Late last year, I took a trip around the world, and one of the many highlights was a jaunt to Mal Pais, Costa Rica (see previous blogs).  This sleepy little village is a haven for venturesome surfers, located square between the beautiful rolling waves of the coast-line, and the alluring greenery of the dense rain forests.   In short…. Paradise.

During my visit to this Utopia, one of my favorite treats was cracking open a fresh coconut (straight from the tree) for the hydration of it’s water.  And by “cracking”….. I actually mean machete-ing.  and by “water” i actually mean ‘liquid Bliss’. That’s right.  Part of my enchanted exploration of our planet involved learning to wield a heavy, hand-made machete to cut the coconuts down from the branches & break them open for their delicious meat & milk. (no harm came to the coconut trees in this massacre.  Their fruit is meant to be harvested).  This fresh coconut water kept me hydrated and energized through hours upon hours of sunshine, surfing, and hiking through the wilderness.  It kept me cool in the warm daylight, and sweetened the starlight drenched nights.

Back in the real world of los angeles, it’s not quite as easy to find a) a coconut tree springing out of the 405 freeway, or b) a handy machete to carry around in my yoga bag.  SO….. I have recently been introduced to the next best thing!  YogaEarth “Purity” organic coconut water. Easily transportable, this 100% organic powder is hand- harvested from coconuts in Bali, Indonesia (another elysian Arcadia I visited on my travels).  Each  tiny packet packs a HUGE punch of hydrating electrolytes, which give your water a flavorful boost, and can easily sustain you through a rigorous yoga flow.  Or….Tough Mudder.  or deep sea fishing adventure.  or… any other earth shattering feat your sense of adventure brings your way!

To be honest, i’ve never been one who Loved the taste of straight up water.  I mean…. i Drink it.  but it’s more out of a sense of obligation.  in fact: obligation… mixed with guilt.  Dehydration wreaks absolute havoc on your endocrine system.  So i drink water… because, I know it’s healthier than… say… a boba tea. or an In-n-Out milkshake.  But in most cases, i would much rather have either of latter.  Those who know me, know that i have a (not-so-secret) penchant for Diet Dr. Pepper.  It is one of the guilty pleasures i am trying desperately to quit.  Let’s face it.  it’s not exactly the ideal “poster drink” of the yoga community.  PLUS, i am constantly reminded by my loved ones that sugar substitutes have lately come under scrutiny for causing strokes in later years.  Awesome. SO…. In my recent quest to cut down on my (formerly embarrassingly high) intake of diet sodas and high calorie/ sugar-rich sports drinks, “YogaEarth Purity”  is exactly the ally I need to thwart the insidious enemies: aspartame & dehydration.

And perhaps even MORE amazingly…. Each sip I take brings me back to that relaxing beach on Mal Pais, where I lay (arms distance from my machete), enjoying a quiet siesta in a swaying hammock between 2 coconut trees, listening to the rolling surf kiss the sundrenched shore. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

** look for purity at YogaEarth.com.  I am thrilled to be one of their newest ambassadors!

5 things I’m grateful for today: 1) every French teacher, Yoga teacher, and teacher of anything I know, who has ever touched my life. 2) thai tiger balm 3) machete sharpeners 4) my rip curl rash guard 5) fresh coconut milk from the tree outside my cabana

Costa Rica: Day 3

8:00 am- woke up this morning a bit groggy & violently scratching my left wrist. I looked down to find I had 2 rather large, somewhat scary looking mosquito bites.  I looked UP to find that the very romantic looking mosquito net that had been wrapped around my bed had somehow been pushed off to the side.  I must’ve had a tumultuous nights’ sleep to cause such disarray… (which makes sense, since I vaguely recall a dream about being chased by a giant, menacing SoyJoy bar).  I also remember, somewhat cavalierly NOT applying bug spray last night.  As I sit up, I start scratching my forearm… I look down, and even without the aid of my contacts, I can make out at least 20 bites from wrist to elbow.  Perfect.  As I leave my cabana to go machete my breakfast of coconuts and starfruit, Jonathan (the tall handsome resort owner) must notice even more bites because he looks at me and slyly says “ahhhh you must be very sweet!”.  Excellent. Mosquitos love me.  I’ll add them to the list which already includes pervy geriatrics in flourescent speedos, and greasy european tourists who always seem to resemble french pedophiles.

