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So Why Practice Yoga Anyway?

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle, wellness, yoga

Can you even believe it? I’ve been teaching yoga since 2003! I can say with complete sincerity that I believe this is my life’s work. More than anything, I love helping people feel better. I am fascinated with the healing process. I am encouraged and grateful for the sense of community in the places that I teach.

Probably the largest roadblock, both for myself, my success, and that of my students, is the continuity of practice. Despite my complete confidence in the benefits of regular yoga practice, I still have to motivate myself and others to cultivate a regular practice. There are times a student will say to me after coming to class two days in a row: “Wow! I really feel much better!” But how quickly we forget, and fall back into old habits. It’s easy to allow your yoga practice to become an item to check off on your To Do List. When you show up for my yoga class (or anyone’s yoga class for that matter), you are giving of yourself to something special; you are investing in your SELF; you are loving yourself. You are giving yourself over to transformation. When you don’t want to take the time to practice, that is probably when you most need to go.

Your presence in yoga class is making it possible not only for you, but for others to practice. You are supporting your teacher’s efforts, education, as well as livelihood. It’s a win-win for all concerned.

This quote says it perfectly:

“Practice is not about what you get, it is about what you give. Whether you are driven or resistant, the medicine is the same: do what is truly possible with unwavering commitment to giving yourself to the moment. Without this intention, practice becomes another task to be completed, and it loses its ability to transform. And, transformation, or freedom, is the reason for all discipline.”

— Judith Hanson Lasater

If you ask me, transformation is what this world needs most right now. There is so much focus on our differences; there is so much division. Yoga is literally the art and science of connection. This connection and transformation begins with us and our individual and sincere efforts in each moment. Then it continues when we join with others whom are committed to the same transformation.  

“If you choose to see everything as a miracle, then where you are right now is perfect. There is nowhere to run to; there is nothing else to do except be in this moment and allow what is to be. From that place of radical acceptance, major change can happen. The first step in any transformational experience is acceptance and surrender to the present moment, the way that it is. From that place we have the awareness, humility and power to change what is.”

— Mastin Kipp

I am committed to my yoga practice and personal transformation more than ever before. I am looking forward to supporting the transformation of my current students and the readers of my blog. How great it would be if we could support each other! For a small effort from each of us, the benefits are exponential. Please consider joining me for a class, inviting me to teach at your event, or “liking” and “sharing” my yoga with your family and friends. Please contact me! I would love to hear about your journey!

 “Follow your nature. The practice is really about uncovering your own pose; we have great respect for our teachers, but unless we can uncover our own pose in the moment, it’s not practice — it’s mimicry. Rest deeply in Savasana every day. Always enter that pratyahara (withdrawn state) every day. And just enjoy yourself. For many years I mistook discipline as ambition. Now I believe it to be more about consistency. Do get on the mat. Practice and life are not that different.”

— Judith Hanson Lasater

Join me in class soon to experience true transformation!

  1. Yoga with Lisa

Mondays 6:30 -7:30PM

Auburn Hills Community Center

2. Relax & Restore Yoga with Lisa

Tuesdays 6:30 – 7:30PM

Auburn Hills Community Center

3. YogaMedics Stress Relief Yoga

Wednesdays 6:45 – 7:45PM

Oakland University Rec Center

4. Morning Yoga with Lisa

Saturdays 8:00 – 9:00AM

Oakland County Crossfit

5. YogaMedics Stress Relief Yoga

Saturdays 12:00 – 1:00PM

Oakland University Rec Center

Lisa Calice, ERYT 200

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/

Twitter: @lisacyogini

Instagram: LisaMarieCalice

Please Come in and See Me…Remembering Our Elderly

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

“Please come in and see me”

The words were written in my Mother’s perfect handwriting. Her plea was written not once, but twice, and the two little notes were affixed to the door to enter my childhood home from the garage. How many times I had walked through this door in my life, nearly always to be greeted by my mom’s smiling face and cheery voice as I walked into the kitchen. She was almost always in the kitchen preparing something for my arrival. Not today.

Today at least the two sad little notes meant she was waiting for me and wanted to make sure that I knew she was there. She wasn’t sure who exactly she was waiting for, but somewhere inside of her, she knew it was me.

I wiped away a tear, put on a smile, and stepped through the door with some trepidation. My mom was watching TV, and she turned around to see me walk in. I went to greet her and told her that I read her notes and I was here to see her. She seemed pleased that the notes had worked even though she didn’t know to whom she was writing them. I gave her a hug, which she still allows me to do, and told her I was happy to see her.

