Tranquilista – a book review

I like to think of each day as a fresh canvas full of possibility.

Kimberly Wilson

I’ve read Kimberly Wilson’s new book Tranquilista : Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play. I’ve been a fan of this online chica for a long time and I always listen to her new podcasts. Her podcast show is about creativity, entrepreneurship, self-help and living your yoga, all topics I’m interested in. They are among my favorite to listen to while I create. Her book has the same vibe and feel as her talks and interviews. She has a couple of expressions that is very much her own that are “sprinkled” inside the book. If you listen to her you’ll recognize all those French words, as well as her trademark expressions “savvy sources”, “sassy spirituality”, “divine do-gooding”, living “la vida yoga” and “mindfully extravagant

The book is like a light guide to living a good life, a inspirational guide to looking at all the different areas of your life to make them better and more fulfilling. Creativity is a big part of all our lives, both in your work situation and when you’re of the clock or starting a business of your own. Kimberly says that there are numerous ways we can “exude our creativity”:

…from the clothes you wear to the color of the pens you use to the way you organize your files. Simple choices you make every day offer a welcome opportunity to think creatively. Begin to define your life as art – a true masterpiece. You already know you are one of a kind. Now revel in the creation of this magnum opus and consciously design your colorful canvas.

She suggest some ways to celebrate an artist date, find your own modes of creativity and setting up a creative space among other things. A chapter to return to on days when you find nothing inspirational inside.

It’s not a surprise that personal style and make-up essentials are a part of what Kimberly finds important for women, she is a very stylish chica herself. As a twist to the subject she talks about sustainable style and green ways to be stylish which I think is great! Style is not something I’m into but I still want to look good. I still think style is interesting to think about, and I love experimenting with colorful cloths and second hand fashion.

As you can see in my photo I’ve been reading this book while carrying with me my diary and newly bought Shapie pen to make the exercises in the book. (Note: I like writing with the Sharie’s black ink). Kimberly starts of with a chapter on yoga and spirituality, something I want to explore more (all those cool yoga sutras) then goes on to write about aspirations, goal setting and self reflection which is another favorite topic with me. I did the exercises in my diary and learned a few things on the way.

I loved reading the start-up advice and how to set up for a successful workshop, event or launch party, I find these topics inspirational and very useful. Of course Enlightened Work is a big topic in this book, Kimberly is a business woman for sure. She is is a yoga studio owner, designer of eco-fashion called TranquiliT, and the founder of the Tranquil Space Foundation, which promotes yoga, creativity, and leadership in women and girls, and she talks about all of these business in the book! Plus she is a podcaster, yoga teacher, blogger and writer. She uses her own businesses and writing process as examples, and she has weight behind her words.

I think this is a great book that I will place next to I’d rather be in the Studio and Crafting a business on my book shelf. It’s full of inspiration for how to do good in the world, both to yourself (body, soul and heart) and to others. A tranquilista is a woman who embraces her many sides; creative, spiritual and entrepreneurial (calls her own shots!). I’m a tranquilista, are you?

Savvy Resources…

• Get the book Tranquilista (Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play) at Amazon
• Hip Tranquil Chick Kimberley Wilson’s first book, A Guide to Life On and Off the Yoga Mat
• Let’s talk live – about the book from a talk show
• Do gooding – excerpt from the book about doing good in the world
• kimberlywilson.com – where you will find links to her different businesses, blog, DVD’s and podcast (have a listen if you haven’t already!)
• She is on youtube too, check out her video Designing 2010 planner pads for example! Inspiration!

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