5 Things I’m grateful for today: 1) my breath 2) my Black Cherry “Manduka Pro” Yoga Mat 3) my Rip Curl summer wetsuit 4) my friend Justin for detailing my pink beach cruiser 5) chocolate chip pancakes, from Blue Plate on Montana

This morning I woke up and practically BOUNDED out of bed. Now, on a normal day, I would attribute this to the very bold French Roast I typically enjoy first thing in the morning, but today, there was another reason. This morning I was headed to Venice Beach for a Yoga + Surfing workshop! Now, ordinarily I would not choose a “blissful” activity that began at the ungodly hour of 6:45am, but this endeavor seemed well worth bypassing the (very tempting) snooze button. SO… sans coffee, I rode down to the shore on my pink beach cruiser & met my friend Cristi for our sunrise yoga practice on the beach. The flow focused on heart opening & core strength. I felt invigorated by my own breath, & the haze of the rising sun as it struggled through the sticky marine layer. After almost 90 minutes of practice, and what seemed like approximately 7, 685 chaturanga pushups, I felt ready to pop up on my board and face the ocean head on. That is….. until I physically approached the ocean head on, and found the surf wild, gray, dangerous…… and actually BEATING the shore as if in retribution for some unforgiven offense. Ummmm…. This did not look at ALL like the flyer with the picture of the cute, bikini-clad cartoon surfer girl smiling and happy on her pretty pink surfboard, and drinking what I could only imagine was an organic mimosa. No…. this was more like a scene from The Perfect Storm. Only…. minus George Clooney. (Or even Mark Wahlberg). As I stood there in my wetsuit, watching my fellow yogis (all of whom suddenly seemed to be seasoned surfers) dive headfirst into the ocean, only to get immediately pummeled by bone crushing waves, I seriously contemplated bailing altogether and trading in my surfboard for chocolate chip pancakes, the New York Times, and the safety of shore.

But I didn’t. Instead, I channeled my inner yogi, and took a breath….. deep & calming….. and then dove in after my companions, who by now were out past the white water. After all, someone once said: “The brave do not live forever, but the timid do not live at all”. Was it Twain? Franklin? Maybe it was Dumbledore…. In any case, it seemed applicable. And, in this moment…. I wanted to Live! And, miraculously…. despite my limited experience and a raging tide, I did. (barely)

In the very midst of the challenge, and the fear, (and the several gallons of salt water I inhaled), I managed to completely give over to the experience. I felt a truly heart-opening life shift out there in the pacific. 2 hours of breathlessly tackling insane winds and herculean inside breakers. Paddling with everything in my being just to barely tread water. Getting pummeled… over, and over, and over again. Crushed, breathless, & beaten, I’d get right back up, and go right back out. Now, SOME might call this obstinance, but I prefer to think of it as HEART. I summoned all my strength, endurance, determination & fearlessness…. until finally… JUST when I thought I’d never get there, I pushed past the breakers to the awe inspiring tranquility of the quiet, rolling water beyond. I sat on my board and surrendered to the beauty of this stillness. A stillness I had not experienced in a VERY long while. Simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated, I smiled and cried at the awesome power of the ocean, and the astonishing majesty of life.

After a few moments reveling in this languid bliss… I found my balance, and rode the most perfect, most frightening wave all the way to the shore. And then another. And another. Each time I paddled out, I found myself tackling the breakers with more and more confidence…. in awe that surfing is such a prodigious metaphor for life: Sometimes… just when we reach our breaking point, and feel as though everything is over…… The greatest ride of our life BEGINS.

Well……. It’s been awhile since my last blog. A long while, to be truthful. Many times in the past several months I have sat down to the computer to share words of wisdom, and found myself distracted by phone calls, or emails, or Facebook. I’ve made excuses (“but there’s a re-run of FRIENDS on”), I’ve procrastinated (“I’ll do it right after I watch this re-run of “FRIENDS”), and I’ve scolded myself for my laziness (“I’m Horrible for watching a re-run of FRIENDS when I should have been blogging!!!!”). All of this worry & stress still was not enough to motivate me toward my laptop, which was very busy gathering dust in the back corner of my closet, somewhere behind my box-set of FRIENDS. I would occasionally even get minor panic attacks at the mere thought of writing a blog…. “what will I write about??”, “what if it’s not good enough??”, “would Chandler think this blog was funny??”. Time and time again I avoided the dreaded task…. Wondering how something that I once enjoyed SO much, was suddenly more foreboding than the Mayans’ predictions for 2012. Then, one day in July, after a particularly tragic attempt at writing (I think that blog may have actually begun: “GLUTEAL WORK: Don’t get “Behind”. Yikes.), I realized. It wasn’t the phone, or the re-runs, or facebook. It was fear. Plain & simple. I was afraid that…. for the first time in my life… I might actually have nothing to say. This is because for the last 8 months, I have been going through a very challenging & contentious divorce. And on that particular day in July, I was afraid that the whole terrible process had stolen my voice.

