Tag: yoga

Blessings in the Unexpected

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.

If you enjoy my blog, please like, comment AND share!!!!!

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

#auburnhillsyoga #yoga #relax #breathe #communityclasses #lisacalice #wellness #auburnhills #auburnhillsparksandrec #restore #dropinclass #fitnessmotivation #fitness #yogapractice #meditation #pranayama #auburnhillsmi #art #yogapete #lisacaliceart #inspiration #ilovepete #fortheloveofpete

Every Day is a Miracle…

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

By Lisa Calice

“People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child—our own two eyes. All is a miracle.” —- Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation

These times have many of us feeling down or discouraged; some of us are depressed or even fearful. I’m not saying I have the answers. However, if you are reading this blog, you are still here, walking on this earth. Fear not, for this life is a miracle.

Difficulties have often opened my eyes to beauty. I can recall times of loss or grief when I suddenly was struck by something incredibly beautiful…a vivid rainbow, a breathtaking sunset, a field of flowers, a loving embrace. Opening my eyes to a spectacular dawn, knowing that my creator has seen fit to give me yet chance to wake up, to walk on the earth amongst not enemies, but friends. I have another day to make a difference, to see the beauty, to appreciate what have and to share it with others.

In spite of uncertainty, it’s not only that I walk, but how I walk on the earth each day that is the miracle making. I may not do great things, but I remind myself to do the little things, the boring or mundane tasks with love!

I woke up this morning and pulled weeds in my garden. While this is a chore, I discovered the miracle of tomatoes that were ripe and ready to eat! They smelled sweet like the sun and the earth and tasted even better! Even in the weediest of gardens, there is delicious fruit. This chilly August morning is a miracle in the making. I am here to see it! The green grass, the colorful flowers, the sun, the moon, the stars, my job, my friends, my family and my pets…all is a miracle.

I pause for a moment and breathe in fully. When I breathe out, there’s some space to notice what’s around me. Here and there I can see opportunities to help those around me to experience small moments where the miracle of life is revealed. I want those around me to know I notice them and they are a miracle to me.

When I taught yoga in the park on Monday, I noticed and pointed out the rainbow in the sky, while the clouds were sprinkling us with rain. That’s how life is, offering us rainbows if we are willing to see them. Teaching yoga, I remind my students of the miracle of each breath.

When I am with my mom on Sundays, the miracle is that in the darkness of her dementia, I can give her a reason to smile, even if it is only once when I compliment her or when I see her enjoying our art projects. It may not sound like a big thing that I have done, but for me, seeing a smile on her weary face is a miracle.

I encourage you today, to smile at someone, to do a small kindness, to take a moment to enjoy the beauty of walking on this earth. Life is a miracle!

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

#auburnhillsyoga #yoga #relax #breathe #communityclasses #lisacalice #wellness #auburnhills #auburnhillsparksandrec #restore #dropinclass #fitnessmotivation #fitness #yogapractice #meditation #pranayama #auburnhillsmi #art #yogapete #lisacaliceart #inspiration #ilovepete #fortheloveofpete

Late Summer 2020 Class Schedule

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

Yoga in the Park, week number two is on Monday, August 10th at 6:30pm, Riverside Park, Auburn Hills, MI.

We will meet at Knight Auditorium. There is PLENTY of space for social distancing. We have staff on hand to take a $10 cash payment if you chose to drop in any Monday. If you wish, you can still sign up for the entire session as you have only missed one class.

We can’t wait to do Yoga in the Park with you! Let’s enjoy these beautiful summer nights!

Yoga With Lisa…My Go-To Yoga at Home Practices…

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

Poses

I don’t always have time for an hour practice or class, but I do have some favorite go-to poses that help me to stretch and de-stress throughout my day, after a long day at the office, or before or after a workout.

Uttanasana – Forward Fold – releases tight hamstrings and soothes your mind. I enjoy this pose when I get home from work or after a run. https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/standing-forward-bend

Bharadvajasana I – Seated Twist – is a gentle seated twist that relaxes your spine and aids in digestion. You can easily adapt this to a chair pose variation. I often do this at my desk or on the floor when I get home. https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/bharadvaja-s-twist

Natarajasana – Lord of the Dance Pose or Dancer Pose – stretches your shoulders, chest and legs! I always do this at the end of a run, before and after I get in the car, or just for fun! It gives you a feeling of confidence! https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/lord-of-the-dance-pose

Loving Your Enemies Meditation – This is not a pose, but has become a daily habit for me. It helps me to maintain a positive attitude and helps me to let go of feelings that would be harmful to me. https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/loving-your-enemies-meditation

