Customer Reviews

Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life On and Off the Yoga Mat

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I see I'm going to rock the lovefest, but.... I like KW's CDs, which is why I ordered this book - even though I didn't really like the name. The reviews were all so brilliant too.... Maybe I'm just not its market, which seems to be - what? I don't know. Very young girls? But she talks about work a lot, so it can't be teenagers. It's just a touch too shallow. By the end of the book, I couldn't see the words kitten heels again without rolling my eyes. Basically, a hip tranquil chick should wear all black, kitten heels, sequinned hairbands, and have lots of leopard print or bright pink either on her or in her apartment. Tres chic, as she would say. The writer also seems to think that sticking in a French word every here and there makes for hipness.... overuse of tres does not automatically make for chic-ness.

Anyway, I now know not to order any more products from her. My mistake. Yoginis who don't like Cyndi Lee's way of writing or humourous asides on her media (I do, by the way) should avoid this product, as it is much more frivolous than Ms Lee's.....

The Hip Tranquil Chick is ostensibly a book about yoga and its affect and potential for multiple benefits "on -and -off -the -mat." It is that... and so much more! Kimberly has some of the best suggested sequences and poses for creating a good practice with enough diversity for yogis at every level. I own over 25 books on this topic but this is by far the most user friendly, offering clear explanations presented in a charming and engaging manner.


Kimberly makes a regular practice seem more of a jaunty adventure then an obligatory exercise. The effervescent tone of this book does not forfeit important information or belittle yoga's powerful and historical significances. It is solid in its recommendations and instructions and honors those who practice yoga. Kimberly's passion is apparent and strengthens all aspects of her book. And her obvious delight in her own personal practice is at the heart of the book. Every chapter ends with suggestions and guidance for additional resources: recommended books, websites, cd's and other authors and experts. That is unusual and incredibly generous of her to promote others in her own book ; but that exemplifies her attitude of doing good and doing well.

She is successful studio owner and markets a clothing line; but donates a healthy percentage of her profits to local charities, women's shelters, transitional programs for for women entering the workforce and organizations that promote the arts - giving women the chance to work at their craft.

Despite the demands on her time, Kimberly teaches workshops, teacher trainings and some Yoga I classes all with the same bubbly attitude and attention to form.

The book is just like she is. Good for you and fun too.

It is a clever juxtaposition of a how-to-manual, motivational reading, witty essays and a tremendous amount of serious content. I have now read the book twice and look forward to many more readings. Every chapter asks some critical questions and includes some questions for journaling (nothing onerous). These have been especially valuable to me and may help me to make major life change as the exercises are designed to help determine if you are pursuing the dreams you once (or still) cherished. I am considering a career change but frankly even an attitude change would be a welcome change! And while I am a middle-aged suburban mother working in a very conservative field - I do think there is a "Hip Tranquil Chick" spirit within me. I would not have made that statement prior to reading this book. For all those who need advice, validation, compassion or a smile; this is a must read.

I found this book to be helpful not just to all the hip tranquil chicks, but also to the hip tranquil dudes! Kimberly is really speaking to anyone who is looking for meaning and balance in their lives - a particularly difficult struggle in 2006. I found the yoga sequences really helpful, as well as the tips and suggestions on taking the lessons from yoga into other aspects of one's life. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to deepen their commitment to yoga in their life, or who is curious about yoga and needs an introduction. There is also a great CD that goes with the book that makes an excellent companion!

Hip Tranquil Chick is unlike any other book on yoga. For starters, Kimberly takes the myth out of yoga and defines in easy terms what yoga truly is, how it has defined her life, and how it can define yours. Kimberly further explains how yoga is prevalent in all aspects of our lives. From the awesome quotes throughout the book and easy reading format, to the various Omwork sections the information is clear, concise and authentic. Kimberly wants everyone to find their inner "tranquilness" with a splash of joie de vivre, whether that's through creativity, fashion, tea sipping or giving of yourself. HTC is a guide that will last a lifetime.

Hip Tranquil Chick offers a fabulous, non-dogmatic approach to taking the principles of yoga and applying them to the "real world": finances, career, relationships, civic/social involvement, etc. It really fills a void in the yoga literature. Rather than preaching austerity or turning its nose up at the realities of contemporary life, Hip Tranquil Chick celebrates the modern gal who is fully immersed in the world around her. Kimberly's unique voice shines through in the fun, focused, and insightful text, and the illustrations add a dash of inspiration. I particularly enjoyed the section on creating a Vision Statement for your life - something to return to again and again.

This book is jam packed with great information on how to have a balanced soulful life. Since my introduction to Hip tranquil chicks book, podcast, and blog....and hopefully her retreat in June. I am a changed woman. Life is sweet....

I know Kimberly, and reading this book is like spending time with her - it leaves you all revved up to live life more deliciously. This is a great book to turn to on those days when life feels mundane - from yoga poses to home spa ideas to creative journal exercises, you can quickly pick up ideas that help you shake off the blahs and feel inspired.

I believe that practicing yoga on and off the mat fuels rich, meaningful living, and I like how this book provides concrete examples of that...I hope HTC will move more people to try yoga and discover the joy and solace it can provide.

I recently received my copy and will be eternally grateful to Kimberly for the wealth of resources she provides. As a new yoga practitioner, I have so many questions; the one she does not answer directly are found in the resources listed in OMwork at the end of each chapter.

A friend recommended this book to me, as well as her podcasts. Rest assured I will be recommending this to other friends and sharing the hip, tranquil love.

Yoga may be the reason Kimberly Wilson discovered her inner hip tranquil chick, but you definitely don't need to be a yoga student to gain inspiration, along with plenty of "omWork" and resources to keep you busy not just thinking but acting on improving yourself. Although I am a yoga student, I started with the second half of the book, the "off the mat" section on finances, decorating, philanthropy, and party throwing (with very little cooking). I loved how the author simplifies some big topics (such as $$), making these uncomfortable topics appealing to read and reflect on. I loved her ability to work with limited resources, (see decorating your apt on 500), without limiting the possibilities. Each page is littered with tranquil tips in the margins, and the end of each chapter offers web sites and books to further delve into on the topics she has explored.

Kimberly Wilson's book is one that I will reach for again and again when I need a quick yoga sequence or when I need a reminder on not being afraid to act on my creative impulses.

Kimberly Wilson's book is a nurturing guide to being the chick you aspire to be. From the sassy pink cover and leopard-print embellished pages, you can tell that this book is about having a signature style. However, besides the attention to outer chic, Kimberly fosters personal growth and social consciousness by encouraging the modern girl to live with intention and integrity. She connects yoga philosophy with modern demands and daily practicalities, demonstrating how yoga extends beyond the physical practice on the mat. Throughout the book she provides focused and sensible plans for growth, whether it is professionally, creatively, or financially. I personally liked the tips for throwing charitable soirees and redecorating your apartment on a limited budget. Kimberly's specialty is paying careful attention to the little details that can enhance your life. Even the fun, witty, inspiring quotes infused throughout the book merit a moment of contemplation. Read it - you will find yourself motivated to do something better for yourself.