Blessings in the Unexpected

August 8, 2020 by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

By Lisa Calice

“If you so choose, even the unexpected setbacks can bring new and positive possibilities. If you so choose, you can find value and fulfillment in every circumstance.”

— Ralph Marston

I awoke this morning to the moon shining brightly in the morning sky. Still too sleepy to form any expectations of the day, I was taking in my surroundings without judgement. And what a delight to see the nighttime moon bright and shining in the deep blues and pinks and purples of the morning. If I wouldn’t have bent down to pet my dogs, I may not have noticed the view of the moon juxtaposed to my hanging pot of flowers; the only ones that have survived the hot, dry summer we are experiencing. My view of life this morning was one of joyful happenstance.

It reminded me that prior to March of this year, I may not have been where I was, experiencing the beauty of a sleepy, unplanned view of the sky from my own backyard. I would have been too busy, racing from commitment to commitment. And while I’ve so often grieved over the life I’ve lost forever, I’ve had some beautiful moments of feeling inexplicably alive.

Life in the pandemic is as terrible as it is beautiful. The moments where I can escape the rat race, the fear, the masks and the lost jobs and opportunities have been some of the most inspiring I can remember. I was truly present this morning with nature; in my backyard, in my breath, and with my dogs. We were all connected as one, and the morning and it’s possibilities seemed as endless as the sapphire blue of the sky. I’ve always loved mornings and this morning that love made my heart so full. My pets and I were in harmony and the morning stood completely still. I felt myself breathe.

These are those moments where I know that the tragic setbacks and losses of the pandemic and the choices being made that are out of my control, can one day lead to something better. In my heart I have to believe this. I feel more inspired, energized, creative, compassionate, patriotic. I want to transform my world and I want to transform the whole world for the better. One beautiful moment, one breath, one person can make one small difference.

For the first time in most of my adult life, I have been dragged, at first kicking and screaming into a life I didn’t expect. It happened as suddenly and unexpectedly as if I had painstakingly created one of those intricately colored sand mandalas and someone came along with a large broom and swept it all away. There’s a pile of dirt that remains of my past, and that’s about it.

Gradually at first, there was an awakening to beauty that was equally unexpected. It was a little like rubbing the sleep out of my eyes this morning. Instead of focusing on who and what are never coming back, my eyes opened to what is here. Maybe I was too busy rushing around building my sand mandala to notice it.

As a result, the sky has opened up. There are new relationships to be had; a new career, new friends, renewed friends, new experiences, a heightened creativity. I am moving into the realm of the present, of acceptance. Maybe the difficulties will suck but will actually make me better. The things I used to be afraid of hardly seem scary any longer. How can I; a living, breathing, creative human being; wake up to the moon in summer sky and feel afraid? Many moons have arisen and set over many setbacks that have come and gone, and the world is still here. I am still here. Life passes so quickly. Maybe now I won’t miss it completely. Right here, in this moment, I am blessed.

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Lisa Calice, E-RYT200, BFA, CDP. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/ Twitter: @lisacyogini Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lifewithlisayogini/

Visit ilovepete’s shop, for cool artwork on awesome products! https://www.redbubble.com/people/ilovepete/shop

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Making Our Own Magic

July 27, 2020July 28, 2020 by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

Everywhere I look these days, I see challenges. It’s easy to feel like I am climbing never-ending hills. It can be tempting to lose hope. Some days, it would be pretty easy to succumb to the challenges. I know I need to seek a balanced view, and go find moments where I believe something good will ultimately come. Or even that it’s all good. I want to find a way to live the best life I possibly can. No matter how small it is, I have become determined to make something magical happen.

Magic doesn’t have to be a major miracle; rather it is the little every day triumphs, and trying to enjoy every moment that I am here. I strive to appreciate the every day tasks and to do them the best that I can. I want to feel grateful rather than overwhelmed. I need to make some magic happen so that I can see challenges as opportunities. When I wash my dishes, instead of feeling like it’s a chore, I try to think, “thank God I have dishes to wash!” I want to make my own magic with the challenges, big and small, that I face each day.

One of my favorite quotes describes my thoughts best:

“Feelings, whether of compassion or irritation, should be welcomed, recognized, and treated on an absolutely equal basis; because both are ourselves. The tangerine I am eating is me. The mustard greens I am planting are me. I plant with all my heart and mind. I clean this teapot with the kind of attention I would have were I giving the baby Buddha or Jesus a bath. Nothing should be treated more carefully than anything else. In mindfulness, compassion, irritation, mustard green plant, and teapot are all sacred.”
Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of MeditationTags: mindfulness, miracle, of

Today I went to visit my mom and dad. I could see right away that without gratitude, I was sunk. My mom was sleeping sitting on the sofa when I arrived and didn’t want to acknowledge my presence. Eventually she came around a bit, but she sure didn’t make it easy!