Fortunately, my new British friend Chris (the hilarious half of the British couple I met yesterday) is at breakfast and has some tiger balm he acquired in thailand, where they SWEAR by it for mosquito relief.  I slather it on, and after the initial burning sensation (worrisome) I start to feel a cooling relief (pleasant).  After Jonathan gives me some pointers on sharpening and effectively wielding a machete (FYI… These pointers include how to get one home to LA in my checked luggage) I sit down again to find that Jamie and Katie (the supermodel half of the British couple I met yesterday) have joined for breakfast, and we converse about our journeys in Mal Pais.  Katie laughs as I explain how I have developed the bizarre habit of inadvertently speaking to the locals in a strange fusion of Spanish, English and French (the language I studied but never perfected in high school).  ’Franglish’, you might call it. I actually contemplated taking snapshots of people’s faces as they try to decipher my Franglish.  I suspect this would make an interesting coffee table book.

7:00pm- after sheathing my machete this morning,  Jamie and I headed to what has become our own private yoga studio out in the open air between the pool and the jungle.  We use Jamie’s iPhone to rock out to ‘Mike Snow’ and ‘Florence and the Machine’ as we Vinyasa our little hearts out.  Sweaty and serene, we dive into the pool to cool down before biking to St. Theresa for our first surfing lesson.  On our cycling journey into town, we are serenaded by a un-ending chorus of “Hola Chicas” and “Muy Bonito” and…. Some other ‘salutations’ which I couldn’t understand because I’m QUITE sure ‘Dora the Exolorer’ never said them.

When we arrive at the surf shop, we meet our fearless leader. LoLo.  Now….. It is nearly impossible for me to describe in words, or even photos, the sheer and sublime AWESOMENESS that is LoLo.  For starters- he is a Frenchman who lives in Costa Rica, so he TOO speaks something along the lines of Franglish, and I instantly feel we are kindred spirits.  LoLo also speaks so rapidly and with such a thick accent, that you must be quite quick-witted to follow anything at all he is saying. personally… I love this. AND i love that he named his son Neo- after the Matrix.  LoLo is incredibly tan, and has hair like Richard Simmons. If Richard Simmons never used conditioner and was violently electrocuted.  LoLo says this helps protect his brain in case his board ever hits him in the head.  and with that…. We hop in his SUV and drive 20 min. away so we can surf Hermosa Beach, which is renowned as one of the ‘Top 10 Most Beautiful Beaches’ in the world.  When we arrive, I understand why.  First we have to carry our boards through the jungle (true story) to Reach the surf.  When we emerge, I am standing on the pristine white sand of the wide expanse of the most stunning beach I have ever seen.  It is So reminiscent of LOST, i am quite sure that, at any moment, ‘The Others’ are going to come running out of the jungle to ambush us.  But they don’t.  Instead I turn around to see that LoLo has slathered on so much SPF, that his face is literally white, in humorous contrast to his over tanned body. KoLo is also SUCH a Bad-Ass, that he teaches surfing in a sunhat… Which, in the 3 hours we spend in the ocean, never once falls off. LoLo is basically a surfing ninja.  While listening to him explaining ‘Board Safety’ and ‘take off’ techniques, I am ceaselessly amused that LoLo (in Franglish) refers to toes as ‘fingers’…..  ”Don’t put tout your weight en your fingers, bueno?”.  I love this guy.

Surfing is such a fascinating experience.  At any moment, you could be absolutely destroyed by the power of the Sea.  As I walk into the surf, I look up and see birds of prey circling over our heads.  I decide not to take this as an omen of impending doom, and I head directly into the Sea.  I begin my first take-off and immediately wipe-out, but excitedly turn around for more.  My third attempt, i get up and make it shore.  Before long, I am not simply standing on a board…. But actually riding on the sea to LoLo’s cries of “Allez Elise!!!!” “Voila!” “Very Tres Buena!!!!”

Now LoLo… is an absolutely Fabulous surfing instructor.  The best.  As a (Yoga) teacher myself, I am very aware of the difference between being a talented practitioner, and a gifted teacher.  I’ve been extremely fortunate in my Yoga practice over the years to have learned from so many talented teachers…. Many of whom never demonstrated a single pose.  I understand that in Yoga, sometimes the teachers with the most impressive asana abilities physically, understand little about teaching others, and even less about the true meaning of Yoga.  Teaching is a unique talent. LoLo… Has this talent. Yes… He gives excellent cues on how to establish and improve your technique.  Moreover, He gives you the tools you need to truly become a surfer. Balance, knowledge, position, breath, ease. most importantly…. LoLo teaches you to read the Sea.  To understand and respect it.  When he was teaching me, I felt- with every molecule of my being- that his sole purpose is to share his passion for surfing with beginners.  To make us love it as much as he does.  To open up- not just our bodies- but our hearts and minds and souls to this astounding world he lives in.  A world we might otherwise merely pass through, unaffected.  He wants us…. To fall in love with Surfing.  And today…. Out in the open ocean…. Somewhere between sunset and twilight…… I fell in love.