At times it is difficult to see this frail, confused, and often sad woman, and believe that she is my mother. I think the worst part of her decline is best illustrated by her notes on the door. She waits and waits to see her children, and in her mind, her children never come. I can’t even imagine anything that would feel worse to either one of us. I know for a fact my mother has thought of me every day of my entire life, and yet today she doesn’t really know me. I wish she knew that I think of her every day too.

I also know that even if it lasts only for a brief moment, my mom still enjoys having us visit. She enjoys all visitors. She may forget them the minute they leave but it is clear she wants nothing more in life than to find her way “home.” She wants to find her way back to the times when her children and her entire family surrounded her. Almost every day, she talks about going home.

The good news is, she is home for now. My Dad, and all the rest of us have rallied around her to take care of her the best we can. She may not remember us, but we are there and I know there are moments when it brings her some comfort.

I hope all who are reading this, young or older, who have parents who are still around, read this and reflect on their own lives. Spend enjoyable times with your parents whenever you can. To me it seemed that Mom would always be the same, she would just be an older version of the same wonderful woman. Now I would give anything in the world just to be able to talk with her, share stories, and to eat her delicious cooking again. Spend time enjoying your parents while you can.

Having that close relationship truly makes things easier when and if your parents do begin to decline. All older people love to have visitors. No one wants to be forgotten! I wonder how many other elderly people have notes on THEIR doors that say, “Please come in and see me.”

It is a well-known fact that our population is getting older. There are more senior citizens, and the people visiting them are few and far between. We are all busy living our busy lives. Very few have time to visit elderly relatives.

My parents’ generation is known as “The Forgotten Generation.” I have read statistics in several articles that state that 85% of elderly people in care facilities never get visitors! I find that number astounding. That doesn’t even include those still able to live on their own, who don’t get visitors either. We are all busy, and lead hectic lives, but I hope this article will give cause to step back and think about what is really important. Take time to stop and smell the roses! Sometimes those roses are seniors! It will put your own life in perspective and help you to appreciate each moment.

Here are a couple of articles I found for further reading on the subject:

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/americas-elderly-the-forgotten-generation/

https://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/10-17-14-facts-about-senior-isolation/

There are also ways you can help:

https://dailycaring.com/10-ways-to-help-seniors-deal-with-isolation-and-depression/

The next time you have a chance to take a few moments to spend with an elderly parent, grandparent, neighbor, or friend, I hope you will do it. They too, may be waiting for you with a note on their door, “Please come in and see me.”

Thank you for reading and if you do visit a senior, or are caring for a Senior, perhaps you can send me a note and share your experiences with me!

Lisa Calice

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/

Twitter: @lisacyogini

Instagram: LisaMarieCalice

Me and my Mom:

Good Morning Sunshine… Stop to Watch the Sunrise

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

How many mornings in my lifetime have I rushed to school or to work, without noticing the beauty surrounding me?

I have a favorite place on the way to the office where I can view the sunrise in all its splendor. I captured this beautiful sunrise on October 1st, which was quite possibly the last warm day of the season. Stopping made me a few minutes late for work, but I knew I would be glad of my choice later on, and would probably end up working late several days this week. Since that morning, I have made up those five minutes, and then some.

For me the sunrise puts my existence back into perspective. It restores my optimism and wonder at the world in which I live, which is brimming with bright possibilities. No one will remember me as the girl who was on time every day or stayed late to help out or to get something done. No employer I have worked for – ever – has appreciated me or compensated me for working extra. They could replace me in a heartbeat and I still would have missed all those sunrises…

Taking the time to appreciate life and live in the present moment, is something we teach in yoga. Take time to breathe, appreciate where you are, even if it’s not a beautiful sunrise. Stop or at least slow down, and feel grateful for this moment. Where are we rushing to anyway? The grave? I mean, what’s the hurry?

People who take the time to appreciate life and connect with the moments and the breaths in between all the rushing around are happier and healthier. This is a really great article that also offers some simple suggestions for ways to implement this in your own life.

https://m.wikihow.com/Stop-and-Smell-the-Roses?amp=1

Take a walk in nature, try a yoga class, watch a sunrise and a sunset. Notice how you feel!

Check back for more mindfulness stories right here on my blog or visit me here:

Lisa Calice Yoga https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/

Twitter: @Lisacyogini

Instagram: LisaMarieCalice

Or visit me in person at one of my classes in and around Auburn Hills, Mi

The Mighty Oak Tree was Once a Tiny Acorn

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

“From little acorns mighty oaks do grow” — American proverb

As I walked through the park on my lunch break, I noticed the squirrels were quite busy eating and burying the acorns that were steadily falling from the large oak trees. It then occurred to me that each one of these Oak trees began as an acorn!