I had so many wonderful and easy years with my mom, that honestly it makes it that much easier for me on the challenging days. I know how lucky I’ve been and how much my mom has given to me. I can’t feel troubled providing anything I can for such a wonderful woman. Of course the challenge here is, she doesn’t remember who I am or how much I appreciate her. She gets frustrated and impatient so I need to wave my magic wand and be patient for both of us. I am learning to celebrate the teeny, tiny victories in a sea of disappointments.

This was one of those days where nothing I did seems to work. On those days I just try something else, or I keep trying. Today it was the paint by sticker books that broke the ice. I asked my mom if she wanted to make some pictures and she picked a book up right away. That’s when I saw the Make Your Own Magic picture. I knew right then that things would be ok. Whenever we are working on our pictures we are in unison; working toward a common goal. It keeps our minds focused and we can interact positively. I can feel my patience and compassion filling my heart.

I came up with this idea one day when I saw that my mom still had the capability to color perfectly in the lines, just like she always had, but that she no longer had the patience to do so. Color by sticker was the perfect option for her. She needs some assistance doing it, but it is just challenging enough without being impossible and she is so proud of the results. Since then, my sister has become the master at locating and obtaining new paint by sticker books that keep things interesting and fun.

If you have a Senior in your life, I highly recommend these! Here is a link to one of my favorites:

https://books.google.com/books/about/Paint_by_Sticker_Dogs.html?id=wfGoDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button

When we worked on the outer space sticker design, I had fun telling my mom the names of the items in the pictures, such as “The Big Dipper,” a “Shooting Star,” and “Saturn.” It reminded me of how patiently she used to read me my favorite book as a kid, “A Book of Planets for You.” Isthave this book. Although that

It brought me so much joy creating this picture with her, and I remembered our time spent with the planet book well enough for the both of us. In the scheme of things, it was such a small act, but truly a connection only my mother and I share, because that book was MY book ( I am sure I did not share it with my siblings, and that was back in the day when Pluto was still a still a planet)!

As I write this, I am thinking of all the elderly who are alone and isolated right now, and I’m working to find a way to help some of them. I hope we all find a way to reach out to make our seniors feel loved and appreciated. They may not all remember us, but we can all remember them! Let’s make our own magic happen! I love you mom! You are my inspiration! You make me a better me! You made my life magical.

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Lisa Calice, E-RYT200, BFA, CDP. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/ Twitter: @lisacyogini Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lifewithlisayogini/

Visit ilovepete’s shop, for cool artwork on awesome products! https://www.redbubble.com/people/ilovepete/shop

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Freedom…Remembering the Joy of Walking in My Bare Feet

July 5, 2020 by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

By Lisa Calice

I went on a journey today and like most journeys, it wasn’t about the miles traveled or the destination; it was the memories of the people and places that came before.

On the way home I took an unplanned detour. Why not? After all, I was now alone. While many of my freedoms have been limited lately, today was the Fourth of July, and I felt free. No one knew where I was, or cared; no plans, no invitations, and no expectations. Only my dogs waited at home for me today, and somehow I knew they would understand. My journey continued. I stopped at a place quite familiar to me; a place I had often visited with people I loved. Loved ones who because of circumstance and choice, are no longer with me. I had been longing to return to this place for a while. In part I did this to feel connected with that love and those memories again. And I also wanted to make this place my own.

I began walking the familiar path. My American Flag flip flops probably weren’t the best footwear choice for a trail walk. The river off to my right sparkled and bubbled in the evening sunshine. Drawn to the water, I left the path to climb down the stairway to a winding trail along the river. The memories came flooding back. While the trail was the familiar, it had changed with time.

Being in this place, I felt the presence of my loved ones here. More than mere memories, I felt like little pieces of us had remained here by the river; our words, our laughter, our tears, maybe even a fishing lure. I half expected to hear the sound of a familiar voice, or footsteps behind me.

I was still wearing my flip flops as I walked along the sandy, winding, sloping trail; ducking under branches, climbing over trees. At one point I slipped on the path and slid towards the water. I wasn’t afraid, but that’s the point where I realized my flip flops needed to come off.

How great it felt, finally, to feel my bare feet on the warm, sandy earth! My feet softly gripped the uneven ground, just like they were always meant to do. There was an instant change. More than just memories walked along with me. I was like a child again, filled with the sheer joy of being alive and connected to the nature around me. I was in my element. Dragonflies and other insects buzzed around and led me closer to the river. I came to a point where I could climb down and wade into the water.