Today it will be 237 days since I ended my marriage. 238 days ago, I was married. Today, I am not. For 236 nights, and 237 days I have fought with everything inside to hold onto myself, while at the same time trying desperately to allow myself , the space & forgiveness to grow and heal. Since this website is all about finding Bliss, I will keep it brief, and simply say that the past 8 months have been, without question, the most challenging of my life. In, fact I was watching a study on the news recently, which found that people who have gone through a divorce are 40% more likely to age quickly, and die sooner. Forty Percent. Great. How was I supposed to Blog about “Bliss” & “Wellness” when experts say I am clearly doomed to premature crows feet, and probably only have another 6 months or so to live? The thought of tackling inspirational blogging at this point seemed just overwhelming. WHY would anyone be interested in ANYthing I have to say? So I said nothing.

Over the past 8 months, I have been tried & tested. I have been shattered, hurt, disappointed, and stressed near my breaking point. I have cried, hyperventilated, yelled, and screamed (sometimes at those who didn’t deserve it). I have felt lost, exhausted, confused, manic, and occasionally….. even broken beyond repair. But it turns out…. I wasn’t broken. During those same 8 months, I have smiled and laughed. I have danced and surfed, and cycled. I have painted, and journaled, and dreamed. I have witnessed breathtaking sunsets and heartbreaking Art. I have read books… from the inane to the classics, from self-help to the Yoga Sutras. I have lived and loved and healed. I have grown and learned and soul searched. In essence… I have survived. And beyond merely surviving…… I have managed to find a deeper version of myself. A more authentic ‘Me’. Despite the nearly unbearable havoc that Divorce has inflicted (not just on me, mind you….. but on ALL those who love me the most), I have NOT lost my voice. Or my heart. Or my laughter. Rather….. I have actually FOUND these things again. and… in a more profound way than ever.

From this day… from this very MOMENT onward, I intend to develop a deeper, more personal relationship with my Joy. with my LIFE. I had lost so much during my marriage, that I simply refuse to waste another breath NOT being the best version of myself I can possibly access. This of course, begs the question “HOW do I access my best self?”. And this is when, (as I have so often done in moments of major life crises) I turn to my Father ‘s sage advice. During a particularly challenging time, my Dad reminded me that “Happiness is a choice”. A conscious decision to control our own thoughts, feelings, & destiny. Well… I found this extremely comforting. Happiness is not something that simply ‘happens’ to us one day. We have to choose it. We have to love ourselves enough to truly believe that we deserve it. and To CHOOSE happiness takes hard work, peaceful dedication & patient nurturing. To take care of others, we have to first take care of ourselves.

And Thus begins my brand new journey! My commitment to help others find their health, wellness & Joy, by remembering to nurture and cultivate my own. Each day, I am going to do something…. At least ONE thing … that exists exclusively to fill my heart & feed my soul…. and then Blog about it. A daily commitment to my Bliss. I am going to show my gratitude for this amazing LIFE I’ve been given, by seizing every opportunity to choose JOY. I’m going to “Carpe Diem” my little heart out!!! I’ll begin each Blog entry with “5 Things I am grateful for Today”… and then share my journey. I hope you’ll join me on an adventure of your own.

5 Things I am grateful for Today: 1) The courage to talk about the end of my marriage, and the beginning of my new life 2) My tirelessly devoted Family & Friends, without whom this transition would have seemed insurmountable. 3) my students, who inspire me EVERYDAY with their strength, integrity, dedication, and open hearts 4) gummi coke bottles 5) The profoundly limitless possibilities of Life

“Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood.” – Kahlil Gibran

“They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they’d make up their minds.” – Winston Churchill

Perfection: the highest degree of proficiency, skill, or excellence

Spring is here! Well…… kinda. Sorta.

