Have you ever been driving and nearly pull out in front of an oncoming car because you just didn't see it, or you just weren't completely present? Regardless if it was an innocent mistake, usually the reaction of the person in the other car is one of anger, evident by a nasty look or something more expletive! In those moments I can easily take the other person's reaction personally and get upset that they're angry with me. After all, they know nothing about me other than my obvious driving error; don't we all make mistakes from time to time? Yet, we also know what it's like to be that other person when someone cuts in front of us. We also react in anger... but why? It's easy to think that person doesn't know what they're doing or to even think they're stupid even though the shoe has been on the other foot and we too have made the same innocent mistake.

Our anger is only masking a deeper emotion - fear. If we look beneath our anger we realize we are fearful, because for a moment, our life felt threatened. Though it's easy to react and project our anger onto another - even for an honest mistake - remember that this is the energy we are contributing to our own well-being, but also to the world and others around us. In our desire to create a healthier, more peaceful planet, it requires all of us to pause in those moments... to breathe, to take responsibility for our feelings and resist placing the blame on the other person. Peace comes to the world when we first choose it for ourselves... in all moments. We can't always control what happens around us, but we can control our personal response and our personal experience.

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

Nearly everyone knows that in order to live a healthier, happier life we need to exercise regularly, incorporate nutritious foods and balanced eating habits into our daily regimen, as well as manage our stress in a healthy way. But, if we all know what to do, why don't we do it? It's not necessarily a matter of intelligence because some of the most intelligent and successful people don't necessarily practice healthy lifestyle habits. So what is it? What keeps us from consistently making better choices for ourselves even when we know what those better choices are? This seems to be the million dollar question!

Some might immediately jump to the reasons (read: excuses) of: 1.) don't have enough time, 2.) don't have enough money, 3.) too many other responsibilities, 4.) it's selfish of me to do things for myself when I have a family and children that need my energy and attention, etc, etc, etc. Obviously, on the s urface, these can all seem to be legitimate reasons, but are they really? Let's take a deeper look.

The one truth is we all create time and dedicate our energy to those things we deem important in our lives. The problem is our own personal health & well-being are usually pretty low on that list. What are these excuses really saying about us? 1.) I don't have time for myself, 2.) I don't value myself; I am not worthy of good health, 3.) Everything else is more important than I am, 4.) Taking care of myself is selfish.

Hmmm... Have you ever been on an airplane and the flight attendant explains that should the cabin pressure change, you are to put your own mask on first before helping your child? Why do think this is? Bottom line: if we're not conscious, we're not able to help ourselves OR the child. However, if we help ourselves first, we have the ability to help others. The same goes for our health & well-being. If we aren't taking good care of ourselves, we are not functioning optimally in our lives. As a result, we are often tired, exhausted, chronically stressed and even ill. Of course in this state of being, one would think, "If I'm already exhausted, how am I supposed to find time to take care of myself?"

The "secret" to actually doing what you know you need to do is to shift your perspective. YOU are the most important and valuable part of your life. When you take time to take care of you, you have that much more energy and strength to take care of the family, the job, the house or whatever is important to you. And in the process, you give those around you the greatest gift - a healthier, happier YOU! Your health is the key to living your best life! Don't forget YOU in the process!

ATTENTION TO ALL WHO LIVE IN MINNESOTA! Lisa is going to be presenting her seminar: IF WE ALL KNOW WHAT TO DO, WHY DON'T WE DO IT? on Saturday, September 12th from 10 am to 12 pm. Please click here for the flyer with more details.

Hope to see you there!

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently published their updated shopper's guide to pesticides. The "Dirty Dozen" comprise the 12most contaminated fruits and vegetables.

EWG research has found that people who eat these 12 fruits and vegetables (conventionally grown) consume, on average, 10 pesticides a day.

1. Peach
2. Apple
3. Bell Pepper
4. Celery
5. Nectarine
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes (imported)
11. Carrot
12. Pear

The "Cleanest Group" comprises 15 fruits and vegetables that are lowest in pesticides. EWG research found that people who eat the 15 least contaminated conventionally grown fruits and vegetables ingest fewer that 2 pesticides daily.

1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Pineapple
4. Mango
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet Peas
7. Kiwi
8. Cabbage
9. Eggplant
10. Papaya
11. Watermelon
12. Broccoli
13. Tomato
14. Sweet Potato

Buying organic can be more expensive and more difficult to find than buying conventionally grown produce. This list, however, helps consumers make informed choices at the grocery store or farmer's market. You can use it to prioritize when to buy organic and when you can get away with something more conventional. For more information visit: www.foodnews.org This article was provided by a blog by Dr. Maggie Ney, a naturopathic physician, co-director of the woman's clinic at the Akasha Center www.akashacenter.com for Integrative Medicine in Santa Monica, California and creator of Chic Wellness health blog.

Not only are we recognizing Craig Miller's most recent accomplishment in completing the San Francisco half marathon for the second year in a row (not to mention shaving 3 minutes off his time last year!), but we also recognize him for having the unique distinction of being State of the Heart Fitness' longest running (no pun intended) client! When Craig started with us back in 2001, his workouts consisted of weekly massages at the Loews spa! But Craig, knowing he needed the accountability, decided it was time to adhere to a regular exercise routine.. 

Gigi & Craig at the SF half maratihon!

He says his desire to start was for mental health as well as physical health, but admits that vanity also played a role. Over the years, Craig's workouts have expanded and varied to incorporate weight training and core workouts 2-3x/week, as well as running 6 miles or so, 1-2x/week with Gigi. Most recently, Craig has incorporated some outdoor activity such as ocean swimming and kayaking with Mike Anderson's outdoor adventure fitness company, "Go Outside & Play".

To quote Craig on this experience, "There is NO WAY I would engage in either of these two activities on my own-particularly in the ocean. Truth be told, I have a fear of wet, slimy things, but Mike's presence somewhat allays that fear-for reasons that are not logical, but that's really how it is for me. Also, having Mike in the ocean with me, I feel that the chances of my being eaten by a shark are reduced by half."

In regards to marathon training, Craig originally wanted to support two charity clients who had started a fundraising marathon training program, but also credits "a little, nagging matter of mid-life crisis" that contributed as well. He says the training provided him with additional focus and discipline which has been a huge benefit. "I have now completed the San Francisco half-marathon two times. Both events were very difficult, but also really gratifying. It was of enormous help having Gigi both train and run alongside me at the events."

Congratulations, Craig! We're proud of you!

Special Note: Craig is the original founder of AIDS WALK LA. This year the AIDS walk is 25 years old at the same time, Craig is turning 50. To honor both, State of the Heart Fitness is planning a team to walk together and/or sponsor us for the AIDS WALK on October 18th, 2009. Please come join us! Here's a link for more information: www.aidswalk.net/losangeles
Call us for more information about how to join our team!