a beginner's mind
"in the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few." ~ shunryo suzuki-roshi
i recently embarked on two new journeys – beginning sewing and beginning hip hop class. as an avid yogini for numerous years, trying a new form of movement was both enticing and scary. returning to a sewing machine after a few years away brought up additional fears. we spent the first class sewing semi circles on paper, learning to thread the machine, and discussing terminology. i wondered whether i’d be able to keep up. all of this corresponded simultaneously with one of the studio’s tranquil tips of the week on approaching practice with beginner’s mind. synchronicity works in funny ways….
but what exactly is a beginner's mind? how do you cultivate it if you’ve been practicing something for years. it is described very well by the famous zen story known as empty your cup. a university professor went to visit a famous zen master. while the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about zen. the master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. the professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. "it's overfull! no more will go in!" the professor blurted. "you are like this cup," the master replied, "how can i show you zen unless you first empty your cup."
at the beginning of every teacher training at the studio, we encourage the students to approach the training with beginner’s mind - to let go of all preconceived notions about teaching, the perfect pose, and how so-and-so has taught them in the past. this is how we request that they empty their cup. when you empty your cup, you are able to open up to that exciting feeling of “the very first time.”
in her poem "when death comes," mary oliver wrote "when it's over, i want to say i have been a bride married to amazement, i've been a bridegroom taking the world into my arms." can you live your life with that kind of enthusiasm, with that kind of passion? i believe that this is the beginner's mind that suzuki-roshi is encouraging – to live life with a sense of wonder, to see where we are stuck with fixed views, and to be open to possibility. to be here, ready to meet whatever is next without expectation, prejudic,e or preconceptions. sound simple enough? ahh, if only it was so easy.
start today to cultivate your beginner's mind – bring curiosity, wonder, and delight to your everyday experiences. be willing not to know. try new things and don’t seek perfection. challenge yourself continually with new experiences. savor the scent of your favorite flower. observe the sensations of sun salutations. relish in the view of the city’s architecture. truly embrace the feelings associated with touching a loved one - all as if you’re doing something you’ve never done before. now this, my dear one, is an ongoing challenge, but one that will continue to reap rewards over and over again.
i recently embarked on two new journeys – beginning sewing and beginning hip hop class. as an avid yogini for numerous years, trying a new form of movement was both enticing and scary. returning to a sewing machine after a few years away brought up additional fears. we spent the first class sewing semi circles on paper, learning to thread the machine, and discussing terminology. i wondered whether i’d be able to keep up. all of this corresponded simultaneously with one of the studio’s tranquil tips of the week on approaching practice with beginner’s mind. synchronicity works in funny ways….
but what exactly is a beginner's mind? how do you cultivate it if you’ve been practicing something for years. it is described very well by the famous zen story known as empty your cup. a university professor went to visit a famous zen master. while the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about zen. the master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. the professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. "it's overfull! no more will go in!" the professor blurted. "you are like this cup," the master replied, "how can i show you zen unless you first empty your cup."
at the beginning of every teacher training at the studio, we encourage the students to approach the training with beginner’s mind - to let go of all preconceived notions about teaching, the perfect pose, and how so-and-so has taught them in the past. this is how we request that they empty their cup. when you empty your cup, you are able to open up to that exciting feeling of “the very first time.”
in her poem "when death comes," mary oliver wrote "when it's over, i want to say i have been a bride married to amazement, i've been a bridegroom taking the world into my arms." can you live your life with that kind of enthusiasm, with that kind of passion? i believe that this is the beginner's mind that suzuki-roshi is encouraging – to live life with a sense of wonder, to see where we are stuck with fixed views, and to be open to possibility. to be here, ready to meet whatever is next without expectation, prejudic,e or preconceptions. sound simple enough? ahh, if only it was so easy.
start today to cultivate your beginner's mind – bring curiosity, wonder, and delight to your everyday experiences. be willing not to know. try new things and don’t seek perfection. challenge yourself continually with new experiences. savor the scent of your favorite flower. observe the sensations of sun salutations. relish in the view of the city’s architecture. truly embrace the feelings associated with touching a loved one - all as if you’re doing something you’ve never done before. now this, my dear one, is an ongoing challenge, but one that will continue to reap rewards over and over again.
