When I heard the “call” in the 2nd week of January that I was to go to Hawaii - the Big Island - to do a little personal solo retreat, I wasn’t sure what that was about.  I was riding my bike in Santa Monica when all of a sudden I knew I had to go.  It was odd how it came out of the blue, but in truth, that’s kind of how my life has been.  I’ve always - for whatever reason - been very in tune with my inner voice… call it my heart, my intuition, my higher self, (whatever fits), but it’s always been there, and I am not a stranger to these “random” and ”spontaneous calls” where I just know deep inside that this is what I have to do, even though my logical mind doesn’t always (or ever) comprehend… at least until maybe AFTER the fact.  This was one of those particular moments.

So…  without really knowing why, but knowing it’s absolutely what I needed to do, I looked into flights & accommodations to Hawaii for January 20th.

When I arrived to the Big Island, I could immediately feel the energy difference from here in LA.  Huge.  Everything there felt so quiet…  it was so distinct for me.  I told a friend that the energy was so “quiet” that it almost like I could hear the “hum” of the earth.  It was very interesting. 

In my 5 days there, I had a very solitary time…  which is what I was looking for…  just being with myself and nature, and the Big Island of Hawaii offers nature in some of it’s rawest form.  It’s a very “young” island…  with an active volcano that is constantly creating new land everyday.  But because of this, the Big Island has a lot of desolate black lava fields that go on for miles.  One evening, I was standing on this moonscape by myself, right on the edge of the ocean watching the sun set into the Pacific.  It was surreal, to say the least.  I felt like I was stripped bare… just me, my soul, and the elements of life.  What a unique place to be.  How often are we that intimate with the earth and the very elements that give us life?  Though I was technically “alone”, I also felt very connected… to my own soul, to the earth and to everyone.  It was profound and enlivening at the same time.  Magical, really.

All the while I was there, I would spend my mornings writing…  writing one of the last chapters in a book I have been working on for the last 3 years.  For those who are close to me, they know about this…  the book I am writing.  For those of you who aren’t aware of this, I will share with you (as it is time… it will be coming out this year).  It is a book called, “Michael Jackson:  The Man in Our Mirror    A Reflection of Our Collective Soul”.  There is a very LONG story as to how I came to write this book…   it goes back as far as when I was a teenager living in Minnesota… and the journey through the years of what I call, the “Michael Magic and Miracles” that has happened in my life over that time.  Though my logical mind didn’t understand ANY OF IT (and that was the very point - to recognize and acknowledge that there is sooo much more to life than we can see and explain), it has been the most surreal journey and I knew that one day I would write a book about it all…  and after Michael died in June of 2009, I knew it was time.  Basically the essence of the book is how Michael - in his amplified state of being - served as the mirror to us all.

Anyway…  so the chapter I “happened” to be writing while in Hawaii is called, “Earth Song:  A Call from the Deepest Part of our Heart”.  Well, I hadn’t necessarily planned that I would be writing this chapter when I was in Hawaii, rather it just kind of happened that way.  “Earth Song” is one of Michael’s deepest songs… where he calls for all of us to really look at what we’ve done to the world and in that reflection, to see that what we’ve done to the planet is really about what we’ve done to ourselves, because the earth is only a reflection of US.  How we treat ourselves is how we treat others and also how we treat the planet.  Michael pleads with us in this song to look at this connection because it is the KEY and the path to healing our planet; in truth, it’s really about healing our own hearts.  There’s much more to say about all of this but you’ll have to stay tuned for the book. 

Anyway…  as the days went on in Hawaii, I soon realized that this was the very place I needed to be to write this chapter, because I was feeling it ALL… I was feeling the earth in its purest and rawest form.  I wasn’t writing from my head, I was writing from the feeling in my heart, and this is the only place from which it could be written.  What we feel, we can heal.  It all was making sense.

