Hip Tranquil Chick: This Season’s Svadhyaya

by Kimberly Wilson

How do geese know when to fly to the sun? Who tells them the seasons? How do we, humans know when it is time to move on? As with the migrant birds, so surely with us, there is a voice within if only we would listen to it, that tells us certainly when to go forth into the unknown. – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

I was delighted to see leaves in shades of red and gold while kicking back on a screened porch in the woods last weekend. A fresh season is upon us and I’m grateful for the cool breeze accompanying it. As summer comes to a close over the next few weeks, I encourage you to spend some time in svadhyaya (self-study). As nature changes around you, it prompts you to turn within and make your own changes.

Each fall I grab a hot cocoa, curl up with a comforter, and pull out the Wheel of Life exercise (see page 73 of Hip Tranquil Chick), which you may have been exposed to during workshops, while working with a coach, or on any retreat with me. This exercise has you assess your level of satisfaction with areas such as health, home environment, education, finances, relationships, joy, creativity, self-care, career, and spirituality. Your level of satisfaction could easily change daily, depending on positive feedback at the office, a messy home, a breakup, or a lingering cold. By taking a look at these categories on a seasonal basis, you can establish action steps to move past stagnation. This also allows you to catch any brewing dissatisfaction that may be beneath the surface.

Yoga allows us the opportunity to move out of our head and into our bodies. Listen within. What beckons you? What is calling for change or exploration? Just as we explore our edge on the yoga mat by seeking that place of sensation past the comfort zone before pain, I encourage you to find your edge off the mat this fall. I’m joining you on this exploration by returning to graduate school to pursue a Master’s in Social Work. What will be your new pursuit or surrender this season?
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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.

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Related posts:

1. Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life On and Off the Yoga Mat by Kimberly Wilson
2. Hip Tranquil Chick: Explore Life Outside of Your Comfort Zone
3. Hip Tranquil Chick: Let’s Leave A Legacy
4. Hip Tranquil Chick: A New Beginning Is Offered Every Day
5. Hip Tranquil Chick: CreativiT + VersatiliT + SimpliciT = TranquiliT by Kimberly Wilson