5 things I’m grateful for today: 1) jurlique hair de-tangler 2) 50 SPF (again) 3) glorious sunsets 4) My super sexy head-lamp 5) my iPhone camera

Woke up this morning and the last thing I remember is blissfully drifting off to sleep, gently serenaded by a melodious symphony of crickets and waterfalls.  Though I could very easily envision myself sleeping for another 5-6 hours, I decide that this would be a wonton waste of a lovely morning in paradise.  As I blearily make my way to the complementary traditional breakfast of fried eggs, rice and beans, I am reminded that I am indeed in the middle of the rainforest.  Outside, there is somehow an astounding combination of sunshine and pouring rain.  I immediately regret not buying the raincoat The salesman at REI was trying to sell me… But I am grateful for the 1$ poncho I bought at bed bath and beyond.  I don’t quite need it yet, as breakfast is served on a covered patio overlooking the private outdoor Yoga space… So I sit sipping my orange juice and coffee enjoying a new serenade: heavy drops of rain splashing on wide thick jungle leaves.  The rhythm and sound are complex and unique… More like an obscure Ravel than a well known Mozart rhapsody.  The effect is mesmerizing. But just as quickly as it showered… It vanished.  Leaving only sunshine and cumulous clouds, hanging puffy and white over the tumultuous ocean.

After breakfast, and a lovely conversation with 2 vacationing Brits, I took a nap in my hammock.  That’s right. A post breakfast siesta. In the sunshine… Content and relaxed.  A lifetime away from network meetings and Hollywood Blvd.  For a moment in time, my life paralleled that of the stray cat that somehow adopted our resort as it’s home.  As I slouched in the hammock, she creeped in the open door of our cabana and luxuriated on Jamie’s bed like she owned the place.

After my nap, Jamie & I decided to explore.  No map. No tour guide. No over-stuffed red bus filled with hawaiian shirt-clad retirees.  We simply embarked on a journey with no destination in mind, save maybe a fruit stand and a strip of surf.  We trekked the dirt road and then meandered off the beaten path to the rocky strips of beach near our hotel.  We came upon a small sign that read simply ‘bicyclette’ and we followed it into the jungle, until we came upon a young boy, riding his red bike with the prowess of an iron man triathlete.  I smiled, mustered my best Espanol and shouted “bueno!  Muy rapido!!”.  Now… This may or may not mean “Good! Very fast!!”.  I don’t really know, as my remedial knowledge of Spanish is limited exclusively to the handful of  ’Dora the Explorer’ episodes i have watched with my 5 year old nephew Parker.  Despite my linguistic shortcomings, Jamie and I somehow manage to utilize our limited combined understanding of Spanish to bargain our way down to renting bikes for the week at nearly half their listed price.  ”Muy Bueno”!

Now equipped with transportation, we hit the dirt trail that (we assumed) must lead to the heart of town.  As we began to ride, I noticed my bike seat was about 7 inches too low, which, (when combined with my ‘vibram 5 finger shoes’) made me look almost uncannily like a circus clown.  I also noticed that we were riding beach cruisers over terrain which simply screamed for 12 speed mountain bikes.  Moreover…. I noticed my breaks were not EXACTLY the most reliable.  In fact… I had to spin them backward 2 full rotations before they would engage. “Ha!” (I thought) “ALL part of the adventure!”.

We rode into town and stopped off for some water and fresh fruit.  Figuring that no self respecting Costa Rican would steal our baby pink beach cruisers, we leaned them against a coconut tree and walked around.   in addition to the many human inhabitants of this region, there is quite a population of stray dogs.  All…… even the vicious looking breeds…. are incredibly docile and friendly. Some look well-fed (no doubt by bleeding-heart tourists like myself) but most are very thin, and scavenging for food.  Even these dogs seem somehow happy, and not at all lonely, but STILL I am compelled to enter a bodega & buy dog treats to share with the many lovable mutts that cross our path. A disproportionate amount of these seem to be nursing mothers, which practically breaks my heart, but they appear to be fending for themselves quite well,and though they graciously accept my compassion, they have no need at all for my pity.  If I ever made a home here, I would have to rescue millions of dogs because I fell in love with each & every one of them. Ridgeback to chihuahua.

