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Friday, July 30, 2010

week in review: craving macarons a la paris

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cocoinzenl/2458321847/

bon soir from bed.

before i retreat into slumber, i wanted to spend a moment in reflection to highlight this oh-so-eventful week. to give it gratitude and to give me insight. here goes:

hosted fave family out at beau's cabin
spent hours reading 168 hours - half way done
began tracking how my 168 hours are spent
penned oodles of thank yous
chose colors for new tranquil space arlington (TSA) walls (one is called "milk + cookies")
had tea with the former director of women's biz center
met with doctors for pre-surgery visit (thumb surgery august 26)
interviewed + hired new TSA tranquility concierge
finalized new hOMepage for tranquilspace.com (forthcoming)
shipped 40 packages o' TranquiliT
mentored corporate client
shopped IKEA for hours today: bamboo stalks, glass containers, fixtures
picked up plants for outdoor pots at TSA: impatiens, boxwoods + ivy
1 yoga class
2 gym experiences
1 physical therapy
1 meditation class
last week of summer school = completed first year of MSW
sent tranquil space august newsletter
got an iphone: still learning how to use it
chat with webmaster on TranquiliT.com redesign
pizza + cake with old friend while watching "jersey shore" - don't ask
coordinated family meet-ups in texas during upcoming tour
volunteer
prepped for hosting of tomorrow's bebe shower

a delightful week indeed. 3 l.o.n.g. days ahead moving TSA and sprucing it up before dashing off to oklahoma and texas for 2 weeks. and, sadly, i've been blessed with a summer cold. while beau enjoys a night out, i'm curling up for a night in.

if only it involved the colorful macarons in the photo above. *that* would make it complete.

bisous,
kimberly

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Foodie Friday: Tips for a Tranquil Farmers' Market Experience


Hello readers of Tranquility du Jour! As a long-time follower of this blog, I am delighted to be here as a contributing food writer. I have always been passionate about food, and, in recent years, have cultivated a greater awareness of how the food we eat affects our bodies and the earth. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to explore these interests with this wonderful community, starting with today's post on creating a tranquil farmers' market experience. Please let me know if there's a food-related topic you'd like to see featured here!

Tips for a Tranquil Farmers' Market Experience
As August approaches, many of the earth's fruits and vegetables are at their peak, making it the perfect time to enjoy the rich bounty of your local farmers' market. Thanks to a growing awareness of the sustainable food movement, most cities now boast at least one farmers' market (if not several). With a few savvy steps, you can infuse your trip to the farmers' market with style, intention, and grace.

1. Carry cash and a chic eco-friendly bag.
When planning a trip to the farmers' market, give yourself a budget and be sure to bring cash, since many vendors don’t accept credit or debit cards. Some vendors may offer bags, but why not carry your own reusable bag to reduce waste and express your personal market-going style? Try an organic cotton tote or indulge your inner eco-diva with a quirky number made from recycled materials.

2. Think seasonal.
Because farmers' markets feature almost exclusively local fare, they’re great places to find fruits and vegetables currently in season in your area. Eating local, seasonal food is not only good for the environment (because it eliminates the need to transport out-of-season food thousands of miles around the globe), it also enables you to purchase food before it loses vital nutrients. Plus – as anyone who’s ever savored a ripe and juicy tomato straight from the farmers' market can attest – fresh food simply tastes better! Before your next market foray, research what’s in season near you. The Natural Resources Defense Council offers a searchable guide, via Sustainable Table.

3. Ask questions.
Not sure what that curly green vegetable is? Wondering what kind of apples are best for apple pie? Or the difference between a young chevre and an aged pecorino? Unless you’re Alice Waters, a trip to the farmers market can be a tad intimidating. But don’t be deterred! In my experience, most vendors are not only happy to answer questions, but downright eager to talk about their products with those who show a genuine interest. Plus, by building relationships with your vendors, you'll gain a better sense of what's involved in the production process, building a stronger connection to the source of your nourishment.

4. Allow yourself to be inspired.
Practically speaking, a trip to the farmers' market is a fabulous way to support local farmers and buy delectable fresh food at a reasonable price. Yet, it can also be an artful retreat from your daily routine. With the plethora of sights, sounds, and scents to behold, the market is awash in sensual bits of inspiration. Notice the vibrant sheen of the eggplants. Enjoy the colorful hues of a wildflower bouquet. Savor the sweet aroma of fresh basil. Treat your market jaunt as a play date with your senses, and as muse for your next creative project - in the kitchen or beyond.

5. Create a tranquil ritual.
Whether you go solo or in the company of others, a trip to the market can be part of a tranquil ritual. Wake up early in the morning to sip green tea or soy chai as you watch the sun rise. Don comfortable attire and engage in a few yoga poses, or perhaps your morning meditation. Make your way to the market, and engage fully in the experience (see #4 above), perhaps enjoying a ripe organic peach or freshly baked almond croissant as you browse. Return home with your purchases to cook a nourishing market-inspired meal. (The gorgeously photographed Fresh from the Farmers' Market cookbook is filled with lovely ideas.) Be thankful for the fresh and delicious food that feeds your body and soul. Bon apetit!