Adho Mukha Vrksasana – L Handstand – this pose helps to release the neck and head, aligns your shoulder blades, and creates a sense of calm confidence and mental clarity. I have added this back to my daily practice after studying with my teacher, Kari Tomashik, this past weekend! https://www.doyouyoga.com/how-to-do-l-shaped-handstand/

Breathing

These two essential breath practices will help you create space within…

Kapalabhati – Skull -shining Breath Kumbhaka Pranayama – Breath Retention https://www.yogajournal.com/livebeyoga/santosh-maknikar-essential-pranayama-practices

This book is a wonderful resource that I discovered through my fabulous yoga teacher, Kari Tomashik. I consult it often to practice the above-described yoga breathing techniques and others:

Extraordinary Spiritual Potential by Goswami Kriyananda

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0961309954/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lifewithlisay-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0961309954&linkId=7d4efe9a883b8d446a81c61a6e5dffde

Must haves:

My go-to props are simple, yet effective. I keep two yoga blocks, a firm blanket, a mat, yoga belt, foam roller, bolsters, and dharma wheel available at all times. The great thing is, they don’t take up a lot of space. A small wall space is nice and helpful “prop” to have too!

Dharma Wheel – it is nice to have one that has some cushion to it as it will feel more comfortable

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DUI3ZF0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lifewithlisay-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01DUI3ZF0&linkId=348b3c7abc54e0eb69935f0c3fae95d6

Yoga Strap – make sure it is a D-ring style and at least 10 feet long

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C9KSHO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lifewithlisay-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000C9KSHO&linkId=9f38f57b3a52fcd6cb7b3138611b17c5

Yoga Mat – it is nice if you can get a natural rubber, cork or jute mat, as many times the synthetic ones can be irritating to the skin, especially if you have a latex allergy or sensitivity. Check the mat thickness too, as you will be lying and kneeling on it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JQ2TTU0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lifewithlisay-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00JQ2TTU0&linkId=fed3f342eb89d0c3d656ace2616ecab8

Yoga Bolsters – these come in many shapes and sizes. You can even get ones that have removable, washable covers that match your decor. A basic cylinder or rectangular shape is a great place to start.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006M98UZ0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lifewithlisay-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B006M98UZ0&linkId=bfc60a45b56a9e54d04c683184c4ee3f

Yoga Blankets – blankets should be firm, rather than soft and slippery.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y2N93WZ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lifewithlisay-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B06Y2N93WZ&linkId=f19a8cc0bb87603795dfca9ce728db1c

Yoga Direct is another awesome must-have resource. A great place to purchase Yoga Gear. They currently have a Buy One Get One Free deal going on for their Yoga Gear:

https://www.yogadirect.com/buy-one-get-one

I hope you find these ideas helpful. Please do feel free to comment, like and share my Blog. I would LOVE to hear from you! Stayed tuned for Part 2 where I show you ways to use these props, or come to one of my classes!

The Joy of Community…Enhancing Our Quality of Life Through Community Yoga Classes

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Auburn Hills Community Center, Community Yoga, Healthy Lifestyle, Parks and Recreation, wellness, yoga

My role as a yoga teacher, is to shine a light where it is needed, and to help to unveil the truth. We practice this mindfulness on our yoga mats, and hopefully it spills over into our daily lives. Today, I am writing this in order to shine a light on your local Auburn Hills Community Center; to reveal one of our community’s hidden gems: Community Yoga. Our yoga class is so much more than just an exercise or a yoga class; it is an integral piece of the Auburn Hills Parks and Recreation mission:

“Our mission is to improve the quality of life in Auburn Hills by providing quality parks and recreation opportunities with a variety of year-round programs, special events and facilities for people of all ages and abilities.”

Our yoga classes embrace this mission. Our small, but growing yoga community exists to improve the quality of your life. This healthy, life-enhancing opportunity is available to all, whatever your age or ability. We are friendly and fun! Our classes are offered year-round. All you have to do is show up to benefit!

As a teacher who has taught in many settings, including studios; if I am completely honest, I have to say that teaching a Community Center yoga class is the most rewarding. I get to meet the nicest people that I may not have otherwise met; it’s like teaching a roomful of my next-door neighbors. The Community Center staff are neighborly too; and will do absolutely anything to help me or my students.

The one and only downside of Community Yoga is the eye rolls I sometimes get when a yoga person asks me where I teach, and I inform them that I am a Community Center yoga teacher. I know my students have probably encountered the same misconceptions, as if a Community Center teacher or the class, is somehow something “less”. I am hoping this article will help to dispel this myth.

