Mariel Hemingway - Running with Nature: Stepping Into the Life You Were Meant to Live

The information contained in this book is based upon the personal and professional experiences of the authors. It is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or other healthcare provider. Any attempt to diagnose and treat any physical condition should be done under the direction of a healthcare professional.

The publisher does not advocate the use of any particular healthcare protocol but believes the information in this book should be available to the public. The publisher and authors are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed in this book. Should the reader have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any procedures or preparation mentioned, the authors and the publisher strongly suggest consulting a professional healthcare advisor.

C HANGING L IVES P RESS 50 Public Square #1600 Cleveland, OH 44113 www.changinglivespress.com

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available through the Library of Congress.

ISBN-13: 978-0-9882476-1-1

ISBN: 9780988247666

Copyright 2013 by Mariel Hemingway and Bobby Williams

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

Editor: Lisa Espinoza

Cover photo of Mariel and Bobby by David Paul

Cover and Interior design: Gary A. Rosenberg www.thebookcouple.com

Printed in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

We dedicate this book to NATURE
and all the beauty, knowledge and
simplicity it offers all of us daily.

May the sun always shine on all our amazing friends and, of course, our family Paul, Joan, Janice Williams and John Boddy, and Dree and Langley Hemingway for their radiant support of this passion project.

Cheers to Heather Reinhardt for her patience and sweet attitude toward our process; Karyn Dilworth for keeping the faith; Dan Horton, Lisa Erspamer, Tara Sheahan, and David Paul who are extended family; Joe Kolkowitz (without whom Bobby would not have written this book), all of whom inspired us to keep going; and Barbara Kopple for introducing us to our wonderful publishers Ellen Ratner and Francesca Minerva.

Thank you to those who always saw and continue to see the vision: Mike Call, Boone Speed, Nancy Lee, the Hubtuit team, Chris Montgomery, Brian Mezner, Melissa Beaver, Karen Baxter, Tracy Columbus, Kevin Desoto, Jen Ward, Ian Clark, Ryan Culver, Jim Crabbe, Brett Fairall, Jon and Andrea Benson, Victoria Diiorio, Stefanie Hartman, Tania Hartman, Scott Paton, Alix Thelemaque, Josh and Selene Car-michael, Cathy and Dayne Seiling, Jim and Alexis Kwik, Marty Davis and Cambria, Asher and Alice Milgrom, Steve Oates, Andy Langberg, Kevin Fortun and Robert Heggie at Mariels Kitchen group, Mike and Joy Van Noy, Craig Kessler, Rachel Goldstein, Lori Hart, Dr. Thai, David Thorson and Fairway.

Thank you Alan Hopkins and Paul Sears for keeping the Running With Nature Ranch alive. Thank you Margot Dougherty for organizing our initial thoughts, and finally Lisa Espinoza, our editor, who saw this project through to the end. We are profoundly grateful to all of you!

Bindu, Lucy, Tree, Mow and the ladies (hens)Thank you for your fur, your feathers, your eggs and wags. WE LOVE YOU.

WELCOME to Running with Nature! Life on your own terms.

As we both thrive at 50, we are finding that the impossible is becoming possible. It really is possible to be younger, happier and healthier than ever before. Our motto is live your life and forget your age. We believe that age is more about habits, choices and lifestyle than about the number of years gone by. We have only been on this earth about 18,250 days (50 years) so far. A short time in the giant scheme of things, dont you think? Every day is a new beginning. And remember, the sun shines for us all with each new day. We are alive and vital and as young as we feeland we feel incredible, ebullient, vibrant and free. How about you?

The common belief is that were all supposed to retire at 65. Our life expectancy is 75, and disease and overall degeneration will do us in. Really? Theres no way were buying into that. We are here to let you know that we will all break these rules together. We plan on living many more adventurous days on this planet. How about 73,000 of them? Or more? Is it possible? Why not?!

Each day we are given 24 hours. Thats 86,400 moments to change our lives for the better. We are here to inspire you to use the gift of each moment to become the best teacher, healer, nutritionist, trainer and guide to yourself that you can be. How can you do this? By becoming an expert in being YOU! Now, in this moment. And the next, and the next, and the next. Learn to be your authentic Self by taking actions that are natural, doable and accessiblewatch a sunrise or sunset, drink pure water out of a glass, take time to be silent, eat clean food, and take a step back from technology. As you will find, the single action that reenergizes us the most is getting outside and connecting with Nature by doing something physically and mentally challenging.

Running with Nature is more than a bookit is a lifestyle. Each of the ten chapters that follow focuses on an aspect of living that is vital to our well-being. As you read, youll notice that were continuously exploring the male/female dynamic, the yin/yang, or the balance of relationship if you will. So together and individually we talk about how to get the best sleep, eat the best foods, drink the best water, and finally how to breathe (as simple as it sounds, how we breathe is a powerful and complex tool). And lets not forget the importance of being playful and having fun.

Our goal is to inspire and motivate you to make the Running with Nature lifestyle changes that will result in a healthier, more vital You. We also give you the tools to make this happen. At the end of each chapter, we provide you with a list of Point-Earning Activities that will help you put into practice the ideas youre learning about. Choose at least one activity per chapter every day to enhance and expand your life and help you grow into the Running with Nature lifestyle.

This is not a strict point system but rather a practical guideline for incorporating healthy new choices into your everyday life. Think of your points earned or lost as energy. Assuming youve given yourself a good nights sleep, you will wake up with 100 points. Earn 100 more points in a day and youve gained a days worth of vital life energy! You can gain points based on the simple choices you make throughout the day. Awareness is the key. Make it your intention to do those things that are going to add to, not subtract from, your health and well-being. Your goal is to earn as many points as you canRunning with Nature points are life-giving points! There are limitless possibilities for Point-Earning (i.e., life-giving!) Activities that are playful and feel like things you get to do rather than have to do.

Point-Earning Activities, those weve listed or the ones you come up with yourself, will increase your positive energy and result in greater health than ever before. Of course, we cant promise you extra days, but we can promise you thisall you need is the will, and you will find your way to your greatest life.