And to top it off, just to make sure I really got it, I “happened” to do a whale watching trip on the last morning I was there.  In my heart, I just felt it was going to be something special.  Again, how did I know?  My mind didn’t know, but my heart did.  Well…  never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined what we were to experience with the whales that day.  Let’s just say the captain of our boat said, “In 9 years of doing these excursions, NEVER have I seen anything like this; you are seeing the whale watch of the century.” 

Yes, there were whales - Humpbacks - EVERYWHERE!!!!!  Tales here, mothers and babies there (some swimming within FEET of our boat) to whales breeching - jumping high out of the water - and slamming down with a HUGE splash.  Breathtaking and awe-inspiring!  Enough to bring tears and to put everything in life into perspective.  I was overwhelmed and so was everyone on that boat that day.  And so for 3 hours straight, we watched a show that no Hollywood movie or Broadway show in NY could EVER EVER EVER top.  Ah, nature…  it is the greatest show on earth… and the most awesome.  I felt so humbled.  Especially because on some level I knew…  though as I say, I could’ve never known THIS.

As the captain told us we had to head back - with sadness but also total gratitude - he turned up the motor and we headed back, only to realize that the show wasn’t quite over!!  I was sitting in the front when all of a sudden, 2 huge whales on EITHER side of us surfaced right in front of the boat and escorted us for another 10 minutes!!!!!  They wanted us to know how appreciative they were that we were there… and for me, I “heard” them say, “Thank you…  “  They knew what I was writing about…  about the Earth… about how we need to wake up - all of us - and take personal responsibility in healing our world… by healing ourselves. 

Wow…  I kept thinking about the words in Michael’s song…  “What about the crying whales?  We’re ravaging the seas… “  Not only did he want me to know this intellectually, he wanted me to FEEL it but also to experience it first hand…  to experience our brothers and sisters of the sea, the biggest beings to ever inhabit the earth.  Wow… I soooooooo got it.  I was moved, as that is what the heart does… it moves us…  not only to feel, but also to take action.  Emotion is energy in motion.  When we feel, we move. 

After the “whale watch of the century,” I found myself at one of my favorite secluded beaches for the rest of the afternoon.  I sat on the lava rocks on this white sand beach with palm trees and wrote in my journal about all that I was feeling and experiencing.  All of a sudden, a sea turtle pulled him/herself up on the rock about 10 feet from me to take a nap while another frolicked and swam in the tide pools surrounding me.  Just when I felt I couldn’t get any more blessed and honored, those beautiful turtles showed up.  Hmmmm… 

What a trip it was.  Simply magical.

I wanted to share the video and lyrics to Michael’s Earth Song.  Please watch… and most importantly, go into your heart and feel…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgeNDUChKPA

The lyrics:

What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain…
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine…
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we’ve shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores?

Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh
Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh

What have we done to the world
Look what we’ve done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son…
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine…
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores

Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh
Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh

I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don’t know where we are
Although I know we’ve drifted far

Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh
Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh
Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh
Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh

Hey, what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I can’t even breathe
(What about us)
What about apathy
(What about us)
I need you
(What about us)
What about nature’s worth
(ooo, ooo)
It’s our planet’s womb
(What about us)
What about animals
(What about it)
We’ve turned kingdoms to dust
(What about us)
What about elephants
(What about us)
Have we lost their trust
(What about us)
What about crying whales
(What about us)
We’re ravaging the seas
(What about us)
What about forest trails
(ooo, ooo)
Burnt despite our pleas
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
Torn apart by creed
(What about us)
What about the common man
(What about us)
Can’t we set him free
(What about us)
What about children dying
(What about us)
Can’t you hear them cry
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
(ooo, ooo)
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about babies
(What about it)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
(What about us)
What about the man
(What about us)
What about the crying man
(What about us)
What about Abraham
(What about us)
What about death again
(ooo, ooo)
Do we give a damn?

Pictures of the whales…  

Life is magic!

Lisa

Since this is the “recognized” time of making change in the year, (though life is always about change), I thought I would share this interesting article about motivation for change.  Hmmm…  

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-jim-taylor/motivation_b_1179582.html

Here we are…  2012.