Analiese is a twenty-something writer, yogini, and aspiring organic chef, based in the Washington, DC area. She writes about food, holistic health, and creative living on her blog, Tulips & Tea.


Photos of Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market by Analiese

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

self-care secret

been tracking my time, et toi? um, apparently i work more than i thought. will be interesting to tally the hours at the end of the week. think i need overtime or sOMe sort of raise. will talk to my boss!

listening to a little tori amos while blogging and prepping to hit the gym. my pre-op (to ensure i'm healthy enough to undergo anesthesia) appointment with my doctor yesterday showed that i'd gained 5lbs and lost .5 inches. um, yikes! to the gym i go.

i found the above photo and thought it exuded the ideal image of self-care: donning noir and reading while lounging in a white chaise. perfection.

what does *self-care* look like to you? for me it's hot baths with LUSH products, naps, tea sipping, boundary setting, moisturizer, succulent summer fruit, journal writing, exercise, yoga, meditation, taking classes on exciting topics, lots of sleep, lit candles, and surrounding myself with positive people to name a few.

considering this week consists of:
finals (after tomorrow, done with my first year of MSW!), moving studio spaces, prepping to leave town for 2 weeks, surgery appointments, hosting a bebe shower, shipping oodles of TranquiliT (40% off sale through friday: code SUMMERTIME), overseeing the fall TranquiliT photo shoot - oh and the other daily to-dos, i'm loving the notion of self-care and doing all i can to infuse small doses of it.

exhibit A: off the gym with a belly full of chickpeas and naan. yum!

THAT is the secret. add it where you can. treat yourself to a container of cut watermelon. go to bed early. get a pedicure.

your soul will thank you.

bisous,
kimberly

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Monday, July 26, 2010

tranquility du jour #193: handmade happiness


Bonjour.

Welcome to the 193rd edition of Tranquility du Jour: A Guide to Bringing Tranquility to your Every Day. Today’s show features happenings and musings on Handmade Happiness with Kari Chapin.

Workshops + Retreats: Consider joining moi at book signings in Texas, on a Yoga Retreat in India November 12-21, at a "New Year, New You Urban Retreat" in DC on January 8, on a "Yoga, Creativity, and Tranquility Lifestyle Retreat" at a Farmhouse in NY March 4-6, and at Montreal's Centre Luna Yoga in April. Lots of tranquility to be shared!

Pose of the Podcast: Savasana




F
eatured Tranquilista: Kari Chapin
A writer, crafter and stylist based in Western Massachusetts, Kari lives with her husband, two dappled dachshunds and their cranky orange cat near Northampton.











Savvy Sources:

Kari's blog: http://karichapin.com/blog/
Kari's book: The Handmade Marketplace
Twitter: http://twitter.com/karichapin

OMwork: Support an indie designer by shopping etsy.com.








Signature Style: A line of layers in rayon made from organic bamboo. Locally sewn. 150 trees planted each month. The entire collection is 40% off through Friday. Use code SUMMERTIME at checkout!

Stay Au Courant:
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Follow moi on Twitter.
Watch Tranquility du Jour TV.
Browse Hip Tranquil Chick and Tranquilista.
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Join Tranquilista's like page.

Au Revoir: To close out the show, we’re playing Love (Brooklyn Afterhours Remix) by Lovespirals. You can learn more about their music at lovespirals.com.

- You don't need an iPod to listen to the podcast! 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 Alley

- 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.

- Interested in starting a podcast for yourself, your organization or your business?
Check out nineball media.

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happy monday: i have a pink hula hoop

yesterday beau and i hosted a fave family out at the cabin for an afternoon cookout, hike, and hula time that was beautifully topped off with a thunderstorm. it took awhile but i finally got the hang of my newly gifted hula and it's such fun. a bit dangerous (poor louis and beau were startled by my flying pink hula at times), but a great workout and brings back childhood joy. highly recommend!

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

my bucket list

spent my saturday night shopping for the new tranquil space arlington studio we're moving next weekend - body splash, trash cans, laundry baskets, hair ties, mops, mirrors, herbal tea. oodles of sundries necessary for welcOMing our beloved yogis.

before the shopping spree (aka oh-so-sexy saturday night adventure), i spent time working on my "bucket list." in may i did the right hand side of the image above, and yesterday i completed the left hand side written over my new 168 hours timesheet. a great reminder to make my hours count.