On the journey back to our resort, I discovered a new love of bike riding.  The breeze cools down the warm air, making it seem somehow less humid. There is so much lush beauty all around you, that it is difficult to keep your eyes & focus on the path.  With no defined road or rules, and barely another vehicle in sight, you feel a sense of freedom and daring.  I somehow felt simultaneously tranquil and invincible.  Halfway home, as i was racing down a hill, incredibly happy with myself, my bike chain gave way.  I heard a BANG and began plummeting out of control straight toward an oncoming ATV until I was able to swerve, narrowly miss a drop off into a creek, and finally stop myself by dragging my five finger shoes along the rocky path. Happy to still be alive, I realized that- despite this brush with death (or at least.. brush with minor injury) fortune had smiled on me.  I looked up to find that I had crashed right in front of the bike rental shop. And by ‘shop’, I mean the back porch of a family home where my bike was quickly repaired by a mechanic.  And by ‘mechanic’, I mean a friendly bi-lingual man who had to be over 60, but whose lifetime of surfing gave him a physique to rival most 30 year olds I know.

After another hammock siesta (yes. One day….. 2 naps) and a dip in the waterfall pool, we take another excursion, this time on foot as we traverse the rocky 8km strip of beach along the coast. We end up down where the fisherman cast their nets and watch for a bit.  The oldest is in his seventies, the youngest can’t be more than 10.  the sun sets slowly, and the evening air hangs sweet and thick like molasses. I feel as though I am in another world, and another time……

Back at the resort, I float under the stars for a bit of nocturnal meditation, and then retreat to the open air yoga studio for some self- led candlelight yin yoga.  I am joined by a friendly 90 lb. Dog who has followed me, and curls up near my mat for what appears to be his own meditation.  We breathe together, and my mind lethargically quiets…

Rejuvenated, Jamie and I decide to bike down to Mary’s, the only local bar.  And by ‘bar’…. I mean open air hut near the fish market. The dirt path is dark, so I strap on my handy (and EXTREMELY fashionable) REI ‘headlamp’, and valiantly lead the way.  Within moments, we are sipping fresh fruit daiquiris and eating the most DELICIOUS ceviche and barely seared ahi tuna I have ever placed on my tongue.  Caught only HOURS earlier, the fresh fish simply melted in your mouth. I’ve never experienced anything this delectable. During drinks, our waiter (a 20 year old blonde surfer from the Big Island) invites us to join him and his friends sailing tomorrow.  Sadly, we have already booked a private surfing lesson at the same time… But we thank him and take a rain check.

On the ride home Jamie and I converse about very important daiquiri inspired topics- from boys, to wikileaks, to world peace. And though it may not benefit the whole ‘World’, We fall into bed content to have found our own little oasis of Peace…. right here under the stars and the mosquito netting.

Today I began a trip around the world. Not because I’m searching for something I’ve lost… Or because I want an escape from “real life”… Not even because I am literally & metaphorically embarking on a brand new phase of my life. I am traveling simply for the Joy.

I want to be carried on an epic adventure of beauty & culture. I want to take an exciting journey into the unknown, and find out what might be waiting there for me. I want to discover. To learn. To experience. To grow…. And to breathe. I want to be open to any and all experiences, and to let them touch my heart and my soul. I want to take a GIANT step into the World, and see what it’s all about!

Today… I took my first step on a journey that will take me to Costa Rica, Isla Mujeres, Hong Kong, Thailand, Bali, Australia, and New Zealand. Today… I begin this journal with: “Costa Rica- Day 1″.

I am traveling with my friend Jamie, who (interestingly) was the first person I met after I took another giant step into the World 5 years ago when I moved to L.A. we land in San Jose airport in a frenzy, because our flight is an hour and 12 minutes late, which means we have missed our connecting flight to the coastal surfing community of Mal Pais. There are no more flights out this afternoon, so it is suggested we stay in San Jose & fly out in the morning. Now… While I’m sure parts of San Jose are quite lovely indeed.. The holiday inn near the airport is not EXACTLY how we envisioned beginning our epic adventure through the rain forests of Central America. So… We decide instead to see some of this gorgeous country by taking a car, to a ferry, to an ATV to reach our resort in Mal Pais. This means our 20min flight, has become a 6 hour cross- country escapade… But even after 10 hours of airports & planes, we are game for the challenge!

Our driver Alex is jovial & helpful, and even jokes by teaching us some useful spanish phrases for Americans such as “where is the nearest Denny’s?” (hilarious). Alex speaks unbroken English, and when his cell phone rings, it plays “Aerosmith”. This cracks me up.

As we drive on, we pass a car which has broken down on the side of the road, and I notice the first major difference from Los Angeles. I do not see a man wearing Ed Hardy & texting on his cell phone while waiting for AAA. I see a man underneath his car, fixing it himself as his 6 year old daughter passes him the appropriate tools for the job.

Alex starts to step on the gas, as we are cutting it close to catching the LAST ferry out for the night, and with our luck making connections SO far, we figure we MAY not be able to rely on good kharma to get us there in time. We make it with 3 minutes to spare, and as I am dashing for the Boat, I am sincerely wishing I did not pack so many cute pairs of cargo pants b/c my backpack feels as though it may crush my clavicle if left to it’s own devises.