I can’t help but feel that 2012 is going to be a very interesting year not just for me, personally, but for everyone… the world itself.  Not necessarily because of all of the hype, but just because it feels that we are on the brink of a “tipping point”…  that point where humanity makes a radical shift in how we view and live our lives.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize that there are a lot of areas that need to be improved upon in regards to the quality of life on this planet, as well as how we conduct our relations, not just with each other, but with nations and the planet as a whole.  I can’t help but feel that 2012 is going to be a year of major transition.  I feel it in my own life, but I also can see it and feel it in others who are close to me.  2012 is going to be a year of coming out of the dark… for all of us… and truly stepping into the light of our own being.  I know for myself, it can be easy to lay low and not really put myself out there, but I know that - with the releasing of my first book in this year to come - that there is no longer room for me to be shy or to fly under the radar.  It’s time for me to step up, to speak up, and to be the change I wish to see in the world. 

For each of us, stepping into our own light looks different, and shouldn’t be compared to anyone else; we are all unique and all have our own personal contribution to be made to the world.  All we need to be is EXACTLY WHO WE ARE… by authentically speaking and being our Truth…  being who we were born into this life to be. 

As Planet Earth shifts to re-balance itself once again, we have NO choice as it’s inhabitants and brethren to - forgive the expression - either shit or get off the pot.  Everything is energy, and as the planet initiates a shift in energy, we, too, will have to shift accordingly.  Of course, I know from my own personal experience and growth, that this isn’t always pretty, and it’s hardly comfortable; growth never is.  But that’s just it, we either awaken, grow and shift, or…  we resist and become ”sick” (either in our mind or our body, usually it’s both) and we either die a spiritual and/or phsical death or we take full responsibility for our lives - yes, all of it without blaming anyone else, government included - and embrace the growth, trusting that it is taking us to a deeper, more meaningful place in ourselves… that place that recognizes we are all connected through our heart and spirit.  What energy and outlook we embody, affects all others, the planet, included.   

Though many might see the world in a very dark light, I see potential.  Again, gleaning from my own experience, I know with the darkest hour, comes the dawn.  I also know that it has been in my darkest moments of my life that I have learned more about myself and gained clarity in my soul about what I truly desire. This, in turn, has propelled me onto some of the greatest, most enlightening, and heart-fulfilling experiences of my life.  I have found that all of it - even the dark - is a gift as it the launching pad into our Light. 

In 2012, there is a miracle at hand… a miracle for all of us.  And according to the Course in Miracles, a miracle is simply a shift in perception. I challenge all of us to move beyond the illusions of our minds and what we see with our eyes, and instead drop deep into our hearts and find the deeper Truth.  When we can do this, we not only will we see, but feel, a whole different world… a world that is available to all of us… together… as One.   

The time has come… the time is now…  what is the state of your heart?   In embracing our own wounds, we transform ourselves.  In healing our own hearts, we heal the world. 

I’m excited!  Bring it on!!!

Happy 2012 to all of you! 

In honor of this personal/planetary transformation, I wanted to include 2 amazing videos about our health and well-being that is the groundwork for healing in the “new world” to come.  This is what State of the Heart Fitness is all about and it’s so exciting to see “doctors” finally embracing the emotional and spiritual heart.  It’s really the answer to all!  Enjoy! 

Dr. Brene Brown on the Power of Vulnerability:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o

Dr. Lissa Rankin on the Shocking Truth of Your Health:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tu9nJmr4Xs&feature=player_embedded#

And a little humor for you! 

Light & Love!

Lisa

It’s that time of the year when we all seem to say, “can you believe it’s December already?  Where did the year go?” 

Yep… I think it myself.  I can never believe how the years go by and yet it seems that no time has gone, in a way.  I cannot believe I’m 42 already because somewhere in my head, I still think/feel I’m that bright eyed, bushy tailed college student going to Pepperdine looking at the ocean living a dream.  (Still am living the dream! ).   How can that be 20 years ago already?  It blows my mind.  But it’s a reminder that life doesn’t slow down or stop for anyone… it just keeps marchin’ on. 

