga sequences, recipes, and more! Send photos from your soiree and, if you’re local, I’d love to swing by!
You’re invited to our book launch fete on Thursday, November 16 in DC at the new swanky boutique Hotel Palomar. The event is also an unveiling of the Tranquil Space Foundation whose signature program assists girls in finding their inner voice through yoga, creativity, and leadership. RSVP here.
Escape with me to our first HTC retreat in upstate NY for June 2007. Details at hiptranquilchick.com.
Au Revoir: Share your hip tranquil chickness with me, request show ideas, or pass along feedback by e-mailing me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com or leaving a love note in the comments section of hiptranquilchick.com/blog. A reminder that we’re on MySpace and Frappr, so please connect with the community virtually there, too!
Have a burning question that you’d like hip and tranquil feedback on? E-mail me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com to have it featured and answered in our dear hip tranquil chick segment!
To close out the show, we’re playing podsafe music---by new and independent artists from PromoNet. Today’s selection is Shaded by Paco. You can learn more this week's featured artist, including how to get more of their music at unfilteredrecords.com.
Thanks for celebrating the 56th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast with me! Namaste.
You don't need an iPod to listen to the podcast! Click here to listen to any episode! New to podcasting? Get more info at Yahoo Podcasts. Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast. You'll automatically get the latest edition as soon as it's available. Do you use another podcatcher? Use this link for the podcast RSS feed.
Welcome to the 56th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast: a guide to life on and off the yoga mat. Produced from the raspberry and leopard-print embellished flat in Washington, DC.
Today’s podcast is a chat with hip tranquil chick's podcast producer Tim Mooney on podcasting, topped of with a pose of the podcast, insights on upcoming events, and groovy podsafe music! View our shownotes at hiptranquilchick.com/blog. Watch for upcoming episodes on numerous things hip and tranquil such as ecotrends, home spa tips, meditation, and more!Resources:
Liberated Syndication - libsyn.com
Audacity
Podcast Alley
Yahoo! Podcasts
Podcast411
tim-mooney.com
Tricks of the Podcasting Masters by Rob Walch
Podcasting: The Do It Yourself Guide by Todd Cochrane
Pose of the Podcast: Reclining Big Toe Stretch
Haute Stuff Shoppe: Shop online for the book, CD, leopard print scarf, or crystal tee.
Soirees, Chats & Booksignings & Retreats: The step-by-step scoop for hosting a Hip Tranquil Chick Signature ChariTea Soiree is up! The downloadable PDF has discussion tips, a toolkit, yoga sequences, recipes, and more! Send photos from your soiree and, if you’re local, I’d love to swing by!
You’re invited to our book launch fete on Thursday, November 16 in DC at the new swanky boutique Hotel Palomar. The event is also an unveiling of the Tranquil Space Foundation whose signature program assists girls in finding their inner voice through yoga, creativity, and leadership. RSVP here.
Escape with me to our first HTC retreat in upstate NY for June 2007. Details at hiptranquilchick.com.
Au Revoir: Share your hip tranquil chickness with me, request show ideas, or pass along feedback by e-mailing me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com or leaving a love note in the comments section of hiptranquilchick.com/blog. A reminder that we’re on MySpace and Frappr, so please connect with the community virtually there, too!
Have a burning question that you’d like hip and tranquil feedback on? E-mail me at kimberly@hiptranquilchick.com to have it featured and answered in our dear hip tranquil chick segment!
To close out the show, we’re playing podsafe music---by new and independent artists from PromoNet. Today’s selection is Shaded by Paco. You can learn more this week's featured artist, including how to get more of their music at unfilteredrecords.com.
Thanks for celebrating the 56th edition of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast with me! Namaste.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
dear hip tranquil chick . . .
