As we transition into another New Year, I can't help but think of one of my greatest teachers... my horse, Little Miss. Having her since she was just a yearling, she has taught me so much about myself and life over the last 27 years. Now at the age of 28 - equivalent to a person in their 80's - Miss is teaching me about age and what it means to grow "older".

Though I may be aware of Miss' age, she certainly is not - or at least doesn't appear to be - evident when she prances like a racehorse ready to race through an open field or up a huge hill (her favorite thing to do). Meanwhile, I'm holding her back out of fear that she may be "too old" for such speed. In the unspoken communication that goes on between us, I hear her say, "Lisa, you're the one with the issue about age, not me... so let me run!" As I surrender to her unbridled spirit, she bursts out of the "starting gate" full force with power, passion and utter excitement; her heart and hooves beat with pure joy! I can't help but get swept up in her wave of enthusiasm!

Unlike Miss who is totally in the moment following the desire of her heart, we as humans, often hold ourselves back out of fear... fear based on a belief about what it means to be older. Usually we believe that growing older means we can't be as excited or enthusiastic about life, or that we can't do the things we used to do when we were younger. Though this may be true to a certain extent, a lot has to do with how well we take care of ourselves as well as the mindset we assume. We let our minds get consumed with thoughts of "what might happen if... " or beliefs we've been taught about aging, and as a result, we hold ourselves back from living our lives to the fullest. In essence, we succumb to believing we need to live more cautiously and that disease is a "natural" consequence of aging.

I look at Miss - as does the vet and everyone else - and no one can believe she's 28. Her spirit and passion for life is still that of when she was a youngster. I attribute her robust health and strong spirit and mind to a good life... a 5 acre pasture for her to roam, lots of love and care, as well as a life of excellent nutrition. (My mom has treated her holistically with various natural supplements over the years.) In the process, Little Miss is teaching me - and all of us - about this concept of growing older. In essence, that it doesn't have to be what we've been taught to believe. Her message is very clear, "Live it how you feel it. Don't let your head get in the way. Every moment is to be lived and enjoyed to the fullest. Now let's run and play!"

With the dawning of a new year, it's a good time to ponder and think about ourselves and the life we live. Who would we be and how would our lives look if we got out of our head and lived completely from our heart? What if we lived with no fear? What if we chose to live with how we feel instead of what we think? Who do we want to be? How do we let the idea of getting older affect the passion and enthusiasm with how we go about our lives? How does our head get in the way of our heart and our joy?

Every year and every day is an opportunity to choose and create our lives. What will YOU choose in 2010? Whatever you choose, live it with heart! 

Happy New Year to all!

To see Little Miss at 28 years young click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZftEtNnYYo

Lisa Brisse & the State of the Heart Staff
For more thoughts, please read lisa's blog at:  www.stateoftheheartfitness.com/blog

With a New Year upon us, it's always the perfect time to reflect on our life from the year passed, as well as visualize and set goals for the year ahead. 

When coaching our clients, there is an exercise we often use; it's called the "Wheel of Life".  In order for a wheel to roll smoothly, it needs to be balanced.  Our lives are no different.  Living in balance is the vital key to maximizing our full potential, maintaining optimal health, and living our best life.  When we are not balanced, we can find ourselves fatigued, stressed, and overweight.  Our health suffers the consequences, often in the form of dis-ease on many levels. 

A balanced life requires regular exercise, a healthy diet, plenty of rest and stress relief, but what also can contribute to the fullness of our spirit is a rewarding vocation, fulfilling relationships, and the opportunity to express our creativity.  We all deserve to live feeling energized, inspired, passionate and alive!  .

Here's the exercise:   The 8 sections in the Wheel of Life represent balance.  If the center of the wheel is 0 (not fulfilled) and the outer edge is 10 (completely fulfilled), rank your level of fulfillment in each area by drawing a line to create a new outer edge.  The new perimeter of the circle represents the Wheel of YOUR Life.  Keep in mind that the goal is not necessarily to achieve a 10 in any or all areas, rather to achieve the same level of fulfillment in all areas so your wheel (your life) can roll smoothly.  

Is your wheel balanced?  If not, pick one area in particular that you would like to improve.  What are 3 "do-able" steps you could make toward this change TODAY?  Who will keep you accountable?

Remember, major change doesn't happen overnight, but requires small steps, every day, one day at a time.    Staying balanced is like riding a bike... small, subtle adjustments in every moment.  Here's to a balanced you in 2010!

Do you ever find yourself searching for a sense of adventure?  Do you ever dream of doing something out of the ordinary?  Something spectacular?  Something inspiring?  Something that would take you out of your everyday routine and awaken your soul?  Do you ever imagine doing something that could change your life forever? 

State of the Heart Fitness is excited to offer something it has never offered before... an experience that completely encompasses the mind, body and spirit.   It is something that we are inviting YOU to participate in... if your heart calls you to do so. 

In August of 2010, Lisa and Gigi from State of the Heart Fitness will be taking a group of 10-15 people to the amazing country of Peru... with our purpose and destination, the "lost" city of the Incas - Machu Picchu - via the classic Inca Trail.  The total trip will be approximately 12 days and will include a few days in Cusco (11,000 ft) to acclimate to the high altitude for our adventure through the Andes.  The actual trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will be approximately 4-5 days, covering about 26 miles.  We will have an experienced guide to share the history and the spirituality of the Incas, while we camp and absorb the mystical energy of Peru along the way. 

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, but  you have some questions OR  some reservations about your physical ability to accomplish such an endeavor, we are offering a "Destination: Peru" Information Lecture on Wednesday evening, January 20th at 7 pm a the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.  In the meeting we will be discussing all of the trip details, days, itinerary, cost, what things to expect, what things you will need to prepare for the trip, as well as exercise guidelines to get one's self ready for an adventure of a lifetime!  This lecture will also include a video of the trek itself, just to give you a better feeling for what to expect as well as to inspire and plant a seed about the possibility it holds for you!

This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it's something that would live with you for the rest of your lives!  There is nothing greater than setting a goal for yourself - one that you might even be uncertain of at this point - but challenging and preparing yourself to make it happen!  That sense of accomplishment and feeling of exhilaration has no monetary value, yet it fills the soul and the spirit like nothing else!  Our space is limited but we want YOU to join us for this magical experience!

Destination Peru
Information Lecture
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
7-8:30 pm
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Call to RSVP at 310.899.4046 by January 19th

For a preview of what could be YOUR experience, click here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxVAFVsw5Yw

State of the Heart Fitness wanted to congratulate the Heartrunners who recently ran either the 5k or the 10k on a cold and rainy morning for the Santa Monica-Venice Beach Christmas Run on December 12th!  Wow!  In a downpour rain, the runners ran with some serious heart!  Though it would've been easy to just stay in bed that morning, they got up, showed up and did it!  We'd like to congratulate John Thomas, Julio, Stephanie Prial, Celine Primo & Julia Wong for showing such dedication and commitment to a goal they set out to train for over 2 months ago.  A special acknowledgement goes out to Celine & Julia who - even after being the last ones to start the 5k (fifteen minutes late as parking was an issue!) - could've easily said "forget it," (especially since they had to jog 15 minutes just to get to the starting line), but did it anyway and were so proud of themselves for doing so!   To quote Julia in her post-race enthusiasm, "Never underestimate yourself!" 

Congrats to all!  You guys & gals are amazing!
Stay tuned for the next Heartrunners Training program
& upcoming 5k/10k!  (TBA)

Click here to view a quick little video of the
Santa Monica-Venice Beach Christmas Run:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgOX4AdeHLU