Recognizing this, it has inspired me to make a conscious effort to never take any day for granted, though ever so easy to do.  I have to remind myself everyday to take a moment to stop, take a look around, breathe in my surroundings, think about the people in my life that I love so much, appreciate the business that allows me to connect with people and explore the path of the heart everyday, and to even be thankful for the daily challenges no matter how challenging they may be.  As we know the only constant in life is that all will change…  all will pass with time, and therefore, all of it is a gift. 

This time of year - the holiday season - is about the giving of gifts and sharing with those we love.  But really, we need to remember that each day is a gift and never should we take those that we love for granted.  In life, there are no guarantees, especially not tomorrow.  So let us remember to tell those we love that we do… including yourself.  At the same time, if there’s something that you’ve always wanted to do in your life but you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to do it, the perfect time is right now.  Again, tomorrow is not here and it may never be. 

I remember a quote from someone (can’t remember who) and it said something like this:  Remember, everything in life - including all of those that you love - are only loaned to us for a very short time by eternity. 

Hmmm… Isn’t it true? 

Live, laugh and love…  NOW and TODAY.  it’s the only gift that we really have. 

Love and light to all on this beautiful fine day!

Lisa

So I just got back from an amazing trip to Mexico to visit a couple of my aunts & uncles who live in a cute little artist community called Ajijic (just south of Guadalajara).  I love visiting them.  Ever since I was little, they have always been there for me in so many ways.  Actually, thinking back to when I was in my late teens, both my aunts - Diane & Joann - played a huge role in me being able to muster up the courage to leave the small midwestern town I grew up in, and take a leap of absolute faith, following my heart out to California without knowing a soul.   Interestingly enough, unbeknownst to each other, they each gave me different but similar books - all in the genre of spirituality/self help.  Diane gave me a book called, “You Can Have It All” by Arnold Patent and Joann gave me, “Miracles” by Stuart Wilde.  Wow.  Those two books not only influenced my young mind, they also profoundly changed my life… forever. 

Up until that time in my life, I had never read a book that contained the information of these two books, but when I started reading, I couldn’t put them down.  It was like my soul was beyond thirsty for the wisdom in each.  “You Can Have It All” was basically about that - that despite what we are taught to believe which sadly is contrary to what the title says, we CAN have it all… at least the things that really matter in life and fulfill our hearts - yes, we can live our dreams and our dreams CAN become a reality if we believe in them and move forward with intention, clarity and purpose.  This is absolutely true, as I sit here 23 years later, having lived out many of my dreams (and still pursuing more!). 

“Miracles” by Stuart Wilde talked about how all of life is miraculous when we get ourselves out of the way, allowing the natural abundant energy of life to flow effortlessly through us, fulfilling our hearts along the way. 

Reading these two books, coupled with my solo adventure to California at the age of 20 soon after reading them, proved that the information was absolutely true.  Of course there were many naysayers who said that moving to CA without knowing anyone, without having a job while having to take out a $2000 loan to support myself in the beginning, while dreaming about having a place to bring my horse - in one of the most expensive places to live on the planet - was foolish, not to mention, impossible.  Well, I guess it would’ve been impossible if I too bought into that belief - which would’ve been way too easy to do - but I refused.  Something inside of me knew that the information contained in these books was some of the deepest universal Truth there was, and I was bound and determined to not only explore it, but to live it. 

Again, 23 years later, my life is a testimony that yes, you can have it all and yes, all of life is a miracle - when we get let go of the misaligned limiting beliefs that live in our minds, and instead trust in and follow the pulse and intuitive pull of the heart. 

Do you believe you can have it all?  Do you believe that all of life is a miracle?  Your head may say “no,”  (but as the bumper sticker says, “don’t always believe what you think”).  Your heart will always say “yes.” 