Q: I'm a big fan of your blog and of tranquil space (I come from the church days). Before I became a mother just under 2 years ago I had all the time in the world. I practiced regularly at Tranquil Space, and did all the other things listed under how to "retreat" in yesterday's post [refer to August 27, 2006 post]. Even with a husband and nanny I STILL have no time for any of these things. I am a huge fan of yours and mean no disrespect, its just that I find myself growing increasingly frustrated with entries for people with much free time. I would love to see a post on how mothers of babies/toddlers can fit some "me" time into a very tight schedule.
A: Yeah for the church days! Thank you for writing.
Wow, you raise a very good question and I empathize with the inability to find "me" time with or without babies/toddlers. I believe it is an ongoing battle and one that we as women often tend feel like we're losing. You know the saying that you teach what you most need to learn? Well, I'm a huge believer in self-care but have to consciously carve it out in order to make sure it happens. Literally, I schedule it! I.e., hot bath, massage, pedicure, blank time.
I think this is the same for women in college, with newborns, with businesses (which are like their babies), in transition, and with caretaking of elderly parents. We have to make it happen or we're sure to implode. I recall a girl in college saying how she wanted to get a part-time job because she knew she would be more regimented with her study time if she had more on her plate and a schedule to follow. I found that fascinatingly odd. Now I get it. As I add more things to my plate, I somehow make them happen and it isn't that I've found more time in my day, it's simply that I've made it all a priority. Sure, I get frustrated at times by not having enough blank space but I also thrive on the challenge of juggling it all.
I hope that this helps as I can only imagine the energy that another little being consumes. It is crucial that you refuel with tips from the retreat post or other suggestions by readers as self-care is a must-have for our health. I encourage you to reflect on the possibility that other people may not have more time than you, it may simply be that they're playing with "reatreating" as a way of figuring out the juggling act that comes with a lot of their plates. Leave your loved one with your nanny or hubby for an hour or two this weekend and savor getting lost in a local bookstore (even if it is the parenting section that you're "escaping" to) or hitting a nearby museum. Keep me posted.
A: Yeah for the church days! Thank you for writing.
Wow, you raise a very good question and I empathize with the inability to find "me" time with or without babies/toddlers. I believe it is an ongoing battle and one that we as women often tend feel like we're losing. You know the saying that you teach what you most need to learn? Well, I'm a huge believer in self-care but have to consciously carve it out in order to make sure it happens. Literally, I schedule it! I.e., hot bath, massage, pedicure, blank time.
I think this is the same for women in college, with newborns, with businesses (which are like their babies), in transition, and with caretaking of elderly parents. We have to make it happen or we're sure to implode. I recall a girl in college saying how she wanted to get a part-time job because she knew she would be more regimented with her study time if she had more on her plate and a schedule to follow. I found that fascinatingly odd. Now I get it. As I add more things to my plate, I somehow make them happen and it isn't that I've found more time in my day, it's simply that I've made it all a priority. Sure, I get frustrated at times by not having enough blank space but I also thrive on the challenge of juggling it all.
I hope that this helps as I can only imagine the energy that another little being consumes. It is crucial that you refuel with tips from the retreat post or other suggestions by readers as self-care is a must-have for our health. I encourage you to reflect on the possibility that other people may not have more time than you, it may simply be that they're playing with "reatreating" as a way of figuring out the juggling act that comes with a lot of their plates. Leave your loved one with your nanny or hubby for an hour or two this weekend and savor getting lost in a local bookstore (even if it is the parenting section that you're "escaping" to) or hitting a nearby museum. Keep me posted.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Holding On
Hi everyone,
As you probably know by now, Kimberly is away this week at a creativity and leadership retreat, and members of the HTC community are blogging in her stead.
As I thought about what I might like to share, I found myself thinking about a poem that I first encountered on September 12, 2001. Bill Moyers shared it during a broadcast on PBS in which he and others grappled with what had happened to our country the day before. I was struck by how comforting it was, and by how much it rang true - true to the emotions I was feeling at the time. I have since found solace in it whenever I'm going through a difficult time, and share it here in case it can bring some comfort to you.