posted by kimberly wilson @ 2:30 AM |
0 comments
Sunday, July 24, 2005
online community communication
tranquilliT thoughts is now open to comments as a way to encourage questions, feedback, and dialogue within this amazing online community. i hope that tranquiliT thoughts will continue to serve as a source of inspiration to each of you seeking a tranquil space through yoga, self-care and living a full life based in intention.
here are a few of my favorite resources for inspiration:
- the artist's way by julia cameron
- simple abundance by sarah ban breathnach
- the e-myth by michael gerber
- living your yoga by judith lasater
- SEED handbook by lynne franks
- 3 black skirts by anna johnson
- all books by SARK
- the four agreements by don miguel ruiz
- the wisdom of no escape and the path of loving kindness by pema chodren
- 12 secrets of highly creative women by gail mcmeekin
- living out loud by keri smith
here are a few of my favorite resources for inspiration:
- the artist's way by julia cameron
- simple abundance by sarah ban breathnach
- the e-myth by michael gerber
- living your yoga by judith lasater
- SEED handbook by lynne franks
- 3 black skirts by anna johnson
- all books by SARK
- the four agreements by don miguel ruiz
- the wisdom of no escape and the path of loving kindness by pema chodren
- 12 secrets of highly creative women by gail mcmeekin
- living out loud by keri smith
posted by kimberly wilson @ 4:02 PM |
0 comments
Saturday, July 23, 2005
how to turn your world upside down - and LOVE it!
inversions are a funny animal when you first join a yoga class. you want me to do what?? well, as we progress in our practice, it is fun to see how some bodies actually begin to crave turning upside down. i equate it to a similar sensation i feel in my hamstrings after two days off of practice - they actually ache for opening. i've had students tell me that they love closing their office door and just going up into headstand mid-day. for those of you a bit timid, and rightfully so, about turning your world upside down, read on for some of my fave headstand tips and stages:
- make sure you are strong in downward facing dog, chaturanga, and up dog before progessing into a full headstand. if you're still struggling with vinyasa, don't worry, i'll offer some great modifications to help build strength.
- begin in downward facing dog on a non-slip surface - your fave yoga mat in your fave comfy, fitted clothes. nothing is worse than turning upside down and your shirt coming over your head, preventing your dristi (focus point).
- come onto your forearms with the elbows directly under your shoulders and interlace your hands. some of you will stay right here, pressing your forearms into the mat and keeping the shoulders lifted without sinking shoulders to ears.
- if you feel strong here, place the top of your head in between your clasped hands. david swenson, my ashtanga yoga teacher training teacher who is a total gem, encouraged us to view headstand as forearms stand. meaning, to put as much weight into our forearms, rather than the head. play here, work on shifting the weight distribution off of your head, into your forearms so that you have lots of space along the neck.
- next step is to walk your feet in towards your hands until they just won't go anymore. again, stay here if this is enough challenge. getting comfortable upside down is no easy feat!
- begin to engage the core, bend the knees and bring your knees above your hips. stay here. most people try to kick up at the wall, banging into the wall without ever connecting to the core when first learning headstand. surrender desire for the final product and enjoy being where you are.
- if you're steady, straighten the legs and extend towards the heavens. think tadasana (mountain pose) turned upside down!
- viola, you're inverting and replenishing your internal organs!
- disclaimer, please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions that would prevent you from turning upside down such as glaucoma or endometriosis (during menstruation). also, if it doesn't feel divine, trace back to the previous stage or release slowly down to child's pose. ahhh, one of the most glorious yoga poses out there!
turning upside down offers respite from our normal existance of being upright. enjoy the sensations, savor the stages, don't rush the process, and honor your continued progression both on and off the mat.
- make sure you are strong in downward facing dog, chaturanga, and up dog before progessing into a full headstand. if you're still struggling with vinyasa, don't worry, i'll offer some great modifications to help build strength.
- begin in downward facing dog on a non-slip surface - your fave yoga mat in your fave comfy, fitted clothes. nothing is worse than turning upside down and your shirt coming over your head, preventing your dristi (focus point).
- come onto your forearms with the elbows directly under your shoulders and interlace your hands. some of you will stay right here, pressing your forearms into the mat and keeping the shoulders lifted without sinking shoulders to ears.