Believe in your heart.  It knows the TRUTH of YOU! 

Thank you, Diane & Joann, for helping me to follow my heart and live my dreams! 

This reminds me of another one of my dreams that came true when I found myself “miraculously” sitting in the stadium during the Opening Ceremony in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.  Here are the lyrics to the song that was sung by Olivia Newton-John and John Farnham called, “Dare to Dream”. 

I am my own believer
In my heart the reason
I will follow the light from within
I’m not afraid of weakness
I’m gonna taste the sweetness
Of the power not to give in
Oh I will see it through
I believe this is my moment of truth

Dare to dream
Dare to fly
Dare to be the heir the chosen one to touch the sky
Dare to reach
Dare to rise—
Find the strength to set my spirit free
Dare to dream

I will go the distance
Embrace resistance
I will lay my soul on the line
When the wait is over
And the hunger has spoken
If I give my all,I will shine
Oh I will see it through
I believe, this is my moment of truth

Dare to dream
Dare to fly
Dare to be the hier the chosen one to touch the sky
Dare to reach
Dare to rise—
Find the strength to set my spirit free
Dare to dream,Oooh ooh

and the moon will shine like the sun a million voices together as 1 i believe i believe i believe i believe

And here is the actual footage of that amazing moment…  that moment that I dared to dream… that I dared to believe that it was all possible: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUqJ13Nfcwo&feature=related

Wow!  Puts me in tears everytime! 

Go for it!  Always Dare to Dream! 

Cheers!  - Lisa

So here it is, Halloween.  I’m actually getting ready to go out and walk through the neighborhood in Santa Monica to observe some of the houses that truly get decked out for this holiday!  There is one house, in particular, that literally BECOMES a haunted house where people come from all over just to go through.  I think the owner is a movie director and so he has access to all of the props he would ever need.  It is the coolest thing…  he has music blaring, while his front yard serves as a spooky grave yard.  It is quite the scene I must say.  I love walking there every Halloween just to observe all of the fun and see all of the creative costumes!

Our team at State of the Heart Fitness had our own Halloween fun today as Gigi, Rob, Christina and myself went RETRO and dressed like fantastic 70’s & 80’s  fitness instructors!  It all was for good fun and laughs for our clients and of course, ourselves!   For more pictures, you can visit our State of the Heart Fitness facebook fan page. 

On that note, I wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween!  It’s a day to get a little crazy and have some fun!

Cheers!

Lisa

Thought I’d share some of my fave quotes…   :) 

Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wow!!!!!   A big HUGE congrats to Rob who ran the 10k at the Santa Monica 5000 race this past Sunday.  His goal was to get a time 43 minutes for the 6.2 miles and not only did Rob reach his goal but he also surpassed it with a blazing time of 41:31!  His fastest time ever!  And not only that, but he WON his division out of 68 in the 40-44 age group!!!!  Who said we can’t get bigger, faster, and stronger (and hopefully wiser :) ) with age???   Way to go, Rob Robinson!  You are the bomb!

On similar notes…  Gigi and myself along with friends, Jen and Brent, competed in the Carpinteria Triathlon last Sunday (September 25th).  For me, it was the first one I had done in over 10 years!  For Gigi, it was her first one EVER!  Though considered a ”sprint” triathlon - consisting of a 500 meter swim, 12 mile bike ride and a 5k (3.1 mile) run - it was challenging enough for those of us who haven’t done one in awhile.  I have to say, I forgot how fun they actually are!  For me, since the swim is the most difficult, there’s almost no greater moment/feeling than coming out of the water and feeling the ground!  Yay!  It’s almost better than crossing the finish line!  HA!   But then it’s off to the bike which is my strongest leg because of the 3x/week spinning classes I teach; the bike, for me, is the most fun and its where I make up the most time I lost from the swim! :) The run is always a bit iffy after you’ve swam and biked.  The legs have a tendency to feel like lead… at least for the first mile and until it finally registers to the legs that we’re actually trying to run!  Ugh!