I hesitated to post the poem here, because its message, of holding on, seems on the surface to be counter to the yogic principle of letting go; but I think it's ultimately about centeredness - finding your core no matter how chaotic things become. And that's a message I hope will resonate with many of you.
Namaste,
Amanda
creativedc.org
Waltzing the Spheres
By Susan Scott Thompson
We pulled each other closer in the turn.
Around a center that we could not see.
This holding on was what I had to learn.
The sun can hold the planets, earth, the moon.
But we had to create our gravity.
By always pulling closer in the turn.
Each revolution caused my head to whirl.
So dizzy I wanted to break free.
But holding on was what I had to learn.
I fixed my eyes on something out there firm.
And then our orbit steadied so that we could pull each other closer in the turn.
And if our feet should briefly leave the earth, no matter, earth was made for us to leave.
And arms for pulling closer in the turn.
This holding on is what we have to learn.
As you probably know by now, Kimberly is away this week at a creativity and leadership retreat, and members of the HTC community are blogging in her stead.
As I thought about what I might like to share, I found myself thinking about a poem that I first encountered on September 12, 2001. Bill Moyers shared it during a broadcast on PBS in which he and others grappled with what had happened to our country the day before. I was struck by how comforting it was, and by how much it rang true - true to the emotions I was feeling at the time. I have since found solace in it whenever I'm going through a difficult time, and share it here in case it can bring some comfort to you.
I hesitated to post the poem here, because its message, of holding on, seems on the surface to be counter to the yogic principle of letting go; but I think it's ultimately about centeredness - finding your core no matter how chaotic things become. And that's a message I hope will resonate with many of you.
Namaste,
Amanda
creativedc.org
Waltzing the Spheres
By Susan Scott Thompson
We pulled each other closer in the turn.
Around a center that we could not see.
This holding on was what I had to learn.
The sun can hold the planets, earth, the moon.
But we had to create our gravity.
By always pulling closer in the turn.
Each revolution caused my head to whirl.
So dizzy I wanted to break free.
But holding on was what I had to learn.
I fixed my eyes on something out there firm.
And then our orbit steadied so that we could pull each other closer in the turn.
And if our feet should briefly leave the earth, no matter, earth was made for us to leave.
And arms for pulling closer in the turn.
This holding on is what we have to learn.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
the law of attraction
While Kimberly is in Spain at her leadership retreat, guest hip tranquil chicks are filling in to share some of their thoughts... enjoy!
Dear HTC,
First, thanks Kimberly for giving us this chance to connect as a community, very cool. I really appreciate your generosity.
Check out one of the best books in the world: The Law of Attraction by Jerry and Esther Hicks. Essentially this book lays down the basics of "how" the universe really works. Essentially the law of attraction states: "Things of like vibration are drawn together." We have opportunities every day to imagine and make our lives better through better feeling thoughts thus drawing into our universe our hearts desire.
The key to this taking care of yourself. I have found that if I don't do my yoga practice, read uplifting books, eat wholesome food, sip tea, or hang out with other uplifting people I don't always have the best feeling thoughts.
Draw yourself and fab bubble bath. Enjoy this waaayyy cool book.
xoxo, Lori Guth Moffett, Yogini, Columbus, Ohio
Dear HTC,
First, thanks Kimberly for giving us this chance to connect as a community, very cool. I really appreciate your generosity.
Check out one of the best books in the world: The Law of Attraction by Jerry and Esther Hicks. Essentially this book lays down the basics of "how" the universe really works. Essentially the law of attraction states: "Things of like vibration are drawn together." We have opportunities every day to imagine and make our lives better through better feeling thoughts thus drawing into our universe our hearts desire.
The key to this taking care of yourself. I have found that if I don't do my yoga practice, read uplifting books, eat wholesome food, sip tea, or hang out with other uplifting people I don't always have the best feeling thoughts.
