SharedBliss: Interview with Uber-Chick Kimberly Wilson

Buddhaful by Marcy Hall.

Listening to: A chick after my own heart, Kimberly listens to everything from Krishna Das to Frank Sinatra to this.

Today's Bliss Formula: First of all, I'm super excited about this interview. I've been reading HTC for so long! Also, today is my second on-my-own day at my library job (which is only two days a week -- whoot!).

She designs jewelry. She designs eco-conscious clothing. She writes books. She writes a super-popular blog and creates podcasts. She runs a hugely successful yoga studio. She facilitates creativity retreats. She heads a non-profit.

She's a bird! She's a plane! She's...cloned ten times over?!

Nope. She's Hip Tranquil Chick, Kimberly Wilson, and she's obviously someone who never sleeps.

Or so you would think: she happens to love to sleep and she loves cupcakes and we (the royal we) adore her.

She also manages to have a personal life, and she pulls all of this off with a dash of glitter and a heaping tablespoon of, what she refers to as, "mindful extravagance."

I love that phrase: "Mindful Extravagance." It can mean anything from a bubble bath to a day in bed surrounded by beads and markers to the perfect bamboo fabric wrap. It means staying in touch with your deepest desires and needs and manifesting them in a way that is both personally and environmentally responsible.

Just like Kimberly.

Describe the PrimaryBliss of your life. How did you come to know that this was your PrimaryBliss?

I would have to say that mindful extravagance is my PrimaryBliss. I adore yoga. I adore do-gooding. I adore accessories. I adore challenging myself. The word I've used to describe this blending of adorations is "mindful extravagance." I've come to know this PrimaryBliss by connecting the many facets of my personality and passions.

What types of choices and sacrifices did you make to be able to craft this bliss-filled life?

Making a choice to carve my own path professionally has been lonely, challenging, and exhilarating at the same time. My main sacrifice, especially over my past 9 years in business, has been free time. I have none and really haven't for the past 9 years.

How does your PrimaryBliss radiate out into the rest of your life?

Mindful extravagance is my lifestyle summed up in a nutshell so it radiates into all facets. I try to incorporate mindfulness into all that I do and love savoring all the special touches (extravagance) such as yummy green tea, soft eco-clothing, long faux pearls, chandeliers, etc.

What are some other activities that also give you this sense of bliss? Things that make you lose track of time?

I receive a sense of bliss in all sorts of ways; here is a sampling of them: sipping tea, bookstore browsing, writing, reading, designing, taking classes, practicing yoga, journal writing, accessorizing, organizing, dining with good friends, leading workshops, speaking, volunteering, planning sessions.

What is your daily or weekly spiritual practice?

I practice yoga daily in some capacity - asana, meditation, pranayama, svadyaya (self-reflection). Ideally I have at least a 1-hour asana practice daily. My goal is to incorporate meditation daily, too.

What music is your bliss?

A huge range from hip hop to kirtan to chill to pop to French. I love listening to Frank Sinatra, Krishna Das, Eminem, Madonna, and Thievery Corporation.

Name books or authors/poets or people who are your bliss, who influenced your bliss.

A few of my faves: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin, The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, The Visionary Business by Marc Allen, Zen Business Administration by Marc Lesser, Setting the Table by Danny Meyer and Oprah, Madonna, Martha Stewart. I have a list of my favorite books on my blog under "Savvy Sources."

What advice would you give to someone who feels they have not yet discovered their PrimaryBliss?

Keep searching, you have it within you.

Do you have a favorite quote you would like to share?

A poem by Marianne Wiliamson:

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, 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’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Kimberly is a perfect example of someone who never lets the world tell her that she's "too much." She never lets herself be stuffed inside some too-small box. She is constantly challenging herself, constantly polishing that source of light at her center, and thus shining ever more brightly on the rest of us.