By some miracle, we board the ferry in time to witness the most spectacular sunset. The air is heavy & humid, but somehow…. Not sticky or hot. The breeze was perfection, and I got lost in a mediative trance of loveliness, as I witness the undiluted beauty of nature. On the 2 hour ride across the ocean, we see mountains and islands, and clouds that catch the twilight in a manner that cannot be described in words. We see fishermen and pelicans, and before long I feel as though my mind has cleared, and my body has decompressed. I breathe in the sweet evening air, and meditate on gratitude.

When we arrive on the peninsula, we are whisked away in an ATV by Alex’s friend Luis, who has a sign which reads “Jamie + Elice”, and who has been designated to carry us on the remainder of our journey. We hop in excitedly, and off we go! Along the way, I notice another difference from L.A. Every house we pass- without exception- has the front door wide open. there are no TVs on, and families are conversing and playing games on porches. This way of life seems somehow refreshing… To live without locks and bolts and 97 inch screens. A way of life that seems fully based on defining families and  enjoying the moment. I love this.

Now- we were informed that Mal Pais is “off the beaten path”, but we were in for a bit of a surprise when the pavement became a dirt road, the dirt road became a trail, the trail became 2 tire tracks, and the tire tracks disintegrated into a barley perceptible path through the jungle. the vehicle was bouncing up and down and winding around bends for over an hour before we finally drove down the coast and came upon The secluded little private resort we booked online. It was…. In a word… Paradise! The pictures online made it look luxurious, but I had been convinced that at $40 a night each, it couldn’t live up to the expectations.

It FAR exceeded them! Our private cabana has it’s own hammock and the deluxe bathroom is open air, so I could see the stars as I showered off the long trip. Jamie and I were famished, so we went directly to the restaurant which is poolside under the stars. Here we were served fresh vegetables & fruits, which somehow taste better and richer than their American counterparts. We then ate the catch of the day, which was so fresh it was practically still swimming. To wash down all this island deliciousness I had an incredible local concoction that was simply fresh pineapple and crushed ice. No sugar. No additives…. Just divinity in a glass.

We went directly to the pool for a dip where I laid on a floating bed & stared at the night sky. It was here that I noticed a final stark difference from L.A…… The night sky. here in this secluded paradise…. Away from the big city, headlights on the 405 and smog…. The ebony sky looked like a gateway to another universe. I laid floating in awe. Enjoying the hypnotic effect of the dazzling stars. It takes a little time to develop the eyes to see this sky. First…. You are overwhelmed by the complete darkness of the night, and then stunned by the contrasting brilliance of Saturn, and the most prominent stars.

But then…. If you relax your vision and stare into the darkness with faith… more of the universe begins to reveal itself. Gradually… You begin to notice thousands of specks of light filling the darkness… Clusters of constellations and shooting stars passing so quickly that if you blink, you’d miss them. And all of a sudden, it seems as though something millions of light years away, is actually within your grasp.

Well, the theme for fall in Los Angeles certainly seems to be rainy days!  And as someone who can be supremely susceptible to the ‘gloom’, my ultimate challenge to myself seems to be finding the proverbial silver lining.

As a teacher of Yoga, and an advocate of wellness, I am a firm believer in cultivating balance.   Harmonizing body and mind…. Training our weaknesses to become our strengths…  accessing  unaffected clarity of thoughts… the list goes on.  Many of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras focus on finding this elusive equanimity.   Finding Sthira or ‘stability’ is one of the foundations of the practice of yoga.  This type of constancy,  can be defined as our ability to remain unfettered by external disturbances which threaten our equilibrium.   Now, this sounds like a rather simple concept, but I find it to be one of the most elusive skills to cultivate.  Existing in a society makes it challenging to be unaffected by the energies and perceptions of other people.

In an era inundated with ceaseless texting, emailing, facebooking, tweeting and ‘God knows what’ other social media, we are constantly assaulted by the needs, demands, thoughts, and desires of others. As lady gaga so wisely says: “Stop calling, Stop calling, I don’t wanna think anymore!”  These words so often come to mind when my iPhone is ‘blowing up’ like the Chernobyl.  In these moments, I truly appreciate the value of silence.  There are times when I feel like I am always on the go…. Running from classes to meetings to photo or tv shoots… answering emails and texts and tweets from my iPhone every time I hit a stoplight or wait in line at the grocery store.  Often, it feels like the demands on my time and the appeals for immediate and constant accessibility are ENDLESS!  There is simply always SOMETHING productive I could be doing.  One more critically important item on an immeasurable ‘TO DO” list.  To avoid going diametrically insane, all this madness simply MUST be tempered by stillness.  Or at least… a slight pump of the often neglected brakes.