OK, OK, you’re still spending more time in your rain boots & slicker than in your flip-flops, but that’s no excuse to be gloomy!  Even here in LA we are being drenched with downpours that bring to mind the “Perfect Storm”, but I am determined to find JUST that amid the grey & gloom.  Perfection.

Some say it doesn’t exist at all.  I protest (loudly) that it does!  Perfection has nothing to do with having a sublime physique, or a foolproof career path.  Perfection is neither the absence of mistakes, nor the procurement of all the right answers.  It does not involve having that elusive utopian relationship, or grasping all your lifelong goals.  In fact… Perfection Itself, is not perfect at all.  It is rather, a choice.  A decision to be happy, and to tirelessly seek out joy.  Even amidst the most stormy or desperate of circumstances.

In the quote above (one of my favorites) Gibran brilliantly defines ‘perfection’ as a verb.  An action.  It has purpose, energy & momentum.  Perfection can be explained by one simple yet dynamic act: “Advance”.  And do it fearlessly.  We can all realize perfection, simply by taking the first step.  Bliss is not about reaching a destination.  In fact, by Gibran’s definition, One can never actually “arrive” at perfection, because in doing so, one would cease to “advance”.  The beauty of life and love is in the journey.   In that courageous first step.  The choice to be happy, and to share that bliss and compassion with each person we encounter… from our dearest loved ones, to the barista that makes our lattes.  And yes, even to your least favorite ‘ex’ who dumped you via payphone then trashed you on facebook.  Extending love THAT far is the pilgrimage of perfection, and the gateway to our own prosperity.

I know Churchill claims that “they” can’t make up their minds, but I believe those that come down on the side of “practice makes perfect” are absolutely correct.  We should practice our happiness every day.  And just like with any practice, this is usually no easy task.  It is challenging to exercise felicity.  Some days… more challenging than others.  But we MUST practice.  Everyday.  Every hour.  Every moment.  We must drive ourselves to overcome any and all external factors beyond our control, and valiantly pursue the light.  We can’t always subjugate the circumstances of our environment, but we CAN regulate the manner in which we react to them.  We can choose….. even in a failing economy, or amidst a devastating breakup… to seek out the joy.  To find the delight.  Believe me…. It exists.  Whether it is in the company of a friend, or in a smile from a stranger that reminds us we are important.  We are significant.  We matter.  Beauty & joy exist all around us.  Even in the eye of the storm.  Especially there.  It is THERE that we learn what we are truly capable of.  What we can endure, and how we can thrive. To persevere in the heart of chaos; in “the perfect storm”: that is perfection.  The adventure.  The voyage.  The advance.  Happiness is everywhere.  We just have to train our eyes to see.

Well, the time has come.  It’s March.

It’s been a looooooooong while since Jolly Old Saint Nick stole down your chimney & ate all your cookies, but it’s still a while until April showers bring May flowers.   By now, 3 months into the new decade, your New Years’ resolutions have likely fallen by the wayside (be honest.  You haven’t hit the gym 6 days a week for ‘step-sculpt-cardioboxing’, and the last time you ate a vegetable was…. The carrot cake you ate for breakfast.  I know, I know… “cream cheese is totally a breakfast food!!!!”)  And there’s worse yet to come!!  Basketball bracket parties offer myriad opportunities to dive head-first into a bowl of queso and stuff yourself with delectable chips & dips.  And forget about St. Patty’s Day!!!!  Admit it.  Last year you drank 4 green beers, 6 shots of Jameson, and downed 5 “irish car bombs” before your corned beef & cabbage lunch….. Because even though you’re ACTUALLY Sicilian, on March 17^th, EVERYBODY is Irish!!

Well have no fear.  I’m not here to kill your buzz.  Just to give you a few easy ways to combat that beer belly, and make better choices- without compromising your inner “irish” frat guy.

