As an educator, it is one of my primary objectives to present cutting edge information about creative and productive ways of taking care of one’s self. I realized early on that in order to motivate there has to be a component of curiosity and fun. This has always been my approach to happiness and it has been my goal to share this philosophy with others. As infants we begin to learn about the wonderment of life, the complexities of our bodies, and how we respond to the ever-changing process of human evolution. This foundation sets the tone for how we perceive life and the world around us.
Fast forward to this November, and much to my amazement I turned 60 years of age! The onset of this birthday was exceptionally exciting to me, which I know is not the norm for most people. It was very cool to reach this major marker feeling so good about my choices in life.
As difficult as life may seem in this day and age, I have followed a few simple guidelines to support a healthy lifestyle that I will share with you.
“The way we think is the way in which we manifest everything in our lives”
My main source of education has been observation. Over the years I have observed how easy it is for people to program themselves to think in negative terms and to reinforce it on a daily basis. Professionally speaking, it is like talking people off of a ledge, and I have been on many ledges with many people. As negative as this may seem, it has never altered or affected the way I think about life, my love of life and my ability to maintain joy. Programming is programming, you can go negative or positive. It is all the same to the brain. The key factor is to program the same thought regularly (like exercising a muscle) until it becomes a way of being. Don’t stop!
“Emotional balance governs the way in which we perceive stressors”
Being in a natural environment has always been a stabilizing force for me. I have encouraged others to do the same for years. It is amazing how I feel when I take the time to commune with Nature on a daily basis. It just works. 
“It is the intention of movement that inspires the body”
I love to move + I love to smile = Moving makes me smile!
The two main factors in exercising that keeps me happy and injury free is to pay attention to my form and to thoroughly enjoy the experience of moving my body through space. I have personally found that if my intention is truly behind the movement and I am fully present, my muscles will respond accordingly. This principle holds true for any age. Muscles recognize the difference in the quality of movement, so make sure you’re having concentrated fun!
“Healthy food equals healthy cells”
To make my “cells dance” on a daily basis, I choose foods that are very fresh, organic and nutrient rich to fuel my body. These foods vary in color, are beautiful in appearance, absolutely delicious and provide a complete spectrum of vitamins and minerals. I maintain a conscious practice to tune in and listen to what my body needs at any given moment by eating slowly, chewing the food well and giving gratitude for being nurtured with every bite.
For my 60th birthday gift, my loving wife Monica arranged a spectacular vacation to the Caribbean that included all of these healthy components. “It was so exciting that I truly felt 60 without the 0”. Everyday was a new adventure; snorkeling, archery, water aerobics, yoga, pilates, stretching, weight training, kayaking, tubing, dancing, swimming, massage, relaxation, meditation and absolutely amazing healthy foods!
Waving to you on my 60th Birthday! Enjoy life at any age….
Love,
Joe