- if you feel strong here, place the top of your head in between your clasped hands. david swenson, my ashtanga yoga teacher training teacher who is a total gem, encouraged us to view headstand as forearms stand. meaning, to put as much weight into our forearms, rather than the head. play here, work on shifting the weight distribution off of your head, into your forearms so that you have lots of space along the neck.
- next step is to walk your feet in towards your hands until they just won't go anymore. again, stay here if this is enough challenge. getting comfortable upside down is no easy feat!
- begin to engage the core, bend the knees and bring your knees above your hips. stay here. most people try to kick up at the wall, banging into the wall without ever connecting to the core when first learning headstand. surrender desire for the final product and enjoy being where you are.
- if you're steady, straighten the legs and extend towards the heavens. think tadasana (mountain pose) turned upside down!
- viola, you're inverting and replenishing your internal organs!
- disclaimer, please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions that would prevent you from turning upside down such as glaucoma or endometriosis (during menstruation). also, if it doesn't feel divine, trace back to the previous stage or release slowly down to child's pose. ahhh, one of the most glorious yoga poses out there!
turning upside down offers respite from our normal existance of being upright. enjoy the sensations, savor the stages, don't rush the process, and honor your continued progression both on and off the mat.
posted by kimberly wilson @ 1:42 PM |
0 comments
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
humbled by hip hop - a beginner's mind
one of my goals for the new year was to take a dance class - ballet, jazz, anything to just move differently! well, i was finally able (and brave enough) to carve out an hour to move this afternoon. having been an avid yogini for the past eight years, i haven't really approached moving in my body in such a new, fresh way (except the one-time ballet class where i scuttled across the floor like a crab, never to return, and my salsa series where i barely progressed).
so as i'm walking to joy of motion where i taught yoga for a few years, i began to question my ability level. would i be good enough? would i be able to keep up? would other people be ahead of me due to their dance training? those gremlins are always there and it is up to us to observe them and just keep going. i danced as a young girl and in high school but that was almost 16+ years ago! and then hip hop begins! oh my. popping, moving in amazing ways, up, then down, use the head, wide-legged push ups on the floor, have attitude. i giggled the entire time and came away incredibly humbled.
it was a perfect reminder of what a beginner goes through when they first approach the yoga mat and this was the perfect class to instill compassion for newbies - of anything! we've all been there. the slow start to something new, only to shine brightly after working hard to overcome obstacles, lack of god-given talent, and set backs. i spoke with a few dance teachers today begging for consolation that there was a possibility of improvement and maybe i'm just a slow learner. (we spent 30 minutes learning two 8 counts that i still don't have down!!) i was reminded that some people take a little longer to pick up choregraphy but shine with performance.
thank goodness there is no hip hop recital coming up but i figure stepping outside of the comfort zone, trying new things, laughing at myself, recognizing my desire to cry when i don't get it immediately, and returning next week is my performance! oh, and did i mention that i bought a 15-class pass? look out hip hop - the white girl with very little rhythm is back next week dancing to "i ain't no hollaback girl." i share this story as a hope of inspiration to try new things and step outside of that sacred comfort zone. don't forget your BIG dose of self-compassion.
so as i'm walking to joy of motion where i taught yoga for a few years, i began to question my ability level. would i be good enough? would i be able to keep up? would other people be ahead of me due to their dance training? those gremlins are always there and it is up to us to observe them and just keep going. i danced as a young girl and in high school but that was almost 16+ years ago! and then hip hop begins! oh my. popping, moving in amazing ways, up, then down, use the head, wide-legged push ups on the floor, have attitude. i giggled the entire time and came away incredibly humbled.
it was a perfect reminder of what a beginner goes through when they first approach the yoga mat and this was the perfect class to instill compassion for newbies - of anything! we've all been there. the slow start to something new, only to shine brightly after working hard to overcome obstacles, lack of god-given talent, and set backs. i spoke with a few dance teachers today begging for consolation that there was a possibility of improvement and maybe i'm just a slow learner. (we spent 30 minutes learning two 8 counts that i still don't have down!!) i was reminded that some people take a little longer to pick up choregraphy but shine with performance.
thank goodness there is no hip hop recital coming up but i figure stepping outside of the comfort zone, trying new things, laughing at myself, recognizing my desire to cry when i don't get it immediately, and returning next week is my performance! oh, and did i mention that i bought a 15-class pass? look out hip hop - the white girl with very little rhythm is back next week dancing to "i ain't no hollaback girl." i share this story as a hope of inspiration to try new things and step outside of that sacred comfort zone. don't forget your BIG dose of self-compassion.
posted by kimberly wilson @ 12:50 AM |
0 comments
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
tranquil travel tips
Isn’t the biggest dilemma, after setting up your autoreply, changing your voicemail, confirming your reservations, and getting a pet sitter, what to pack? Well, considering I lived out of my suitcase a lot this Spring, here a few of my fave, tranquility-inspiring tips that help create a tranquil space internally and externally no matter where your plans take you.