Guiness: “It’s Good for You” – it’s frothy.  It’s irish.  AND you can ask the barmaid for that swirly shamrock in the foam. On top of being delicious, recent studies show that Guiness can also work as well as a low dose of aspirin to prevent artery clotting, & can reduce the risk of heart attack.  Guiness also possesses antioxidants (similar to those in super-foods like blueberries) which have some pretty potent health benefits.  PLUS, with lower caloric content than regular beer (198 kcal/pint…. Less than a glass of OJ or skim milk), Guiness is thick, rich & much more filling, making it more likely you’ll be full and satisfied with just one (or….. let’s face it…. 2), so you’ll save calories AND dollars over consuming regular beer.  So indulge!  And earn the nickname “Professor Guiness O’Guiness’oyle”

“Kiss Me I’m Irish!” – we all know that kissing is a great way to express affection, and to boost self esteem.  BUT… did you know kissing can have tremendous heath benefits as well?  For one it stimulates adrenaline production, which not only helps relieve stress, but also gives us a natural boost in energy (enough for one more round of Guiness).  Also, the endorphin release from one kiss can be 200x more potent than morphine!!! Burn, baby, Burn! a good kiss can raise your natural metabolic rate, burning calories 2 to 1!  Forget the French – grab your sweetie and give ‘em a touch of the Irish!  See… I TOLD you I wasn’t here to spoil your fun

Beer Belly Busters:  If you STILL can’t resist the temptation of 7 or 8 green beers, here are a few quick & easy exercises that’ll bust that gut!

1: fore-arm plank: a great one you can do at work while waiting for your assistant to bring your morning double half-caff.  Place the elbows on the ground directly under the shoulders, and roll over your toes to a full plank position (on the knees for beginners) lengthening through the spine.  This hold will challenge the core within 20 seconds, taking breaks on the knees as needed, try to maintain your plank for a full 90 seconds (come on… it’s only ninety SECONDS!!), ultimately working up to 2 minutes sans breaks for advanced.  BONUS: in addition to streamlining the abs, this tones arms, chest & shoulders too!

2: bicycles: St. Patty’s day has a reputation of landing you flat on your back!  This year….. make it be in a GOOD way) All you need is about 6 feet of space in your living room.  You can do these while watching ‘The Real Housewives” of your choice, so NO excuses!  lying on your back, draw your RT knee in to your chest while extending the LT leg straight.  Use the core to roll up OFF your shoulder blades.  Keeping the neck relaxed & the scapula lifted, begin SLOWLY switching legs, continually drawing the navel to the spine.  Take breaks as needed by lying down & hugging the knees to the chest.  Work your way up to 3 sets of 2 minutes each, and ENJOY your new ripped abs.  No one will EVER know you indulged in 2 corn beef sandwiches and 20 cups of irish coffee

3: Straight to the Core: no gym membership? NO problem!  check out my FREE ab. workout on exercise TV!  Just go to On Demand & under ‘sports & fitness’ you’ll find exercise tv.  Under the heading of core work & Pilates, you’ll find my signature 10 MIN series, “straight to the core”.  Come work off all those car bombs with me, in your very own living room!

We all need a little help along the way when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. My philosophy is to help you create a life of ‘living well’. This means eliminating the OR, and trading up for the AND. Learn how to eat foods that are healthy AND delicious. Find workouts that are effective AND fun. Choose workout clothes that are functional AND fashionable AND budget friendly. Here are some of my favorite sites that always help me find my “AND”!

fitnessmagazine.com and SHAPE.com are excellent and easily navigated sites that offer tips on everything from quick workouts you can do at your desk, to affordable running shoes. They focus on REAL people with realistic goals and provide advice that is accessible and easily implemented no matter what your fitness level or schedule restraints.

Gray’s Anatomy – No, not the ABC show (though a little McDreamy and McSteamy action is ALWAYS good for the heart). I’m actually talking about ‘The Anatomy of the Human Body’ by Henry Gray. Originally published in 1918, it remains the quintessential book on the Human Body. With exquisite drawings and comprehensive detail, you’d be hard pressed to find a better source of information. MAYBE not the best beach reading, but great to develop an awareness of your own miraculous human body.

OrganicEating.com – a great healthy resource that provides important information on the benefits of an organic diet. While on both coasts, farmers’ markets and organic foods are in huge demand, the middle of the country may find it more difficult to regularly find access to organic foods. This site can help! Despite it’s name, the information on the site applies to much more than just food! Learn how to be environmentally friendly AND get healthy at the same time.

CookingLight.com – their mission statemnt is: “making healthy taste great”. Now THAT is the kind of “AND” I am talking about! I have made myriad recipes from this site, and they remain some of my perennial favorites. From beef stroganoff to peanut butter cookies… learn the lighter versions of all your favorite comfort foods, and start to live healthier without sacrificing flavor or the food you love!