here is a sampling of my list in no particular order:

sky dive - done
ride in hot air balloon
rock climb - done
hike grand canyon - done
backpack through europe - done
dance in paris - done
visit all 7 continents
pray in india
be a CNN hero
have high tea at the plaza eloise style
join toastmasters
be on the today show
see an opera in NY - done
see pope at the vatican - done
pick tea leaves in china
have a tiny cottage in the woods
run a half marathon
run a marathon
fire a pistol
take a train ride across the US
louvre - done
surfing lessons in hawaii - done
white water rafting - done
column in popular media
see moulin rouge - done
take a jazz class
live abroad for 6 mos
take golf lessons - done
visit tibet
don a hot pink sari
visit bali
have a rescue pet pig
sell on etsy
safari in africa
get a PhD
get MSW
get LICSW
host a tv show
donate one million dollars to charity
start a foundation - done
be on the cover of a magazine
be featured in a book - done
write a book - done
help end factory farming
write a best-seller
produce yoga practice CDs - done
sun in greece - done
eat in italy - done
sleep in a castle - done
have a loving partnership - done
take a sabbatical
gondola ride in venice - done
snowboard in colorado - done
produce a film/documentary
design a clothing line - done
see orangutans + gorillas in their natural habitat
be a full-time philanthropist
play the harmonium
take salsa lessons - done
go on a sleigh ride - done
bastille day in paris - done
teach yoga - done
write a memoir

now that i've shared a few dreams, please share a few of yours. what's on *your* bucket list?

bisous,
kimberly

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Saturday, July 24, 2010

168 hours = # of hours in 1 week

bike, books, + work in the pink palace

are you like the majority of people who respond "busy" when asked "how are you?" yikes, me too! i want this to change.

for years i've wondered where my time went. i've tried to note time like i did in my paralegal days, but lose track within moments. when i came across laura vanderkam's book 168 hours: you have more time than you think during a book browsing session in vancouver recently, i was enamored. really, i have more time than i think? yay!

i'll be interviewing her on the tranquility du jour podcast shortly and began reading her book this week. i'm 55 pages in and LOVE it so far. lots to ponder.

a few takeaways that i wanted to pass along and encourage you, too, to reflect upon:

- 168 hours - 50ish hours of work/week - 63 hours of sleep/week (9/night) = 55 hours of "other" time. where is it going?

- i plan to begin recording my time (for real this time!) using her handy grid.

- classify your time into categories such as personal care, household activities, leisure (includes TV), exercise, caring for household members, purchasing goods or services, working and work-related activities, exercise. break into subcategories, where applicable, to gain better insights.

- focus on your core competencies - those things you do better than anyone else and enjoy. grrr. i'm still trying to figure these out. do you know yours?

- list your 100 dreams - things you'd like to do during your lifetime. also called a "bucket list." i've started one and plan to add more to mine soon.

wanna join moi in filling out the spreadsheet? i plan to do it and post it to keep me accountable. seriously, this has been a big focus this year yet i carry the to-do over and over each week in my planner pad.

remember there is *no* typical week so, yes, i'm starting mine in the midst of finals, a studio move, and while prepping to do a 2-week texas book tour.

will you indulge with me? all you have to lose is lack of clarity on where your time goes!

bisous,
kimberly

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Friday, July 23, 2010

week in review: tranquility seeker

bonsoir from the woods.

beau, pug, and moi headed out late afternoon for a couple days of working, reading, and resting sans the sounds of the city. breathing deeper already.

this week was a challenging one (hot, random frustrations, and occasional feelings of overwhelm) coupled with greatness (progress of tranquil space arlington *new* hOMe, co-leading a tranquil teens program, meeting with a naturopath, date nights with beau + friends). it's always the yin and yang, right?

week in review:
2 yoga classes
2 gym excursions
physical therapy
hosted tranquil space teachers chez moi for potluck
meditation class
ortho appt = allowed to do more with right shoulder
met with co-leader of tranquil space foundation fall event to PLAN (save date october 14)
dermatologist appt = no unruly moles this year
co-taught tranquil teens program for 60ish running start girls
posted on care2.com
date night with beau
wine + pizza with tranquil teens co-teachers
pizza + chocolate cake with girlfriend
met with naturopath + took food allergy test. hope results don't reveal cheese, caramel popcorn, or cupcake allergies.
meeting with contractor to peruse new tranquil space arlington hOMe
put together 80 goody bags for tranquil teens programs: CD, journal, markers, handouts
shipped oodles of TranquiliT orders: shop through 7/30 at 40% off using code SUMMERTIME
penned thank you notes to snail mail

today's heat coupled with random frustrations that come with running a business have set me back a bit. add to it that next week = finals, moving tranquil space arlington to its new hOMe, and prepping to head to texas for a 2-week book tour = in need of serious self-care. plan to take full advantage of the woods by reflecting, resting, and reading as much as possible.

may you, too, bask in moments of tranquility this weekend.

bisous,
kimberly

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Thursday, July 22, 2010

lovely pattern a la amy butler

wondering how to fancy up your planner pad du jour? a friend sent me this fabulous pattern by amy butler today that i thought you, too, would enjoy. sooo makes me want to pull out my sewing machine and get crafty.

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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

dreaming of . . .


carousels
chandeliers
plates of cheese
banana splits
lavender fields
backbends
hammock time
parisian cafes
tons of tea sipping time
miso soup
black pug puppies
laughter
snail mail
fresh peonies
cotton candy

et toi?