Draw yourself and fab bubble bath. Enjoy this waaayyy cool book.
xoxo, Lori Guth Moffett, Yogini, Columbus, Ohio
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
time for a new treasure map...
While Kimberly is in Spain at her leadership retreat, guest hip tranquil chicks are filling in to share some of their thoughts... enjoy!
I love the book Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain. I use one of her great creative visualization techniques "treasure maps" in many areas of my life. I have even used it during group meetings
for career goal setting and motivation. It has proved to be a special bonding tool for teammates. Basically, what it comes down to is this one great universal truth "you get what you expect".
I was mentally preparing myself to do a new treasure map, since listening to the HTC podcasts has really catapulted me into creating a whole new chapter in my life. And I thought what a great
exercise for a hip tranquil chick meeting. Each member would bring 5 magazines, scissors, and a glue stick. I also bring my Power Thought Cards: A 64 Card Deck power affirmations for all situations, to help everyone find the perfect personal affirmation.
You could use any medium which to adhere your images to. I like a large, blank, wire bound journal. This way you can create a nice flat surface to work on.
Once (and I think I will do this again) I basically did pages throughout like journal entries, and also wrote on pages between. It was so interesting to see the images visually change throughout my journal with timelines, and see the spiritual growth before my eyes. Your Treasure map should show YOU with your goals fully realized.
Five steps to follow:
1.) A picture of YOU.
2.) A symbol or picture of your chosen infinite source, or higher power. whether it is the OM symbol, a cross, a goddess etc...... Whatever gives you strength.
3.) This cosmic affirmation: "This , or something better, now manifests for me in totally satisfying and harmonious ways, for the highest good of all concerned."
4.) Show your ideal scene in it's complete form as it has been fully realized. With lots and lots of pictures that help you create the ideal outcome of your goals.
5.) A personal affirmation.
This is a great group project, It is a very special way to bond and figure out who you are, and where you want to be. Without that creative visualization, we are a ship without a rudder.
Put on some great music, light some candles, brew a pot of tea, and get mapping!!
Namaste...
Fellow HTC,
Danielle
http://eco-lovely.typepad.com/my_weblog
I love the book Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain. I use one of her great creative visualization techniques "treasure maps" in many areas of my life. I have even used it during group meetings
for career goal setting and motivation. It has proved to be a special bonding tool for teammates. Basically, what it comes down to is this one great universal truth "you get what you expect".
I was mentally preparing myself to do a new treasure map, since listening to the HTC podcasts has really catapulted me into creating a whole new chapter in my life. And I thought what a great
exercise for a hip tranquil chick meeting. Each member would bring 5 magazines, scissors, and a glue stick. I also bring my Power Thought Cards: A 64 Card Deck power affirmations for all situations, to help everyone find the perfect personal affirmation.
You could use any medium which to adhere your images to. I like a large, blank, wire bound journal. This way you can create a nice flat surface to work on.
Once (and I think I will do this again) I basically did pages throughout like journal entries, and also wrote on pages between. It was so interesting to see the images visually change throughout my journal with timelines, and see the spiritual growth before my eyes. Your Treasure map should show YOU with your goals fully realized.
Five steps to follow:
1.) A picture of YOU.
2.) A symbol or picture of your chosen infinite source, or higher power. whether it is the OM symbol, a cross, a goddess etc...... Whatever gives you strength.
3.) This cosmic affirmation: "This , or something better, now manifests for me in totally satisfying and harmonious ways, for the highest good of all concerned."
4.) Show your ideal scene in it's complete form as it has been fully realized. With lots and lots of pictures that help you create the ideal outcome of your goals.
5.) A personal affirmation.
This is a great group project, It is a very special way to bond and figure out who you are, and where you want to be. Without that creative visualization, we are a ship without a rudder.
Put on some great music, light some candles, brew a pot of tea, and get mapping!!
Namaste...
Fellow HTC,
Danielle
http://eco-lovely.typepad.com/my_weblog
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