Maia....My Ultimate Girl Crush

Shot in Fire Island, New York, this film (4min. 23 sec) captures the secrets of eternal youth as Maia Helles, a Russian ballet dancer turns 95 but still remains resolutely independent, healthy and as fit as a forty year old. Made by Julia Warr, artist and film maker who met Maia on a plane 4 years ago and became utterly convinced by the benefits of her daily exercise routine, which Maia perfected together with her Mother, over 60 years ago, long before exercise classes were ever invented. (2011) Film by Julia Warr Music by Lola Perrin visit juliawarr.org

This woman defines what wellness looks like, and how aging with grace is a real thing. It actually exists. Self-awareness, ease, mind-body-spirit connection....man, Maia kills it! 

I actually found this video 4-5 years ago, in what I would call the height of my biggest 'wow!' moments. I was in yoga training, shifting my world upside down, realizing I had an exercise addiction, and that I was pursuing a lifestyle/career that only enabled poison. Toxic thoughts, habits, and huge amounts of denial. Oh yeah, I was the captain of that denial train. This video, Maia, gave me a glimpse of what I saw in yoga that spoke to a truth, the real truth, not the one I had created around 'health,' or 'exercise.' I can't tell you how many times I've watched this simple video of this woman's simple day, but every time I do (well, I cry nearly every time, but that's not the point nor is it helping my street cred), I feel re-connected to that truth, that goal of living a life that is whole. 

Plus, let's be honest that home girl's abs are pretty damn strong for a more 'lived' gal. :)