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Monday, July 19, 2010

my key ingredients for a tranquil life


during a recent muse session while sipping jasmine tea at a cafe, i came up with my non-exhaustive list of my key ingredients for tranquil living. my hope is that they will inspire you, too, to find some tranquility among the chaos of everyday living.

live simply
read great women writers
spend less than you make
give back
travel
do work that you are passionate about
take time outs
exercise your body + mind daily
respond vs react
eat + drink nourishing yumminess
create daily
let your life be an artistic expression
make everything you do an experience

what are *your* key ingredients for tranquil living?

bisous,
kimberly

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Saturday, July 17, 2010

bonjour brunette bob + tres chic bebe shower

as promised in yesterday's post, brunette i am. feels tres chic. headed straight to rite aid, picked up garnier semi-permanent hair color with bamboo extract in #500 - medium natural brown. voila, love it.

i stayed in town this weekend to attend a dear friend's bebe shower. over the years, i've been to some fairly traumatic showers - game playing that felt grade schoolish, silly banter, and an overall awkward vibe. i was beyond impressed with today's extravaganza held at the henley hotel. warm welcomes, ample jasmine tea, laughs, a LUSH bath bomb at each setting, tea sandwiches, mini pastries, bubbly with a slice of lemon rind, and, of course, cupcakes. note my half-consumed cupcake top. yum!

her sister shared insights into how other traditions do baby showers. no wonder, she's a social worker! in addition, we strung a necklace for her to wear during labor that contained beads with our wishes for her.

grateful for such a kind spirit who crossed my path via assisting my class at tranquil space. she's a blessing from above and will be an *amazing* mum.

tonight is open and i'm debating organize, go see an indie flick, hit the gym, or all of the above. to be determined. taking it one breath at a time.

bisous,
kimberly

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Friday, July 16, 2010

brunette to be: week in review

pink flowers chez moi
greetings from the pink palace.

i'm sitting at the kitchen table (aka my hOMe office) with a deer in the headlight look. pondering to-dos, wants, deadlines, and desires and feeling a bit conflicted. yes, i have TranquiliT orders to ship, including a big wholesale order to a favorite client, body of santa fe (darling store if you're ever out that way). yet i want to curl up in bed with a good book surrounded by oodles of scented candles and louis the pug.

my big adventure for tonight is hitting the local drugstore to pick up a semi-permanent hair color and return to brunette living. it's a silly cycle: highlights and lowlights at the salon until i become overhighted, too blond, and in need of a return to brown. i'm back to the fresh slate part where i'm needing an au naturel brunette look. we'll see what the drugstore has to offer!

also, i've intended to update my readers on guest bloggers for the past few weeks. mea culpa. the lovely foodie friday robyn and pleasure maven diane are moving on. however, you'll hear from samara, katharine, and kaileen as they continue their musings once a month. a BIG thanks to these lovely ladies for sharing their voices the past six months!

week in review
- 2 yoga classes
- physical therapy
- gym 2 times plus session on pilates reformer
- 4 dates sipping tea + eating scones at teaism with dear friends
- started and finished a 15-page paper on SB 1070
- interview for tranquil space arlington role
- started "meditation in everyday life" class at shambhala center (j'adore!)
- placed fall TranquiliT order with local seamstress
- hosted tranquil space front desk team retreat
- spoke at stratejoy event on my version of success
- toured new tranquil space arlington hOMe with contractor
- set date for new york farmhouse retreat: march 4-6, 2011
- 3 mentoring sessions
- 2 social policy classes
- had cheese plate + reisling = fell in love with le chat noir
- sent invite for spontaneous potluck chez moi to tranquil space teachers
- ordered sparkly chandelier for tranquil space arlington entryway

beau headed to the woods for the weekend while me and my three furry noir "kiddos" will savor time in dc complete with a bebe shower high tea, potluck chez moi, yoga classes, and tranquil space foundation goody bag stuffing. i plan to throw in a nap or two, hOMe organizing, and art journaling. yay for pockets of open space. they do the body, soul, and mind good!

my wish for you is a moment or two of tranquility this weekend. treat yourself to high tea. pick up a new hair color. go for a walk. sleep in. say "no" to an obligation that feels training. say "oui" to possibility.

bisous,
kimberly

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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

tips o' tranquility

Darling readers,

As I continue to procrastinate on my 15-page paper due tomorrow (grrr), I figured I should do a blog post, too. And maybe clean, organize, plan 2011 . . .

Above is a photo from a talk I gave Saturday to a lovely group of ladies who were joining Molly from Stratejoy for an all-day workshop here in DC. Donning the fall TranquiliT sample of a one-shoulder caftan and a beloved pink beret I picked up in Santa Barbara, I shared snippets from my 11-year journey along with fave tips for tranquility in work and play.

A few highlights include:

1. Spirituality is a priority. Connect within through ongoing reflection, learning, and growing. Write in your journal. Connect with your breath.