Little treats for your suitcase to make your travel more tranquil:
Yoga mat: nothing is worse than slipping on hotel carpet during down dog
Scented candle: lavender or lilac are my faves. look for the small tin ones for easy transport and don't forget matches!
Rosebud salve: reduces hair frizzies, soothes lips, relieves dry skin, smells divine
Eyepillow: soothes tired, jetlagged eyes
Tea bags: bring some of your favorite herbal blend
Bath treats: Lush has some of the best self-nurturing delights out there
Fave pair of jeans
Comfy slip-ons, kitten heels, and tennis shoes
Swimsuit: don’t you always find that the hotel has a pool or hot tub your tired body craves but you forgot the suit?
Journal
Plenty of pens to record your thoughts
Wrinkle-free, comfy clothing: this is where the tranquiliT collection rocks. Pair your tie top over your wrap top with jeans, a bohemian skirt or the drawsting pant for a perfect outfit that goes from the mat to the museum. Pair your sleeveless tunic over capri pants or jeans and kitten heels for a chic, comfy look. Pair your shrug and your asymmetrical top over your foldover pant for a trendy look that carries you into the evening. Think comfy, flattering, color-coordinating and trendy separates.
A little black dress: throw on kitten heels to dress it up or your slip ons and a denim jacket for fun
Flair-filled accessories: chandelier earrings, long skinny scarves, tranquiliT capelet/skirt, colorful handbag (especially if you’re as addicted to black clothing as I am!), chunky necklace, sequined headband for those not-so-fabulous hair days
Reading material: go through your magazines on the plane and bring at least two powerful books to motivate and inspire
Ipod: how did we ever survive before without carrying around our entire cd collection in one tiny machine?
P.S. Don't forget, if you're not lucky enough to venture off to the beach this summer, create your own little urban escape at home with the tools above!
Little treats for your suitcase to make your travel more tranquil:
Yoga mat: nothing is worse than slipping on hotel carpet during down dog
Scented candle: lavender or lilac are my faves. look for the small tin ones for easy transport and don't forget matches!
Rosebud salve: reduces hair frizzies, soothes lips, relieves dry skin, smells divine
Eyepillow: soothes tired, jetlagged eyes
Tea bags: bring some of your favorite herbal blend
Bath treats: Lush has some of the best self-nurturing delights out there
Fave pair of jeans
Comfy slip-ons, kitten heels, and tennis shoes
Swimsuit: don’t you always find that the hotel has a pool or hot tub your tired body craves but you forgot the suit?
Journal
Plenty of pens to record your thoughts
Wrinkle-free, comfy clothing: this is where the tranquiliT collection rocks. Pair your tie top over your wrap top with jeans, a bohemian skirt or the drawsting pant for a perfect outfit that goes from the mat to the museum. Pair your sleeveless tunic over capri pants or jeans and kitten heels for a chic, comfy look. Pair your shrug and your asymmetrical top over your foldover pant for a trendy look that carries you into the evening. Think comfy, flattering, color-coordinating and trendy separates.
A little black dress: throw on kitten heels to dress it up or your slip ons and a denim jacket for fun
Flair-filled accessories: chandelier earrings, long skinny scarves, tranquiliT capelet/skirt, colorful handbag (especially if you’re as addicted to black clothing as I am!), chunky necklace, sequined headband for those not-so-fabulous hair days
Reading material: go through your magazines on the plane and bring at least two powerful books to motivate and inspire
Ipod: how did we ever survive before without carrying around our entire cd collection in one tiny machine?