True, my Community Center yoga room is not specifically designed for yoga; it doesn’t have bamboo floors, yoga-themed decor, nor is it filled with incense. We use a multi-purpose room, that is clean, spacious and beautiful. Come and see it for yourself! It is an awesome space. For that magical hour, I transform it into a yoga paradise, complete with yoga props, candles, music and singing bowls.

Our yoga students may not walk in sporting the latest in yoga fashion; they more likely dress in comfortable sweats, leggings, pants or shorts. We like to be comfortable!

Our friendly class has a nice mix of ages and backgrounds. I would love to see our class become even more reflective of our very diverse community. All are seeking the same restorative, relaxing, health-enhancing, self-care experience as any other yoga student anywhere. I make sure that I provide that experience! To receive this “yoga magic”, all you need to do is to show up and participate, according to your abilities. Everyone is truly welcomed. We would love to have you here with us!

If you are apprehensive about trying a Yoga class, you may discover the Community Center classes can be less intimidating than studio classes. You can always drop in or even ask to observe a class before signing up. Our class fees are very reasonable. There’s no pressure to purchase an expensive package and no membership needed. Whether or not you are a resident of Auburn Hills, you are welcome to take a class. Our yoga class fee structure is truly a “perk” of residing in Auburn Hills. Non-residents pay a little bit more to take our classes. Registration is also easy! You can register in person at the front desk at the Community Center, or online at the Auburn Hills website: http://auburnhills.org/departments/parks_and_recreation/recreational_programs/index.php

If cost is an issue, please do contact the Auburn Hills Parks and Recreation Department, to inquire whether there are currently any scholarship opportunities available.

Our Community Center also offers several opportunities each year to participate in free pop-up classes and events where we collect donations to benefit more needy members of our community. We often collect books for Rogers Elementary School and we collect hats, gloves and scarves for those who need warmth in the winter.

Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned yogi; we welcome you to join us! Our Fall 2 session begins the week of November 4th. So…what are you waiting for?!

In selecting a yoga teacher, your Auburn Hills Parks and Recreation department has your back. They verify our experience, certifications, licensing and do a thorough background check. However, this is only one part of it. It is important to understand what kind of yoga class your prospective teacher offers and how much training and teaching experience your teacher has. Personal referrals are also quite helpful, so be sure to ask if you can speak to someone who has taken one of our classes!

Yoga Alliance is yet another resource. It is a national, professional registry where you can view information and credentials regarding your prospective teachers. Your yoga teacher should have a Yoga Certification, and should also be registered with Yoga Alliance; as this also documents teaching and training experience. There are yoga certifications out there where a teacher can get certified in a weekend course, so not all yoga certifications are created equal or provide the same level of training.

Here is the Yoga Alliance link to Find A Teacher : https://www.yogaalliance.org/Directory?Type=Teacher

If you search for me, Lisa Calice, it will provide my certification level and Yoga Alliance designation:

E-RYT® 200, YACEP® First Registered – June 2006

This means I am a Yoga Teacher with a 200 hour certification and beyond that, I have obtained my Experienced Yoga Teacher designation, and am a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider. I have well over 2,000 hours of teaching experience. I teach Eischens Yoga and YogaMedics Yoga. Both are alignment based, and tend to be slower moving, gentle and yet challenging. I recently attended another 200 hour certification course with YogaMedics, allowing me to obtain more skills in working with and modifying for injuries or illness. Other related skills and training are: Silver Sneakers Yoga Certification, Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Certification and Chair Yoga Training.

You may wonder, what is a typical class like? We typically begin and end in a supported restorative pose. This is usually accomplished in a reclining pose, but can easily be adapted into a seated pose. We practice a series of poses that include some supine (on your back), prone (on your stomach or hands and knees), standing and seated. Any of these options can be easily be modified to accommodate your needs. If you come to a class, you will see students doing just that!

It’s all about community! You can support our mission by joining us. Your participation in our class offerings and willingness to “shop local” also helps to support the livelihood of your friends and neighbors who work for the Auburn Hills Parks and Recreation Department, so that we can continue to offer more fantastic life-enhancing services! Together we can make our community an even more amazing place to live and work!

Sincerely,

Lisa Calice E-RYT 200

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

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.

Pond view
Autumn Leaves reflected in the pond

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
Vulture with the Waning Moon

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!

Brilliant Fall Colors
Over the River I Go
The Sun Rising Through the Trees

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

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

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

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

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!

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