2. Take action. Take a moment to note where your time and energy is focused. Reflect on where you want your time and energy to go. Explore ways to shift if reality doesn't match your dreams.

3. Your life is art. Color outside the lines. Indulge in an artist date. Browse a bookstore or art gallery. Get crafty. Carry your digital camera at all times to snap inspiration in the moment.

4. Exude style. Don clothing that exudes your personality. Send thank you notes. Communicate clearly. Exercise. Nourish your palate.

5. Leave a legacy. Launch something to make a difference. Share your expertise. Tweet your message. Diversify. Give back to the community. Make a difference.

What are *your* favorite ways to find tranquility in work and play?

Bisous,
Kimberly

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signature style: podcasts


deep listening is miraculous for both listener and speaker.
when someone receives us with open-hearted, non-judging,
intensely interested listening, our spirits expand.
(sue patton thoele)


kaileenelise is a sparklista, yogini, artist, blogger & creative entrepreneur living in raleigh, nc. follow her on twitter & visit her blog for musings on making every day an extraordinary adventure.

hello gorgeous tranquilistas!
thanks for dropping in today for a bit of tranquility. as you might already know, i share musings on signature style here at tdj ~ now on the 2nd wednesday of each month. most recently, i featured fab twitter folk to follow for inspiration, style tips and 140-character thoughts infused with love.

this month's post focuses on creative and inspiring podcasts to enjoy during summer trips or daily commutes. what are podcasts, you might ask? this is a great resource for those of you just getting started.

my first introduction to ms. kimberly wilson was through podcasts. originally titled hip tranquil chick, kimberly's immediately caught my attention. since 2005, her musings and interviews have inspired me to practice yoga on and off the mat. if you haven't spent a few hours digging through her archives, i highly recommend it.

yoga infused
to help set the tone for my home yoga practice, i turn to yoga journal's podcast. their approach is simple, but challenging ~ and they offer both audio or video podcasts for download. additionally, tara stiles offers a quirky & fun podcast called yoga & other useful stuff that is an newly discovered favorite of mine.

earbud stories
i love listening to podcasts that expand my mind and provide nourishing food for thought. this american life is great because it shares first-person accounts of stories woven around a new topic each week. the moth is another story-driven podcast that is as insightful as it is entertaining.

get downloadin'
podcasts are bits and bytes of info delivered free to your computer. they're a great way to learn, explore and dive deeper into topics that make up your signature style. if your a creative soul with a passion for living your dreams, check out creative living with jamie. if you're looking for a way to live a more mindful existence, try listening to the mindfulist.

image credit: TerryJohnston

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Monday, July 12, 2010

monday musings


bonjour and welcome to monday.

last friday was so harried with the conclusion of my retreat at kripalu (coupled with a much-needed reflexology session and a 7-hour train ride hOMe) that i didn't do my week in review so i'll share a few highlights in today's muse.

i am beyond delighted in this weekend's unfoldings ranging from a mid-day date with beau on saturday complete with reisling, cheese, and a cafe (this never happens), a saturday dinner and movie date with friends, a sunday brunch date with friends, and a 3-hour team retreat for our front desk team. it all felt so decadent and so very good for the soul.

the above photo was taken by the lovely shizuka after our walking meditation to the lake during last week's retreat. as you see, i was deep in thought journaling away while donning my TranquiliT skirt dress with noir patent pumas. interesting look, but perfect for the insane heat we were experiencing.

while journaling i pulled together my thoughts on a table of contents for tranquilology (a possible 3rd book showcasing fave blog posts over the past 5 years):

cre8tivity
yoga
entrepreneurship
spirituality
personal
travel
books
family
tranquility
style
podcasts
vidcasts
do-gooding

anything i've missed that you think would be a good add to this possible book (based on the blog)? would love to hear!

also, i began putting my thoughts together on a third e-course titled "the tranquility project" complete with oodles of yummy tranquility tips with a focus on body, mind, and spirit:

breathwork
yoga (yin, restorative, vinyasa)
art journal
meditation
writing
reading
AM/PM reflection rituals
self-care
declutter
green smoothies
mindfulness
accessories
savvy sources

so, that's what my "deep in thought" look was brewin' last week post-walking meditation!

leading our group through 20 hours of retreating in severe heat was exciting and exhausting at the same time. such an amazing group of women and their shared takeaways were mind blowing. it's delightful how much one can absorb during a few days of escape from the day to day. one theme that resonated was the notion of creating an experience. how do *you* make your day an experience?

tonight i start a series on meditation in daily life at the shambhala center. i'm SO excited. i'll be sure to take good notes to pass along. such rich material that i continue to find in buddhist philosophy. can't. get. enough. of. it. lately!

this week i challenge you to find a way to practice tranquility in your every day and create an experience. find one thing that will help you find a sense of peace and do it. write in your journal. buy fresh flowers. take a meditation class. do yoga. dab lavender oil on your wrists. go to bed early. listen to jazz. use the china. sit down for a meal. put a love note in your child's lunch box. put a love note in your own lunch box. brew tea, sit, and sip. rinse, repeat.

how will *you* find tranquility?