P.S. Don't forget, if you're not lucky enough to venture off to the beach this summer, create your own little urban escape at home with the tools above!
posted by kimberly wilson @ 1:05 AM |
1 comments
Saturday, July 09, 2005
leaving a legacy
i recently spoke on a panel at the national women's business conference in dc on ways to leave a legacy. through the creation of tranquil space, i hope to leave the world a better place. that has always been a large value of mine with the studio and to share the ways that i strive to do this meant a lot. i decided that sharing it with blog readers would be another way to get the message out and encourage entrepreneurs, students, teachers, professionals, and worker bees (which is truly what we all are, huh?) to leave a legacy through your daily efforts.
the 3 keys for leaving a legacy are:
1. involvement of your community (family, clients, staff) with special events and recognition
2. find work that feeds a passion and that you can expand on because your passion will continue to grow and evolve
3. share your success with other through mentoring, consulting, volunteering, donating to charities close to your heart
in summary:
- start small
- dream big
- work ON your business rather than always IN your business (same with life!) i.e., self-reflection, evaluation, revisiting goals, etc.
- take care of yourself
- build community
- think PASSION WITH PURPOSE
- leave a legacy
the 3 keys for leaving a legacy are:
1. involvement of your community (family, clients, staff) with special events and recognition
2. find work that feeds a passion and that you can expand on because your passion will continue to grow and evolve
3. share your success with other through mentoring, consulting, volunteering, donating to charities close to your heart
in summary:
- start small
- dream big
- work ON your business rather than always IN your business (same with life!) i.e., self-reflection, evaluation, revisiting goals, etc.
- take care of yourself
- build community
- think PASSION WITH PURPOSE
- leave a legacy
posted by kimberly wilson @ 9:40 PM |
0 comments
Sunday, July 03, 2005
birthday/mid-year self-reflection
as my birthday weekend comes to a close, i wanted to share a fabulous request that i received from my amazingly talented illustrator, morgan. i know her only professionally and was touched to receive such a thought-provoking personal e-mail. here is a portion of it cut and pasted:
"Your birthday is your personal New Year's, and a chance to create for
ourselves a starting point and period of reflection for the year past.
So... Here's your assignment, should you choose to accept it:
1. Make a list of your accomplishments since your last birthday
2. Make a list of your goals for this year.
3. Write these lists in your journal, and save it someplace safe that you'll
refer to it again.
4. (optional) Share this information with others."
as i prepare to venture out into montreal shortly to hear some jazz (it's jazz festival time here!), take sir louis to run with french-barking canines in the park, and stroll along the streets filled with cafes and fun boutiques, i wanted to share this request with each of you. it doesn't need to be a birthday to stop for a moment, find a cozy corner, pull out your journal with pen in hand, and reflect on what the first part of 2005 has meant to you. we're half way there, half way through a year filled with many dreams. how have yours unfolded? what can you do during the second half of 2005 to either get back on the horse or change course altogether?
i plan to use my 12-hour drive back to dc tomorrow to reflect on these great questions above. i encourage you to use this holiday weekend to carve out some personal time. tomorrow is a day focused on freedom in the usa, why not focus on personal freedom through some self-reflection?
here's to the rest of 2005 filled with challenges, joy, growth, and continued evolution. thank you, morgan, for sending such a thought-provoking birthday wish.
"Your birthday is your personal New Year's, and a chance to create for
ourselves a starting point and period of reflection for the year past.
So... Here's your assignment, should you choose to accept it:
1. Make a list of your accomplishments since your last birthday
2. Make a list of your goals for this year.
3. Write these lists in your journal, and save it someplace safe that you'll
refer to it again.
4. (optional) Share this information with others."
as i prepare to venture out into montreal shortly to hear some jazz (it's jazz festival time here!), take sir louis to run with french-barking canines in the park, and stroll along the streets filled with cafes and fun boutiques, i wanted to share this request with each of you. it doesn't need to be a birthday to stop for a moment, find a cozy corner, pull out your journal with pen in hand, and reflect on what the first part of 2005 has meant to you. we're half way there, half way through a year filled with many dreams. how have yours unfolded? what can you do during the second half of 2005 to either get back on the horse or change course altogether?
i plan to use my 12-hour drive back to dc tomorrow to reflect on these great questions above. i encourage you to use this holiday weekend to carve out some personal time. tomorrow is a day focused on freedom in the usa, why not focus on personal freedom through some self-reflection?
here's to the rest of 2005 filled with challenges, joy, growth, and continued evolution. thank you, morgan, for sending such a thought-provoking birthday wish.
posted by kimberly wilson @ 2:40 PM |
0 comments