I picked up an acorn and held it in my hand, examining it closely. It was quite small, and a dull, brown color. Nothing that looked impressive from the outside, but what a vast amount of potential was within that humble acorn!

I held the acorn up against the Oak tree. I imagined it, along with all of my ideas and hard work, arising and growing into this magnificent tree! Progress might be slow at times, but the potential is there, waiting to blossom into something wonderful!

All of us are like this beautiful acorn – filled with potential! Each time I lace up my running shoes or roll out my yoga mat, I am turning that potential into progress. I can feel my strength and confidence growing. My Half Marathon training began by walking or running just a mile at a time. In the very beginning, I couldn’t even run a mile. But I believed that I could do it.

“Faith sees a beautiful blossom in a bulb, a lovely garden in a seed, and a giant oak in an acorn.” — William Arthur Ward

It is important to set realistic goals. I visualize myself successfully and happily completing my goal and then I set out to do it. I know I have everything within me to accomplish anything. I think this belief in myself first came from my Grandma. I remember well that she always used to say to me, “Lisa, you can do anything you set out to do.” When she said those words to me, I honestly believed them. At that point I hadn’t yet had any failures that would have led me to believe otherwise. I had enthusiasm, faith, and hope to spare. I could do anything.

By now, I’ve had my share of failures. I have suffered injuries when I overtrained, took shortcuts, or pushed too hard. I’ve overcommitted and I’ve made plenty of mistakes. I’ve had to start all over again after divorce. I’ve had to start all over again in middle age, to find a new career that will support me. I’ve had to figure out how to get back in shape after years of long hours and plenty of overtime behind a desk. I’ve started over so many times, that I’ve lost count. I needed to hear that voice of my Grandma in my ear again, “Lisa, you’re so talented. You can do anything you set out to do!” Oh how I have longed to hear those sweet words of encouragement! I wanted to go back in time and be that little acorn again, full of potential and with my entire life ahead of me!

“Just as the acorn contains the mighty oak tree, the Self has everything it needs to fulfill its destiny. When the inner conditions are right, it naturally emerges.”

— Derek Rydall
Despite my age, I still have to fulfill my destiny. Perhaps because of or in spite of my setbacks or circumstances beyond my control, I have been given a second chance. I’ve had to take small steps. My first step to realizing my potential is to improve my health. I chose this because of all the tasks ahead of me, I believe health and fitness is doable, and it will then support my other goals to set me up for success.
My first step to improve my health was to get up and move more every hour, every day. Soon I was taking 1 mile walks every lunch hour. This grew to the 2.5 mile walks I now take on my lunch hour. Before I knew it, I was running the Half Marathon!
Most importantly, I have learned to hear my Grandma’s encouragement in the world around me. She is gone but not forgotten.

This is what I’m doing to fulfill my fitness and wellness potential:

1) Take advantage of workplace wellness offerings! These are usually free. My office has a small gym for our use. I also jumpstarted my fitness quest with a 12-week Wellness program offered by one of the companies my firm represents. It was a free and offered plenty of encouragement in the form of a fitness training plan, nutritional support and even the opportunity to win prizes for completing the 12-week program.
2) Invest in yourself! Some relatively inexpensive ways to encourage change is to get a fitness watch or tracker. Some options are: Apple Watch, Garmin Watch, Samsung Galaxy & Polar. (I am unable to recommend Fitbit watches due to some serious quality issues) Fitness watches can help you track your progress and they celebrate your achievements! They offer positive feedback!
3) Reward yourself! This could be a new pair of running or walking shoes, or a cute pair of yoga pants! Great for motivation!
4) Find a fitness buddy or a community organization to support your efforts! Maybe this is your neighbor, coworker, or family member. There are some wonderful organizations out there where you can meet like-minded fitness pals and receive lots of encouragement! Here are a couple in the Auburn Hills/Rochester Hills area:

  • America Let’s Exercise – this organization will help you lead a healthier lifestyle.

https://americaletsexercise.com

https://www.facebook.com/America-Lets-Exercise-504797539664245/
  • Brooksie Way Training Programs–

This is right in our area and they offer a “Couch to 5K” training program that offers you tons of support to be successful.

5) Sign up for a 5K Run or Walk!

These are fun events that often benefit a good cause. And one of those good causes is YOU! This gives you a goal to walk 3 miles and you will receive a ton of encouragement from participants as well as those cheering you on!