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Thursday, July 08, 2010

kripalu day 4


whew, *just* emailed in my policy memo due tonight that has been hovering over my head all week. poor gota (cute japanese boy often on my blog) yelled at my during dinner last night, "you always have a paper due tomorrow!" as i reflected on the past few times i'd seen him, that had indeed been the case. how sad. le sigh. such is summer school.

here are sOMe fun photos of my journey so far at kripalu. yesterday we did a walking meditation to the lake topped off with 30 minutes of journal writing lakeside and walking a labrinyth, plus a discussion of yamas and niyamas.

today was all about vision/inspiration boards, reflecting on ways to have more creativity in everyday life. a fave topic for all.

tomorrow is the finale complete with a luxurious 7 hour train ride hOMe. excited to see beau and my furry friends.

bisous to all!

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Tuesday, July 06, 2010

bonsoir from kripalu

despite best intentions for 10pm lights out, i'm plugging away in the cafe with hope of handling one. last. thing. sound familiar?

as sultry temps rise here in the mountains, spirits remain high but energy is low. the heat sans AC definitely takes its toll. yay for staying hydrated on cold moroccan mint tea!

in today's session we explored the oh-so-important mantra to focus on process AND product, progress not perfection. some of us many find that we're all about process and struggle to actually get things done. others (such as moi) struggle to savor the process because we're all about the end result (hence my addiction to goal setting). and others have a hard time enjoying the micromovements (progress) made along the way because the focus is too much on perfection (unattainable. truly.). *yummy* food for thought.

in addition we did journal writing that included starting a life list (what are things you *must* do before you die? - ex. pray in india, dance in paris, donate $1 million dollars), savored yin yoga, rested in restorative yoga, dabbled in meditation, practiced alternate nostril breathing, and reflected on the wheel of life exercise (looking at satisfaction in various areas of one's life).

all in all, a very full day.

i'm grateful for the group here - social worker, doctors, special ed teacher, author, tranquil space teacher assistant, yoga teacher, mothers, and more. the perfect group always seem to come together at the right time.

tomorrow is a walking meditation in silence, complete with sun hats and sunscreen, down to the lake (in above photo).

wishing you a moment of tranquility among the scorching heat hitting a lot of the united states at the moment.

think restoration. sip cold tea. take a cool shower. do legs up the wall. spritz your face with refreshing lavender spray.

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$ense & $ensibility Monday: Travel Large on Little

Katharine Albritton is a writer and art market specialist. Follow the art market with her at 360 Degrees of Art or search for tranquility with her on Twitter.

Happy Tuesday, lovely Tranquilistas! I hope the Americans amongst you had a lovely Fourth of July weekend. Today I want to share with you all a few tips for keeping the costs down on any upcoming vacations you’re planning.

Luggage Fees Add Up Quickly
Try to pack things a roller carry-on or a large weekend bag so that you’re not paying those crazy baggage fees. You don't get cool luggage labels anymore, so what's the point?

Stay With Friends and/or Family If Possible
An easy way to cut out hotel costs. And, if you’re even more adventurous, you can try Couch Surfing. Just remember to be a courteous guest: clean up after yourself, offer to cook a meal or two, and don’t expect your hosts to be your tour guide or at your beck and call. And when you get back home, be sure to send a gracious thank you note.

Don’t Go Insane on Buying Souvenirs
No, your best friend’s mom’s sister does not need a miniature Eiffel Tower. You don’t need to bring home something for everyone. Also, do you want some tchotske clogging up your shelves, or would you rather have one or two beautiful things from your trip to cherish? In my own case, when I was exploring Venice I searched out true artisans and bought myself a gorgeous worked leather journal and a carnival mask that I watched the artist make. Not only do I treasure these two souvenirs because they remind me of my time in Venice, but they also brighten my apartment with their beauty.

Take Public Transport
It might be scary in a city you’ve never been to before, but it can save considerably on cab rides. Also, most cities with public transport offer deals on multiple tickets or on passes for multiple days. Ask at tourist information centers to learn more.

Museum Madness
Some cities offer passes that will get you into multiple museums over a certain number of days. This usually allows you to skip the lines at the museum ticket desks and waltz right in. Again, ask at tourist information centers. If you’re a member of your local museum, ask if they have reciprocal agreements with any museums in the city you’re visiting.

Oldie but a Goodie
It’s clichĂ©d, but for a reason: if you can’t afford to travel this year, take a staycation. Explore a new part of your town or check out a neighboring city for a day. Just take some time for yourself out of your ordinary routine.

