Bonjour and welcome to Tranquility du Jour!
My name is Kimberly Wilson and I'm the creative director of Tranquil Space yoga studios, designer of eco-fashion line TranquiliT, director of Tranquil Space Foundation, author of Hip Tranquil Chick and Tranquilista, and writer for this beautiful lifestyle blog. Tranquility du Jour contains musings on a potpourri of my passions - style, yoga, sparkly things, vintage finds, mindfulness, all things French, do-gooding, creativity, and, of course, tranquility.
For a sneak peek into my world peruse my bucket list, take a walk down the tranquility timeline, learn 100 random things about moi, meet my beloved Le Pug and Le Beau, and read about the creation of Tranquil Space.
Get involved with all things tranquil by joining moi for a workshop, jet-setting to an exotic locale for retreat immersion, signing up for an e-course, teleclass, or mentoring session, participating in our online book club, listening to podcasts, and watching vidcasts.
Merci beaucoup for stopping by my beloved blog. I love hearing from readers and welcome your connection. Let's have a virtual cuppa tea and chat tranquility. Bisous.
showing off my beloved perrier pamplemousse rose
FAQs What are your most recommended books?
For creativity: The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
For business: The E-Myth: Why Most Small Businesss Don't Work and What To Do About It
For lifestyle: The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters
For yoga: Jivamukti Yoga: Practices for Liberating Body and Soul
For mindfulness: Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life
For style: Entre Nous: A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl
For time management: 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think
For activism: Grassroots: A Field Guide for Feminist Activism
Why is creativity so important to living a tranquil lifestyle?
Creativity ensures there is a spark inside – even if you live or work in what you may perceive to be a non-creative setting. The art of creativity is finding that spark, making that spark, and keeping that spark alive. I think creativity is akin to self-discovery and ongoing happiness. Living in a creative way allows us to color outside the lines, push our edges, wear pink tights, don red lipstick and sparkles, write with a silver pen, and explore new places. By making creativity a priority, stagnation is less likely to occur, growth is inevitable, and, ideally, tranquility will be a part of the process.
I want to write a book, how do I get started?
In 2006 I recorded a podcast that outlines my experience from concept to publication. Listen to it here and learn all my tips and tricks. In addition, on pp. 26-27 of Tranquilista I share a timeline of my writing journey. Good luck!
I have a business idea and want your feedback.
Congrats, business ideas are always so exciting! For all my advice on launching a new business, please peruse Tranquilista or my upcoming e-course on Creative + Conscious Business. I share all my lessons learned plus tons of resources in these items. If you want feedback catered directly to your situation, please consider a mentoring session where I can focus fully on you. Due to time constraints, I am unable to meet for tea or chat via email regarding business or non-profit ventures beyond these offerings.
You authored Hip Tranquil Chick in 2006, why did you decide to write Tranquilista?
While writing my first book, Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life on and off the Yoga Mat, I coined the term mindfully extravagant. My hope was to explain embracing flair-filled things such as shiny chandeliers, kitten heels, and little black dresses while also practicing yoga, meditating, caring for the environment, and being a do-gooder. These two concepts may feel at odds, but when combined they make even the mundane more sacred. Tranquilista takes the concepts of Hip Tranquil Chick deeper. As a serial entrepreneur, I receive a lot of questions about creating a business or enhancing one’s professional life so I offered up three chapters in Tranquilista on entrepreneurship in an enlightened way. I wanted to offer additional ideas, how to’s and tips on living a tranquil life at work and play.
How did you find tranquility considering you wear so many hats?
I don’t see a distinction between my work and play. During down time you’ll find me reading business books, practicing yoga, or thumbing through fashion magazines – all of which are applicable to my professional life and fuel my passion. During work I’ll be sipping tea, engaging in social media, and blogging about my latest adventure. My work and play commingle in a coherent, holistic way. Also, I’m a sucker for self-care: regular massage, oodles of sleep, yoga, and journal writing.
she: in love. he: bored.
These are foundational building blocks to launching a career and life mindfully. By taking time to feed your spiritual self through simple acts such as time in nature, meditation, journal writing, and yoga, you’re able to know yourself better and find your center. Similarly, by giving back to others and striving to let your thoughts, words, and actions have a powerful impact on those around you, you are able to make better decisions, be a leader, and, ultimately, leave a legacy.
You are a paralegal turned yoga teacher/eco-fashion designer/author/nonprofit director. What are the defining moments of your career evolution?
Taking risks. When I could no longer take staying in the corporate world during the day and dabbling in my passion at night, I took a calculated leap into self-employment. Each of my subsequent ventures has sprung from my desire to grow and explore personally and professionally. All have involved risk, but I’ve taken them in a slow, steady manner that allowed me to manage the growth.
Transitioning from offering a service (yoga) to also offering a product (clothing) was another defining moment as it allowed me to expand my reach and creativity.
Writing a blog and books coupled with producing a podcast have also helped to define my career. I’m now able to reach far beyond the Washington, DC yogis and am blessed with a global audience of readers and listeners.
You’ve taught women how to live yoga on and off the mat, and how to engage in enlightened work and mindful play. What’s next for you?
In 2009 I returned to graduate school to pursue a Master’s in Social Work. This new project will assist with growing my non-profit, Tranquil Space Foundation, allow me to add therapy to my offerings, and keep me busy through 2013! In addition, I plan to focus more on my creative spirit by producing pieces for my etsy shop, writing in my blog, Tranquility du Jour, penning an e-book Tranquilologie, and returning to Paris as often as possible for ongoing inspiration. Ooh la la!
Why do you pen a week in review?
My week in review is created to capture the various tasks involved in overseeing five organizations, going to graduate school, serving on the board of pigs animal sanctury and balancing it with self-care and creative expression. Also, it helps moi see that things got done that week despite a to-do list that feels overwhelming at times. I'm sure many can relate to that feeling!