Tranquility Tour with Kimberly Wilson

One of the fun things about moving to Utah for grad school has been all the people I've met who moved to Utah as well.  Since we're all transplants, I think we've all worked harder on our relationships and on creating a community amongst ourselves.  Part of my community includes these amazing peeps:

Holi Festival 2013  (L to R:  Eric, Bobbie, Me, Mercedes, & James)

Bobbie and Mercedes are both yogis (I think that is the appropriate term).  And over the years, I've tried yoga but always felt awkward and slightly out of sync with whatever was going on in the class (kind of like a bull in a china shop if you will).  It honestly hasn't been an experience I've really enjoyed or received the benefits from in the way that other people seem to.  (I've even tried Bikram Yoga, I managed to stay in the room the whole time but it was close)

Enter Kimberly Wilson and the Tranquility Tour!

Bobbie knows Kimberly from DC (because that's where she and Eric are transplants from) and hosted the stop on the Tranquility Tour that has taken Kimberly and her beau, Tim across the country!

Now Kimberly is the real deal. She is the owner and founder of Tranquil Space Yoga Studio (listed as one of the top 25 yoga studios in the world by Travel+Leisure Magazine).  She is also owner and designer of TranquiliT clothing line.  Additionally, Kimberly is the founder and director of the Tranquil Space Foundation, including Tranquil Teens, a non-profit that teaches yoga, creativity, and leadership to teenage girls.

I became interested in the workshop because Bobbie had talked about Kimberly and her books (Hip Tranquil Chick, Tranquilista, and just recently published Tranquilologie) on several occasions.  And so I thought, if there's anybody in the world who needs tranquility in their lives it's me!  (I mean with this new medication making me irritable, my road rage is worse than ever!  I now get mad when people don't pull all the way up to the line at a stop light, thereby failing to trip the dang sensor that makes the light change faster, ugh!  It's little things like this that suddenly gets on my nerves and drive me crazy! (end of mini-rant)).

I went into the workshop (held October 1 at Vitalize Studio in Sugarhouse) hopeful that something would strike a chord and came out of the workshop feeling like I'd had an hour long massage.  I'm serious!  That's how relaxed and at ease and TRANQUIL I felt after the workshop!!

Tranquility Tour Salt Lake City Workshop Group with Kimberly Wilson

I left with some helpful handouts, a list of books I need to find, knowledge of some simple yoga techniques I can do sitting and some I can do standing that will help me focus my mind and let go of some of the things that stress me, a copy of Tranquilologie (which I plan to read cover to cover), a burning need to find lavender oil, and the beginning of a seasonal art journaling project that will allow me to get in touch with my inner creativity.  Overall, the workshop was a wonderful way to spend three hours and an opportunity to build better relationships in my community.

With Kimberly Wilson, Tranquility Tour, October 1, 2013

With Tasha and Bobbie, Tranquility Tour, October 1, 2013

Now you didn't honestly think I was going to miss an opportunity to take more pictures with "Wandering Wilbur" did you?  Please!!  You never know where he's going to show up next!  Be forewarned!!

To find out more about Kimberly Wilson visit her website: http://www.kimberlywilson.com/
You can also check out her blog and find her podcasts on iTunes under "Tranquility du Jour."

UPDATE :: October 3, 2013

I just finished my art journal project from the workshop.  I knew it would take me a long time because I'm so particular but it's done!!

Back Cover of the Art Journal Project

Inside of the Art Journal

Front Cover of the Art Journal

I love it!!!