Keep living big on that budget,
Katharine

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Monday, July 05, 2010

texas tour details: san antonio, austin, houston, dallas

bonsoir from kripalu,

working on a policy memorandum due for school this week after hosting tonight's opening circle. amazing women from all over the country - moms, grandmas, doctors and all yoginis. great energy and i'm looking forward to our adventures here this week.

i've *just* received the final scoop on my texas tour de tranquilista and wanted to share. hope i get to meet sOMe of you next month!

Friday August 6th

San Antonio: CBS (TV)
8:00 am

Sunday August 8th
San Antonio: Unlimited Thought Bookstore
12:45 - 2:30 pm
unlimited-thought.com‎

3:00 pm
San Antonio: Barnes & Noble San Pedro

Monday August 9th
Austin: Barnes & Noble Arboretum
6:00 pm

Tuesday, August 10th
Houston: Barnes & Noble River Oaks
7:00pm

Friday August 13th
Forth Worth: TV
2:00 pm

Saturday August 14th
Dallas: Barnes & Noble Lincoln Park
2:00 pm

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tranquility du jour #192: myths of the asanas


Bonjour.

Welcome to the 192nd edition of Tranquility du Jour: A Guide to Bringing Tranquility to your Every Day. Today’s show features happenings and musings on The Myths of the Asanas with Alanna Kaivalya.

Workshops + Retreats: Consider joining moi in LA and Portland June 23-28 (details here), a Tranquilista Retreat at Kripalu July 5-9, Texas in August (details to come), and a Yoga Retreat in India November 12-21.

Pose of the Podcast: Happy Bebe

Featured Tranquilista: Alanna Kaivalya
Alanna possesses many talents, but they all fall under one mission: to convey a sense of joy and freedom through harmony and synchronicity. As a singer/songwriter, author and yoga instructor, she channels a passion for finding the connection to our human-ness in everything she does.

Currently, Alanna lives in New York, were she created and leads the Pure Yoga Teacher Tr
aining. Living in New York gives Alanna ample opportunity to stretch her creative wings, and she can often be found on random weeknights singing in a downtown club or during the day walking her dog, Roxy. 2009 was a creative year for her, not only writing and launching the Pure Yoga Training, but also writing her new book, The Myths of the Asanas.

The Myths of the Asanas (Man
dala Press) hit bookstore shelves nationwide on May 1st and has garnered support from luminaries such as Shiva Rea, Ana Forrest, Rodney Yee and Manorama. The book is a resource for yoga practitioners and teachers to go deeper into the spiritual wisdom behind the asanas and represents the culmination of a decade of study and enthusiasm for the mythology of yoga philosophy.

While writing is a passion, music is Alanna’s soul and she spends any free time she can find writing, singing and playing music. Adept at both guitar and harmonium, Alanna has also developed her voice over a lifetime of training and enjoys singing standards, folk and pop just as much as she loves leading kirtans. Her favorite mo
ments in life are often at the end of the song when the music still floats in the air. She has released 2 albums to date: Ahata Nada (2004) and Shine (2007). At the moment, Alanna spends time late at night writing music and hopes to release a new album in the coming year.

During her classes, Alanna strives to blend her love of music with
the breadth of knowledge of yoga philosophy she has gained through her studies with her mentors, Sharon Gannon, David Life and Manorama, as well as many others including Dharma Mittra, Emil Wendl and Michael Bonamer. Another aspect of teaching that Alanna has gained a strong reputation for is her physical adjustments - which she has been teaching to yoga teachers on 5 continents over the past 6 years. In her classes you can expect rockin’ music, dynamic adjustments and creative sequencing all backed by the clever, modern, charismatic artistry of her presentation of the underpinnings of yoga.

She has traveled the world and contributed to many teacher trainings (Radiantly Alive, Flow Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga) as well as taught at conferences (Yoga Journal, Telluride Yoga Festival) and offered workshops in at least 9 c
ountries and countless destinations therein. Yoga Journal has named Alanna as one of the top 21 instructors under age 40 in the nation, and she has been featured on Lime.com, and in Body + Soul Magazine. Her podcast, which started in 2005 has been heard by over one million people worldwide.



Savvy Sources:

JivaDiva.com
Myths of the Asanas

OMwork: How can you feel the vibrations and connect to your spirit this week?








Signature Style
: A line of layers in rayon made from organic bamboo. Locally sewn. 150 trees planted each month. Featured item: flare skirt pant.

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Au Revoir: To close out the show, we’re playing World Sick by Broken Social Scene. You can learn more about their music at brokensocialscene.ca.