To your Health!

~ Elise

Hey Winter Lovers!  Put down those barbells & step AWAY from the Stairmaster!!  It’s a winter wonderland out there, and all good “green” girls know how to flirt with Jack Frost & make the most of the Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrisk weather!  The COLD air can lead to a HOT bod!! Didn’t Santa ever tell you that braving the low temps can actually help you burn more calories? Ho-Ho-Hold on a minute!!  It’s true!  That gorgeous body of yours needs a lot of energy to keep its core temperature warm.  And energy is calories!! So ditch your fair-weather friends & grab your true blue mates to help you heat up that chill in the air!  Brave the bitterness and battle the Winter blues with these fun, fabulous, outdoor activities that sooooooo don’t feel like working out.

It’s A Wonderful Life:  Sledding

Remember those carefree childhood days, when the rose in our cheeks came from the wind in our face (and not the pricey blush in our Marc Jacobs bag)?! Who says kids & blondes have all the fun?!?! Reduce your footprint on the earth, by making footprints in the snow!! Be ever-“green” AND Give in to your nostalgia with an old school wooden sled.  You’ll be a buff modern update of a classic ‘Normal Rockwell’ as you take a running start & fly away without ever leaving the ground.  The trek back UP the hill is the real cardio/strength training!  You’ll fire up the heart rate, boost metabolism, and at the same time feel the burn in the quads, calves, core, & booty!! Now that’s OUR kind of aerobics!

Frost Bitten:

Snowball Fights:

You’ll need your partners in crime for this one, so grab your arctic allies & Create 2 armies. Get your cardio on & go breathless in NO time at all, dodging snowy missiles & throwing powder puffs! Wage a relentless war against fat, lethargy & boredom as you reconnect with friends and family & make the most of the flurries. And don’t forget about the tremendous upper body workout you get hurling those snowballs!! I mean… have you SEEN A Rod’s biceps???  How’s THAT for frost bite?

Snowman & Snow Angels:

Stretch your muscles both physically & creatively with a fun series of blizzard based activities! Work off that Organic Tomato Soup & Grilled Soy Cheese sandwich you had for lunch by creating ‘heavenly’ works of art!  You’ll streamline your side body & oblique’s while also getting a great stretch for the arms, back & legs. Get taller and leaner, simply by creating length in the spine & strength in the core.  Or, get your heart rate up by challenging your friends or family to a ‘snowman building’ race, with points for speed, creativity, & execution.  Melt away fat, without melting away your  new snow-friend J. Yet ANOTHER way the (organic) carrot can help improve our bodies!!

Ice Ice Baby!: Ice Skating

Whether you reside on the CA coastline, or in the middle of Wisconsin, you can enjoy this perennial winter favorite. Grab your argyle gloves & hat and hit the local outdoor skating haven… YES! Even Sunny Santa Monica CA has an al fresco option! Work your favorite moves along with your inner & outer thighs! Skating is a great full body workout no matter what your level of coordination.  Remember, falling burns calories too! Just be sure you channel your inner Michelle Kwan, not your inner Tonya Harding!

“36-24-36 HIKE!!!”: Flag Football

No snow needed for this activity! Fight gender lines AND get healthy while giving guys a run for their money!  Throw on your faux-fur bomber & hit your friendly neighborhood park for a day of straight up cardio cleverly disguised as friendly competition.  Maybe Guys vs. Girls?!?! And no tackling allowed, (we’re not that kind of girl!!) so have fun, suit up, & literally run your booty off!!

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?: Shovel the Driveway

Interval training is ALL the range, but we don’t need an elliptical or a sweaty gym to do it!  Why not get the optimal fat burning workout WHILE being a Good Samaritan AND making the world a better place.  (WOW! We are seriously AWESOME!!).  Build upper body, lower body, and core strength by getting down & dirty (you know you want to) and shoveling your own driveway.  Then be neighborly and gather your posse of pals to shovel all the driveways in your development.  Live in a big city apartment?? NO problem! Plenty of sidewalks to keep clear there!! Gosh, we are such a GOOD person!! …. With such WICKED abs!!

So there you have it!!! Ditch the dreary indoors this winter, and make Mother Nature your new Best Friend!!