So today I chose a blissful activity that is utterly antithetical to my natural inclination toward perpetual motion: I stopped.

The incessant downpour of rain provided the perfect backdrop for me to take a full day off.  From everything.  Yes….. even my iPhone.  And….. (gasp)……  facebook!!  In fact, I even took the day off from getting dressed.  I simply stayed in my pajamas all day.  I sat snuggled under a down comforter on the couch eating food that was delivered to me, and watched movies.  I started with a new Horror release: “Splice”, and culminated my day of rest with a legendary classic (and personal favorite) “Aliens”.  (As you can tell… I’m not a “romantic comedy” kind of girl.  I’m more a “watching-Arnold-Schwarzenegger-destroy-millions-of-Predators-without-a-scratch” kind of girl.)

For a WHOLE day, I did not turn my phone on.  I did not update my status or open my laptop.  I didn’t even put my contact lenses in.  I simply recharged.  And it felt…… Amazing!!!!!!

Sometimes we forget that we absolutely do NOT have to be instantly available to anyone and everyone who contacts us.  The emails can wait a day (or even 2 or 3) without anyone’s world ending.  Alarmingly…. no natural disasters occurred from the fact that I did not respond to every text I received.  Sigourney Weaver did not have to emerge and save us from acid-blooded Mother Aliens that descended as a result of my NOT tweeting for a day.  And though I did get a few worried calls from friends and family who thought I SURELY must have died since I had not updated my status in  24 hours, even THEY survived.  Everything was still there, patiently waiting for me the next day.  And by the time the clouds cleared, and I re-entered the world, I actually felt READY to be back.

Sometimes…. it’s astounding how invigorating a little retreat from life can be.

5 Things I’m Grateful for Today: 1) my purple lululemon yoga pants 2) rental cars that handle really well 3) low-fat cottage cheese with organic red raspberries 4) Disco Naps 5) my iphone 4’s extended battery life.

Today is one of those days, where you have so much on your “to do” list, that you just want to curl up and cannonball directly into a pint of Haagen Dazs double chocolate chip.  I had 6 classes to teach ranging from Yoga to “Burn Bliss” to Core Sport.  By noon, I had taught over 150 people and done at least 679 chaturanga pushups.  I kept powering through my list, item after item, until finally I finished my last appointment of the day.  Approximately 62 items still remained on my list, but I decided that instead of tackling them, I would instead choose to breathe, relax, and enjoy my “blissful activity” of the day:  An Afternoon Hike up Paseo Miramar with a friend.

I was getting picked up at 3:30, and had literally not sat down (unless you count sit-ups and core work as “sitting down”) since 7:30 this morning.  Nonetheless, I knew I would find a restful heart and mind by enjoying the cool, sunny afternoon breeze and the stellar views of the pacific. SO…. I hopped in the car, rolled down the windows, and off we went for an adventure up Sunset and the PCH.

The first part of this 5 mile hike is no walk in the park.  Rather, It is a steep uphill climb.  The sun, which was so cool & inviting by the beach, seemed vehemently scorching now as it fogged up my sunglasses and forced beads of sweat down my forehead.  After dozens of warrior series and hundreds of squat presses earlier in the day, I am struggling to keep up with my friend.  Now, He finds this endlessly amusing,…. But as a 6’1” former marine with legs as long as my entire body (I may be exaggerating here just a bit), I feel he has an unfair genetic advantage over me.  I keep falling behind, but after about 20 minutes I’m able to hit my stride and find my breath long enough to notice the extraordinary view of the pacific coastline.

The sky is clear, and the water is a cerulean blue that is a few shades richer than I’ve ever seen it.  We continue our trek straight up the mountain, and I’m surprised by how few people we pass, since this route is usually heavily traversed.  I am struck by the stillness.  By the quiet. By the fact that, in this moment, we seem SO far away from Los Angeles, that I would have believed you if you told me we were journeying up the Amalfi Coast of Italy, or along the Adriatic shores of Croatia.  I allowed myself to get lost in the views, and the smell of fresh air, and the jaunty conversation.  I left all the remaining items on my “to-do” list back at my apartment behind locked doors.  I was able to escape.  To release.  To smile.  To laugh.  And…… to let go.  It was as though this hike was more of a ‘moving meditation’, than a heart-pumping workout.  I allowed myself to dive head-first into this experience…. And to breathe.

We finally reach the lookout point, and sit down on a wooden bench which is “dedicated in memory of”….. someone I don’t know, but who was obviously loved.  As I sit there in a moment of reflection, I realize that….. on this clear day, you actually CAN see forever.  Literally forever, because the views reach from Malibu to Catalina to the Palm Dessert mountains.  Metaphorically forever because, at this moment, it seems SO easy to see Divinity in all this beauty.  Without even trying, you can experience a little piece of enlightenment.