Like I say, we all had a blast and with no expectations of how well we would do, and it turns out, we didn’t do too bad!  I placed 7th in my age group, Jen placed 15th (same age group) and Gig placed 3rd in hers!!!!  Not bad for her first one, but of course, when it comes to Gig, we’re never surprised!  Not to mention that it was ONLY 3 months ago that she broke her collar bone after a fall from her horse, but after a surgery in which the doctor was blown away with how quickly she healed, Gig completes her first ever triathlon at 57 and takes the show!  

Way to go, Gig, Jen, Brent & myself!  It was a great time!  Thanks Jen for suggesting it.  It was good to get “back in the saddle” as they say!    

On one more note, State of the Heart Fitness is going to be doing the LA AIDS WALK on Sunday, October 16th.  The founder of the AIDS WALK, Craig Miller, is one of our longest term clients; we’ve been training him for nearly 10 years!  Craig is an inspiration in that his life has been dedicated to helping causes, with the AIDS WALK being his most notable after 27 years!  If you can, please walk with us or if nothing else, we ask for you to help us raise our team goal of $1500 this year!!!  Many many thanks!  

The link to just donate is HERE

If you’d like to register to walk with us, click here.

We (and Craig) appreciate your support!!!! 

Happy October!  Fall is definitely here!

Cheers,

Lisa

In all of my years of riding horses, and in particular, my beloved Little Miss, one of the biggest things I have learned is how symbolic riding a horse is to living life.  As most of you know, my Miss has been my soul companion for 29 years now, and in those years, she has taught me sooooooooooooooo much about myself and life… all of which are being transcribed into her book called, “The Ride of My Life,” (due out whenever it’s done.  :) ).

One of the greatest things that Miss has taught me is about letting go of fear… as well as letting go of the need to be in control.  When we get on a horse, no matter how well trained and “bullet proof” they may be (meaning that it’s rare they spook at anything), we still are - on some level - surrendering to a bigger and somewhat unpredictable force. I’m always amazed at how powerful horses are, and yet, they allow us to think we are in control of THEM.  The truth is, as much as our ego would like to think we are in control, it’s really the horse who is.  We are just blessed by their graciousness and humility that allows us to ride on their backs and feel their amazing power, energy and spirit.  That is their gift to us.

In our early years, Miss and I had some pretty out of control rides…  rides that had no predictable outcome.  I, of course, survived them all, but what I learned from them was as scary as they were at times, they were also just as exhilerating, and when I stayed present and hung in there - hanging on to her - we got through them all…  just as it happens in life.  Sometimes we experience times that feel out of our control and unpredictable, but when we just stay present and hang in there, we get through it.

So often we want to control every aspect of our lives in our attempt to feel safe, secure and comfortable.  As a species, it seems we have learned to fear life instead of really being IN it and enjoying it.  When we are in fear, we try to control, and when we try to control, we get stressed and uptight when things don’t go our way, and when we are chronically stressed and uptight, we create dis-ease in the body and if this chronic state persists for too long (from days to years), our health begins to fail. 

In riding my Miss over the years, I have learned that riding her is like riding the wave of life…   it is a surrender to a greater power that is literally carrying us.  When we are fearful of that power - whether it be a horse, the power within ourselves, or life itself - we severely limit our experience in each moment.  Yet when Miss has given me the message to just relax, surrender and let go, trusting in the flow and in her power, the ride becomes the most amazing, enjoyable and magical experience one could ever imagine.  It literally lifts the spirit and we fly! 

Fear holds us down and suppresses any ounce of energy we have to enjoy our lives.  It also creates disease.  Trust and surrender in a greater power, on the other hand, creates the opposite.  It allows us to live and experience life to the fullest… to really enjoy the ride! 

What are your fears that are holding you back?  Where do you need to let go?  To surrender?  To learn to trust? 

Come on…   I dare you… :)

Cheers!

Lisa