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Friday, July 02, 2010

birthday week in review

moi now (eating cupcakes) and then (donning pops' combat boots + hat)

happiest of holiday weekends to each of you!

beau headed to the cabin last night while i headed to school and late night meetings. today has been all about catch up and still more to go. staying in town one extra day has allowed me to do some regrouping, fold laundry, prep for my trip to kripalu on monday, and relish in some deep breaths. despite my best intentions to get completely caught up today, i'm slowing it down, acknowledging i'll never be fully caught up (there is always one more thing to handle, right?), and am doing my best to savor the check off of the to-do list.

while battling crazy allergies last night (boo!) i began reading hand wash cold: care instructions for an ordinary life by karen maezen miller. excited to read it over the weekend and watch for an upcoming interview with her later this summer. great messaging on finding bliss in your daily routine. it's a beautiful reminder that "where ever you go, there you are."

week in review:
- i returned to the yoga mat and it felt amazing
- more physical therapy
- wrote paper for social policy II
- met with 3 of our 4 new darling tranquil space teachers
- manager meeting over scones and cupcakes
- savored 1.5 hours of journal writing at powell's cafe
- turned 37
- shopped vintage stores in portland
- snail mail thank yous to west coast hosts
- tv, radio, and book event in portland on monday
- wrote muse for tranquil space newsletter
- red eye to dc on tuesday = not-so-tranquil
- bought it's not about the coffee and creative wildfire
- outdoor concert at strathmore
- week 2 of tranquilista e-course: fun group!
- gifted awesome bag by beau (merci, merci!)

heading out to catch a train to meet up with beau shortly. one play day, one work day, then train to kripalu for the week. excited to indulge in some hammock time curled up with one of my new books this weekend. fireworks? well, we do have some sparklers and i intend to savor every last sparkle.

wishing you a beautiful, tranquil, lovely weekend. may the second half of 2010 shine brightly for you.

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Thursday, July 01, 2010

Keeping in Touch: While On the Road

Post by Samara O'Shea: Visit her at LetterLover.net and follow her on Twitter


I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.

~Robert Louis Stevenson



Tis the season to be traveling! This weekend my cousin Kate and I are heading to Ireland for a few days and to Amsterdam a few days after that. We are celebrating Kate’s officially becoming a doctor (after four years of medical school and three years of residency). I’m such a proud cousin! This trip is unlike any international trip that I’ve been on in that we’re bouncing from place to place to place—Dublin to Nenagh to Galway to Amsterdam.



Words cannot express my excitement, however, I’m taking some necessary precautions. The unknown element of international travel is part of the fun and also part of the fear. I’m putting together an itinerary to give to my mother and my aunt Susan (Kate’s mother) before we go. I’m making sure to include the flight information—not only for the big flight to Ireland but also the little flight to Amsterdam. I’m giving her the location/contact information of the two sets of friends we’re staying with, in Dublin and Nenagh, the bed & breakfast, in Galway, and the two hostels, in Amsterdam.



Part of what I love about international travel is being unreachable. My cell phone is out of commission, and I leave my laptop at home. Other than one or two stops by an internet cafĂ©, I’m offline. But I don’t want to be so unreachable that my family can’t get in touch with me in case of (God forbid) an emergency. And I also want them to be able to trace my steps easily in case (again, God forbid) I end up off the radar for some reason. Consider doing the same—even if you’re staying in the states with your cell phone. Having a communication back-up plan puts everyone’s mind at ease so the best time can be had by all.

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happy, happy july!


photos from last night's outdoor concert featuring gota + beau

it's that time of the month - explore goals.

what lies within for you this month?

how about taking some time to
savor succulent summer fruits, pen a snail mail letter, and sit at a cafe with your journal?

july dreams/goals

1. design *new* fall e-course
2. create e-course FAQ
3. complete my many MSW projects for social policy II
4. finalize fall TranquiliT samples + shoot fall collection
5. lead inspiring retreat at kripalu
6. compile tranquil space teams' "TS experience" description
7. yoga 2-3 X/week + gym 2-3 X/week
8. read 1 book for fun
9. co-lead inspiring tranquil teens session for running start
10. finalize tranquil space website redesign
11. complete tranquil space arlington build out
12. oodles of hammock time
13. create right brain business plan journal a la jennifer lee

june dreams/goals

1. eat oodles of papaya in costa rica - DOING! - DID
2.
learn oodles at buddhafest - TRIED
3. 10 minute morning meditation - IN PROGRESS
4. to bed b/w 10-midnight, to rise b/w 7-9 - MOSTLY DONE
5. learn from journal extraordinaire during
playdate with hope of paper relics - DONE
6. savor korean spa playdate with shizuka - HAD TO POSTPONE DUE TO PAPER PROCRASTINATION
7. submit testimony and final paper for social policy class - DONE
8. rock my social policy final exam - GOT AN 88 AND THOUGHT I'D FAILED
9.
consistent weekly date night with beau - FAIL
10. start build-out for new tranquil space arlington studio + share with community - DONE
11. co-lead inspiring tranquil teens program for tranquil space foundation - DONE
12.
offer inspiring + informative talks during LA + portland events - DONE
13. launch second tranquilista lifestyle: joie de vivre e-course - DONE
14. return to yoga post-surgery at the end of the month: woo hoo! - DID SO TODAY
15. do oodles of hOMework for 3 e-courses i'm signed up for: one (or two) too many - BEHIND BUT INSPIRED
16. join a gym (first time since 1996) - DONE
17. read 2 books for pleasure - FINISHED ZAPPOS BOOK

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