The water felt warm and gentle as it swirled and flowed around my feet. It felt soft like silk. I stood there in the water for a long time. It was so peaceful. I continued to plod along the trail, exploring and finding places to climb into the water again and again. My troubles melted away.

Why hadn’t I thought to take my shoes off sooner? Now, in my bare feet, I was transported back in time to a place where I was free. Throughout my childhood, my parents had given me a place to explore freely, and I had embraced it. It was a world where I breathed the fresh air, played in the water, climbed trees and felt the earth between my toes. I lived in my bare feet. Most of the obstacles in this world could be easily surmounted; I simply climbed over them. Love embraces me; surrounded me. I loved the animals, the fish, the birds, and the people in my world. People loved me back. They spoke the truth. I didn’t question whether they truly cared for me. There were no countries, no boundaries, no politics, no fighting (other than some sibling sparring). There was no judging, no drama, no manipulation, no sabotage. I was truly blessed. Love was eternal, unconditional. No one controlled me; they wanted the best for me. As long as I followed some simple and reasonable rules, life was really good.

I felt so alive being barefoot on this winding trail that reminded me of a better time in my life. Remembering it began to fill me with confidence again. The fear of slipping and falling into the river evaporated. My feet were sure and expertly navigated the trail. My feet could breathe again! I could breathe deeply in the fresh air too. This is how I was meant to breathe. I began to feel like myself again and I was filled with peace. I remembered I was someone worthy of being loved. After all, my parents had loved me. Out here in my bare feet, I could finally connect with that love!

As I walked along and waded in the river, the evening was beautiful and perfect. No one could wreck it or make it look ugly. There was no agenda, no threats, no attacks, no criticism. I didn’t mind at all being alone. The love, faith and freedom my parents had given to me, filled me up. I remembered who I was. And who I still am. And I was free!

This river had changed. It wasn’t the same river I had walked along so many times before. Time had passed. The path of the river had changed. I had changed. My recent life experiences were very different from those of my childhood. I had lost people who had chosen to leave me and didn’t love me anymore; and maybe never really did. It hadn’t occurred to me that this was even possible, but it had happened, nonetheless. I now lived in a world where I had to watch my back at all times, could trust very few, and love was anything but a certainty. People have many agendas. The loves I had lost, the experiences we’d shared, were gone for good. The pieces of us whispered in the trees and the water, now only a memory. I had loved as completely as my parents had loved me. I felt my feet on the warm earth and felt like it was time to say goodbye. This loss would always be a part of me, but I decided to leave the memories, the hopes and dreams, along with my tears. I walked away and left them by the river. I watched them float away.

The late evening sunshine glittered on the water. I believed that somewhere out there, exists someone just like me.

As I headed back towards my car, my heart was filled with peace. I really should have taken my shoes off sooner. It’s been such a long time. In my bare feet, I had found myself again. I am loved. I am strong. I am free!

After my hike I walked over to get some ice cream before heading home. Homemade butter pecan ice cream cone, which used to be my mom’s favorite. I sat on a picnic table and ate it, watching some fishermen fish in the steadily flowing river. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit! Here’s to you Mom! Happy Fourth of July! God Bless my parents, my family, my friends, my home and my country. God bless America!

“Never be the person who doesn’t do the wave. Those people die alone.” — Phil Dunphy

“Selflessness is humility. Humility and freedom go hand in hand. Only a humble person can be free.” —-Jeff Wilson

Lisa Calice, E-RYT200, BFA, CDP. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/ Twitter: @lisacyogini Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lifewithlisayogini/

Visit ilovepete’s shop, for cool artwork on awesome products! https://www.redbubble.com/people/ilovepete/shop

Over the River and Through the Woods…Hawk Woods, That Is!

October 21, 2019October 21, 2019 by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

The early morning sun in the colorful leaves of the trees at Hawk Woods Nature Center

It was a beautiful Autumn morning and I was feeling inspired after teaching an early morning yoga class. Rather than driving home to rest, I chose to enjoy the morning sunshine. Also healing from a minor knee injury, I was feeling like mixing it up a bit; a fun nature trail workout amongst the changing Autumn leaves was just what was needed.

On a whim, I chose Hawk Woods. I have lived in the Auburn Hills/Rochester Hills area for half my life, and for some reason I had never been to Hawk Woods until this year. To me it appears as a hidden gem!

