Hip Tranquil Chick: 10 Tips For Shining and Putting Your Best Self Forward
by Kimberly Wilson
“our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. it is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. we ask ourselves, who am i to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? actually, who are you not to be? you are a child of god. your playing small doesn’t serve the world. there’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. we are all meant to shine, as children do. we are born to make manifest the glory of god that is within us. it’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. as we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – marianne williamson
how often do you step back to reflect on how brightly you are shining? i know, probably not a typical reflection over your morning cup of joe or green tea. that’s why i wanted to bring the question to light in this month’s muse and share some ideas on ways to shine. this past month has been full of project after project. slowly picking up the pieces of a whirlwind month.
shining and putting my best self forward can be daunting when juggling deadlines, disorganization at home, care for three beloved animals, personal relationships, and growth plans for organizations. considering i know everyone reading this has a similar situation of juggling work, home, and yoga practice, i felt it apropos to share some tips on staying tranquil and shining amidst transition, deadlines, and chaos:
1. keep up your yoga routine. schedule it into your planner as a non-negotiable – similar to a dentist appointment.
2. carve out fun time. yes, you have deadlines, but in order to be fresh, you have to replenish.
3. indulge in a staycation. traveling is exotic, but can also be stressful. why not play tourist in dc?
4. stay hydrated. when you get in the zone of a project, it can be tough to take time out for basic needs. it’s key to keep your body full of h2o – preferably with a slice of lemon.
5. make time for friends. a quick mug of tea, meeting up for a yoga class, or simply sending a “thinking of you” note helps you stay connected.
6. seek inspiration. i surround myself with inspiring images of paris (my latest obsession), flowers, art, and yoga poses, love reading inspiring updates via twitter, and find solace in the many books that surround me.
7. light candles. even when my home is in chaos from a new delivery of inventory or days of neglect, i am sure to have candles or incense burning to enliven my senses.
8. breathe deeply and observe your sensations. when feeling overwhelmed, this simple task can have profound results. close your eyes, take ten deep breaths, and be fully present in the moment.
9. do things differently. making small shifts to your everyday routine can help bring forth sparkling results.
10. be authentically you. wear a flower in your hair. listen to krishna das at the office. paint your walls yellow. write with a pink pen.
may the final down dog days of summer offer you a burst of tranquility and the chance to shine forth. remember, you are meant to shine brightly. how can you turn the light up a few notches this week?
follow moi on twitter: twitter.com/tranquilista
visit tranquility du jour for musings on lifestyle with a yogic twist and biweekly podcasts.
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About our Hip Tranquil Chick, Kimberly Wilson:
Kimberly Wilson is a teacher, designer, writer, activist, and entrepreneur with a master’s in women’s studies. She is the founder of Tranquil Space Yoga in Washington, D.C. She penned Hip Tranquil Chick with hopes of inspiring fellow femmes to lead a mindfully extravagant life on and off the yoga mat. When she’s not bookstore browsing, you’ll find her designing the eco-luxe TranquiliT lifestyle clothing collection and her chunky gemstone jewelry line, sipping tea, or leading retreats globally. Her work has been featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio and in Daily Candy, Fit Yoga, and Shape. With a passion for do-gooding, Kimberly founded the Tranquil Space Foundation to assist young girls with finding their inner voice. Indulge in ongoing musings through her blog and podcast. Learn more at www.kimberlywilson.com.
Random Posts:
- Hip Tranquil Chick: This Season’s Svadhyaya
- Hip Tranquil Chick: CreativiT + VersatiliT + SimpliciT = TranquiliT by Kimberly Wilson
- Hip Tranquil Chick: A New Beginning Is Offered Every Day
- Hip Tranquil Chick: Loving Yourself Fully
- Hip Tranquil Chick: Reflection
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