The sun began it’s descent much to quickly for my taste, and we made our way back down the mountain.  This time, in the cool shade of twilight.  Just before we reached the bottom, we heard someone call out “STOP!”.  My heart stopped for a moment as I recalled the “Beware of Mountain Lions” sign at the entrance of the trail.  Just as I was wondering if I could outrun a mountain lion (or at least…… outrun my friend), we got a little closer, and I realized…… it was even worse (at least to a ‘Ophidiophobe’ like me)  A rattlesnake had stretched itself across the entire path.  A big, fat, scary, slithering one.  I froze.  I had never seen one.  At least …. never outside of “Man vs. Wild”, and THAT didn’t turn out so well for “Man”.  I’ll admit it.  I was scared.  The rattle on the tail stopped me dead in my tracks.  My friend, who has seen this dozens of times calmly walked right by the snake, encouraging me to do the same, but I just couldn’t.  for a good 15 seconds I was stone cold still, unable to cross the snake in front of me.  Then I remembered 2 things that I am always reminding myself, and my yoga classes.  “Have faith”, and “face fear”.  So…. I took a deep breath (as my friend Shelly is always reminding me to do) and I rallied my inner strength, as I gingerly (or maybe not so gingerly) sidestepped the obstacle in my path.

Unortunately……I didn’t make it.

Kidding!! I survived to write today’s Blog.  But not without practicing some of my life lessons:  Taking time to breathe, finding God in everything and everyone around me, enjoying open honest conversation, exploring a moving meditation, remembering to listen more and talk less, and overcoming fear.  Just like happiness, these things take practice.  And we call this practice….. Life.

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

Forget the Twelve Days of Christmas!  Nowadays, people start celebrating the holidays before Halloween can even make her grand exit.  Jack-o-lanterns give way to Jack Frost before you can wipe off your vampire-werewolf-warrior-princess make-up!  On the stroke of November 1^st, out come the colored lights, jingle bells, and pine scented candles!! We start going crazy for Frosty & Rudolph, and we just don’t stop celebrating until New Years Day!  This gives us 60 full days of hall-decking & merry making, and before we know it, Jolly Old St. Nick is not the only one with a belly “like a bowl full of jelly”!  We have cookie decorating parties, and Holiday Parties…. office parties, family parties, dinner parties, tree-trimming parties new years’ eve parties….. I could go on and on, but I think we get the picture.  As our raucous Christmakwanzakah celebrations rage on, we are faced with glaring & seemingly insurmountable temptations, coming at us from every direction!  One minute you are chatting up your office ‘crush’ under the mistletoe at a seemingly innocent company party, the next you are uncontrollably downing handfuls of gingerbread cookies, “bite sized” confections, and chocolate snowmen.  Don’t even get me started on the candy cane martinis!!  Of course we want to be fabulous, because… you know…. “’Tis the Season”, but how can we be “merry & bright” without waking up January first needing a separate zip-code for our ‘snowglobes’?  Here are some of my tried & true ways to show our love for the Jolly Fat Man in the red pants, while staying in our skinny jeans!

Don your ‘gay apparel’!: No matter what our size, we all have fun dressing up now & then!  We know the incredible feeling of slinking into your favorite little black number that highlights every curve, or putting on a sharp suit that makes you stand a little taller.  You might query: “what does this have to do with staying fit?”, and I answer you “Everything”!!!!  If you take the time to take pride in your appearance  from the outside in, it can inspire you to do the same from the inside out!  Baggy sweats, oversized Tees, & forgiving elastic waistbands invite us to be sloppy, out of touch with our bodies & to indulge with reckless abandon.  BUT…. When we dress up in our holiday finest, we remember how good it feels to look our best!  Sometimes, this incentive alone is enough to steer us away from the 7 layer cheese dip & over to the cru d’ete!

Keep “visions of sugar-plums” out of your head : to most of us, there is nothing more tempting than a seemingly endless buffet of sweet treats, and no more sure-fire way to give in than to walk into the party famished!  Eat before you go!  Nothing huge… (I mean, let’s face it, you KNOW you’re going to arrive & try at least one mini-quiche and maybe a cracker with spinach dip), but satiate your hunger.  A protein rich snack is best… maybe cottage cheese, or a handful of nuts.  You can even indulge your sweet tooth nature’s way, before leaving the house!  Try eating an apple, or even a banana with light coat of peanut butter. Mmmmmm!!  Satisfy your craving in a filling, healthy way & you’ll be less likely to stray.  If you really have a love/ hate relationship with your willpower, slide a few slices of dried mango or pinapple in a Ziploc & toss it in your bag.  Then instead of reaching for the coconut snowball, save hundreds of calories with your own sweet-treat!!