More to come on this topic in the future. I have a long way to go to become that Mighty Oak, but I’ve come a long way! When I turned my 2.5 mile walks into runs and finally joined the Brooksie Way Half Marathon last weekend, I happily found the inspiration and encouragement I had been seeking. As I ran along the course, people cheered me on, “Go Lisa! You can do it!” When at last I crossed the finish line, I heard the announcer say, “Lisa Calice, welcome to the finish line!” I could have sworn I heard my Grandma say, “See Lisa, I told you that you could do whatever you set your mind to do!”

Lisa Calice, E-RYT 200, YACEP

Visit me at:

https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/

Twitter: lisacyogini

Instagram: LisaMarieCalice

The Woes of an Office Job…and What to Do About It – Part 4

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

I still recall at a previous job, we had an instant message app on our computers. I would be cheerfully working away when out of the blue an instant message would flash across the screen…”Please see me.”

It was from my office manager and the first time I received such a message I bounded enthusiastically into her office. I was pretty naive! It was not a pat on the back and in fact I got chewed out. This was standard procedure in our office. In time, when I saw or heard the words “please see me,” I felt a sense of dread that even made my hands sweat and my heart race. I knew too well that those were the symptoms of the stress response. I was in “fight or flight” mode. The problem is, since I couldn’t run, or fight for that matter, my body had to deal with the surge of stress hormones, and their unpleasant side effects.

Stress is often described as “the silent killer.” It can lead to heart disease, weight gain, high blood pressure, anxiety and depression, to name a few.

Some workplace stress is unavoidable. There are deadlines, there can be staff shortages, and other expectations that can cause worry.

Then there are the inevitable pitfalls, the junk food, the candy, donuts and other sugary foods that constantly appear in an office lunch room. All the things I wouldn’t buy at the grocery store, are regularly available! Combining the stress with the sugar and steady supply of caffeine to fuel energy to meet deadlines, can also be a recipe for disaster!

These are some of my stress and sugar survival tactics:

1) Remind myself that I am more than this job. It is what I do, but it doesn’t define me.

2) Know my own limitations. I am not super woman. I need to do my best but I need to rest and restore too.

3) No one can make me feel badly about myself. I work hard and I need to value myself or no one else will.

4) I make one cup of coffee in the morning and take it with me in a medium sized travel mug. I have even down sized from the mug I used to use! I limit myself to that one cup. I drink green tea or herbal tea if I really want more. But mostly I stick to water with a squeeze of lemon.

5) I avoid going into the kitchen area, period. There is always something I don’t need to be eating. I bring plenty of healthy snacks in case I need a pick-me-up.

6) Meditating, yoga, and waking or running really help me release the stress. If I feel the “fight or flight” response coming on, I can go out for a run, or I can focus on calming my breathing or doing a restorative pose.

7) I remind myself that the more I feel like I don’t have time for myself, the more I need it!

This article is a great one for reading more about dealing with the effects of stress at work:

https://greatist.com/happiness/manage-workplace-office-stress/amp

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The Woes of an Office Job…and What to Do About It – Part 3

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle, office exercise ideas, wellness, yoga

I do my best to approach my days in the office with a positive attitude. I walk in, determined to have a fantastic, productive day, but often times my plans are way laid within the first hour. In order to combat the inevitable stress, I have implemented the following strategies, which always seem to help:

1. Drink water upon waking to begin the day hydrated

2. Practice breathing or meditation prior to work – 5 minutes

3. Pack a delicious, healthy lunch the night before, to both save time in the morning and to support my energy levels throughout the day

4. If possible, do some brief stretching or walking prior to work. Between 5-15 minutes

5. Wear my athletic shoes, carry my work shoes in my backpack. Then I KNOW I will exercise

6. Get up and stretch every hour through out work day. Do knee lifts while sitting, leg extensions, arm stretches, etc. The following link has some great suggestions for exercising at your desk:

https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2012/11/20/wellness-in-the-workplace-simple-desk-ercises-for-you-and-your-employees/

7. Practice breathing exercise at least once during the work day (Apple Watch and Fitbit both have an app for this)

8. Go for a walk in the park during lunch hour. If inclement weather, walk at the mall or go to Planet Fitness or other gym

9. Drink water at least once per hour though out the day

10. Drink herbal or green tea for a pick me up in the afternoon rather than going for sugary snacks or more coffee or even pop.

11. Bring healthy snacks: banana, apple, popcorn, cucumbers, almonds, etc

12. Leave on time! There’s ALWAYS one more thing to do! The work will be there tomorrow!

13. Be sure to fill up your water bottle for the ride home!

Small things, small changes, make a huge difference over time and can make working in an office less stressful and allow you to stay healthy, happy and flexible!