On this October Saturday, it was so peaceful and quiet, I was at first reluctant to reveal this hidden treasure! I felt like it belonged to me alone! However, I feel many more people should have an opportunity to enjoy the kind of morning recreation that I discovered at Hawk Woods on this gorgeous Autumn morning!

http://www.auburnhills.org/departments/parks_and_recreation/parks_and_facilities/hawk_woods_nature_center.php

Setting off on one of Hawk Woods nature trails

Excited to have found a fun way to log some walk/run minutes for the “Walktober” Challenge I am currently participating in, I trotted happily along on the well-groomed path, the only sound being the crunching of leaves beneath my feet. Every now and again, the songs of birds, the flutter of wings, the white flash of a rabbit’s tail, broke the morning stillness. Filled with delight, I pressed on, excited to explore these paths further, looking for opportunities to snap a few photos and videos. While I did not see any Bluebirds, I definitely heard them!

This was just the workout I was looking for. The scenery was stunning, particularly in the early morning Autumn light. I was drawn to the phragmites in the marshy area. Crunching along the pathway, I startled a pair of loons in the pond.

My view of the Sun shining through the changing leaves

I explored several trails and each trail was scenic in its own unique way. I enjoyed the trail that wrapped around the pond and was able to capture some photos that reflected the beauty I enjoyed there.

Another discovery I made about my outdoor exercise experience, was that it was very easy to do a longer workout! In no time at all, 45 minutes had passed, and I still had tons of energy and enthusiasm! I wouldn’t have even looked at my watch if I didn’t have somewhere else I had to be in the early afternoon. I found this article about outdoor vs indoor exercise:

https://flipbelt.com/blog/working-out-at-the-gym-vs-outdoors

Being outdoors truly helped my mood. As I enjoyed one view after another, I soon found myself smiling. Here are eleven scientific reasons that being outdoors is beneficial:

http://mentalfloss.com/article/70548/11-scientific-benefits-being-outdoors

Choosing which way to go…trail markers at Hawk Woods Nature Center

If you enjoy the outdoors as much as I do, you can find a trail map (even one that’s downloadable), as well as maps for other Michigan trails, here: https://www.michigantrailmaps.com/member-detail/hawk-woods-nature-center/

If you are new to trail walking/running, this is a nice place to start. The 3 mile trail system is rated as “easy” so you won’t come across anything too challenging. Also, it’s always easy to get back to the beginning of the trail/parking area again. I ended up traveling 2 miles and burning 300 calories, and felt so invigorated and uplifted while doing it! I personally find nature to have a powerful healing affect.

Here is a brief history of Hawk Woods (that I never knew either):

“Hawk Woods dates back to 1837 when the Crawford family arrived in Oakland County the year Michigan became a state and began homesteading a farm deeded to them by President Andrew Jackson. Eventually the area was turned into a nature center by the Pontiac School District, whose students were responsible for building many of the park’s cabins and segments of trails. Unable to support the preserve financially, the Pontiac School District sold the property in 1992 to city of Auburn Hills which took over Hawk Woods at the urging of city councilman E. Dale Fisk.”
MichiganTrailMaps.com

While I did not see any hawks on Hawk Woods trails, I did see a “committee” of Vultures. And no, I am not referring to politicians! What I saw was a real treat! These majestic birds were gathered together, spreading their wings and “sunning” themselves on an old dead tree. I caught some beautiful photos, some even juxtaposed with the waning moon, which really added a dramatic effect to my view of these fascinating birds, before some of them became “camera shy” and flew away. It’s not every day you get to sneak up on one of their gatherings such as I did!

A Committee of Vultures stretching their wings and sunning themselves

I found some fun facts about Vultures. Did you know they have their own International Vulture Day?

https://www.thespruce.com/fun-facts-about-vultures-385520

One of the joys I discover in outdoor exercise, is stopping to appreciate the little things. Even though it’s a workout for me, I take pause to notice the small wonders all around me, and yes, even to snap a photo! Even though it is October, there are still some beautiful flowers in bloom.

When I finally completed my jogging photo shoot at Hawk Woods, I was quite reluctant to leave! Needless to say, I will return again very soon!

October

BY ROBERT FROST

O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away.
Retard the sun with gentle mist;
Enchant the land with amethyst.
Slow, slow!
For the grapes’ sake, if they were all,
Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,
Whose clustered fruit must else be lost—
For the grapes’ sake along the wall.

So-Long, Farewell, Hawk Woods! Me and My Shadow shall visit you again soon!

By Lisa Calice

Yogini, Runner, Nature Girl, Suburban Explorer, Dog Lover, Artist, Photographer, Healthy Lifestyle Blogger

I teach Yoga at the Auburn Hills Community Center, and you can find me here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/Twitter: @lisacyogini

Instagram: LisaMarieCalice

Good Morning Sunshine… Stop to Watch the Sunrise

October 2, 2019October 2, 2019 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

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