Some days…. and for some reason it seems to be particularly MONdays… life can seem exceptionally overwhelming. You know the feeling when you wake up in the morning (sometimes before the sun even rises) and you just want to pull the covers up over your face, hit the snooze button & hide from the world? Well on THOSE days, I need a little extra motivation to get moving, and to choose to face the world with open arms and an open heart. Even before my first cup of coffee.

Here are some of my favorite places to find ONLINE inspiration:

Specialolympics.org – My dad started coaching a special olympics bowling team in Virginia about 8 years ago. Whenever I was in town I’d go join in on their practices. Despite the fact that every kid out there easily beat me by upward of 60 points, I always had a blast. It is incredible how much courage and joy I saw in each of these extraordinary young athletes. A great reminder of how very much this life has to offer! Check out this site to learn how to get involved. Nothing feels better & more rewarding than making a substantial difference in someone’s life. Bring JOY to your community and your World.

Yogaeverywhere.com - Sometimes you just need to BREATHE! This website is filled with great information from the yoga sutras, to words of wisdom, to locations of studios near you. Now, there is no excuse! Trade your couch and your bag of potato chips (even if they’re “fat free”- yuck!) for a mat and a smart water! Get out there and live!

Epicurious.com – their logline is “for people who love to eat”.  Come ON! Now WHO can’t get on board with that? Get creative, and channel your inner “Julie & Julia”! learn to make a meal that is also a work of art. Pick up delicious tips on healthy eating, or grab your friends and learn how to entertain. This site has great tips on how to make life more tasty. What are you still doing here? Get going!!

Hautehealth.blogspot.com Ok… THIS site is near and dear to my heart. It is created and maintained by my dear friend Suzanne, who also happens to be one of the world’s most AMAZING women, and most inspired chefs! Suz uses her love of yoga, food, cooking and inner beauty to help you become the “whole, healthy, happy person” you’ve always wanted to be! Suzanne’s style is easy, accessible and fun. Best of all, I can tell you from experience that the main ingredient in all of her recipes…. is Love. In short, This site is absolutely delicious!

Nytimes.com – Let’s face it. Smart is Sexy!! Staying informed, and developing educated opinions about current events is IMPERITIVE to being a good citizen of humanity. Being a born and bred New Yorker, I am an absolute devotee of this paper (even though I have been living in LA for almost 4 years now). It’s easy AND “green” to view it on-line, so grab your cup o’ joe and your fluffy bathrobe and read up on the issues that affect you, and the lives of those around you. You can also try CNN.com for all the latest headlines

Komen.org – Most of us know someone, or know someone who loves someone who has fought breast cancer . For the past 2 years I have been a part of “pilates for pink”, a charitable organization which benefits breast cancer awareness, and encourages women to get & stay healthy with diet, exercise, and regular mammograms. Check it out at http://www.shapeonline.com/pfp/ . My feature in the October Issue of SHAPE Magazine was in honor of breast cancer awareness month, and proceeds benefitted the cause. From science, to stories of personal triumph, both of these sites give you ALL the info on how to run, walk, strut, or curl for the CURE!

Thelifestyleboost.ca – This is a phenomenal site started by another one of my incredible friends! I am SO lucky to be surrounded by people who are out there changing the world, one iPHone click at a time! Ipsita Paul (actor/ dancer/ singer extraordinaire) started this daily feed to help us learn how to live GREEN without loosing our fabulousity! As the fitness expert for the site, I can promise you that the health & wellness tips you’ll get here will be BRILLIANT!

Healthybitchdaily.com – yes. I am also the fitness expert for this fantastic new site! (I know, I know…. “how do I do it?”….. well, I am just so excited about being green, being happy and living well, that my wise words of wisdom cannot be confined to merely ONE fantastic daily feed experience!!). This site is specially designed for women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and locations. Think “sex and the city” meets ‘vegetarian chic’, and you’ll get the idea!

OnDemandBooks.com – My friend Johnny (who, by the way, I have known since we went to Paul VI catholic high school together and both survived the suffocating reading list of Fr. Lyle’s history class) is very busy in NYC saving the world of book publishing. Continuing on with our theme of ‘going green’, On Demand Books uses the “Espresso Book Machine” to create made to order books! This way, you can have the best of ALL worlds. Because, let’s face it, you saw “an inconvenient truth”, and you want to reduce your carbon footprint, but at the SAME time, you LOOOOOOOVE the smell of books, and you like to turn pages, and underline important symbolic passages. I know. Me too! Now… you can do both. Thanks Johnny! Looks like Fr. Lyle taught you something valuable after all!