Thanks for reading!

Check me out on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/

Twitter: lisacyogini

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The Woes of an Office Job…and What to Do About It – Part 2

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle, Uncategorized

One of the most important ways that I cope with the long hours I spend sitting at the desk at my daily office job, is my lunchtime walks. I realized pretty early on that after sitting all day long, the last thing I wanted or needed to do was to go sit in the lunchroom for lunch.

Our bodies are made to move. I’ve noticed that I can focus and think more clearly when I get up and move. I have a much more positive attitude when I get in a brisk walk midday. Besides the exercise, getting out in the park with the trees and the beautiful scenery, really boosts my mood and relieves stress, particularly on the bad days in the office. I would venture as far as to say that my lunchtime walks have been a real lifesaver for me in more ways than one.

I have included a link below that has a nice article about the reasons you should walk at lunch. It even suggests making it a social event with walking buddies, which I highly recommend, if you can find them! So far I’ve had little success in gaining a lunchtime walking buddy, but that hasn’t stopped me. Even the time alone in the park is peaceful and restorative.

So what do you do when the weather is not so great? I’ve used an umbrella on days with light rain, and it’s actually quite nice. Often times I can manage walks on nice winter days if it’s not too icy. I will sometimes walk in a nearby mall, or go to my local Planet Fitness to walk or jog on the treadmill.

https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2015/04/27/why-you-should-walk-at-lunch/

Be sure to check back for Part 3.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.calice

Twitter: lisacyogini

Instagram: LisaMarieCalice

The Woes of an Office Job and What to Do About It…Part 1

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Uncategorized

Yesterday morning, race day morning, I happened to meet a man who parked his car right next to mine. He told me it was his first time running the Brooksie Way, and at 6:ish AM on this very dark, cloudy morning, you literally could not see where we needed to walk to get to the starting line area. He needed to pick up his runner’s packet. I helped show him the way and as we walked, we chatted a bit. He told me he had never really been a runner before, but he had been suffering chronic lower back pain as a result of his desk job.

Apparently, his supervisor at his work, suggested he get out and join a group that meets weekly to exercise and that’s how he found the Brooksie Way Half Marathon training program. Their program begins in March and continues up until race day in September. They have a Couch to 5K Program and also a program for the 10K and Half Marathon. https://www.thebrooksieway.com/pages/training

I’ve heard fantastic things about this program and plan to participate next year. Suffice it to say, this training program was an excellent choice for this guy. He feels better, has more energy, his back pain is gone, and incidentally, he kicked my butt in the race as he passed me on mile 8.

I too, have a desk job during the day, and I believe the point here is that while such a job causes problems and can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, stress-related illness, chronic pain and injury – it is also possible to overcome that and to lead a much more healthy lifestyle!

This link is a nice article about the issues that can arise from a desk job, and also suggestions like the one given to my new friend above, that will help you to overcome these obstacles to health.

https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2019/06/12/how-to-prevent-common-desk-related-injuries/

Thanks for reading and be sure to check back for Part 2!

You can find my Yoga with Lisa, YogaMedics classes and wellness tips on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/or follow me on Twitter: lisacyogini or Instagram: LisaMarieCalice

No April Fooling

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Uncategorized

April Fools’ Day is a good a day as any to embrace my long-absent sense of humor on my journey to renewal. So I’ve been open to exploring how little things – things that take only 5 or 10 minutes, can have a huge impact on my attitude and make my day better. Maybe you can relate to my attitude adjustment ideas, or even be inspired to find your own “little things”.

One day I began my work day feeling quite annoyed as my entire cup of Starbucks morning coffee ended up falling off my desk and landing upside down in my boot! Don’t even ask me to explain how THAT happened!

There in the midst of my distress, it popped into my head to sketch my dog, CJ, sitting next to a falling coffee cup, with a caption saying, “well, she can’t blame me for this!” And a second caption saying “or can she?” This was to remind me of how important it is to laugh at myself, instead of my usual reaction. It seems like right away, when unpleasant things happen, my default reaction was to look for someone or something to blame. I am all about creating new and better ways to react.

I find that my dogs make great mirrors for self-reflection, which to me is what life’s journey is all about. Yoga, art, a sense of humor, having dogs that I love…it’s all a chance to grow as a person, to reflect on my reactions (which dogs are just awesome at highlighting) and hopefully learning something about myself. If nothing else, my little sketch activity sure changes my attitude for the rest of the day. I turned my coffee tragedy into a funny comic that made me (and hopefully others) laugh. I felt great and it only took 5 minutes! Ever since that day, I have made this a daily habit each and every work day!