Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Pizzimenti

Hi Lisa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I’d like to say my story started when it seemed like my life had ended. My mother, who was my best friend, had passed away from a rare form of blood cancer. I was living in the hospital with her, and watched as she battled through eight different infections, with the last one taking her one week before Christmas. I was married at the time, and my ex offered about one month of support before he became increasingly distant and acted as though life would be better if I just wasn’t around. Now, I’m naturally a positive person, but I was reaching October and knew I couldn’t continue on this way. I sought therapy, and in the months to come found out that my ex was living an unfaithful life. At this point, I had ended the relationship with him, moved in with my cousins, and still hadn’t processed the grief I was carrying from losing my mom. My self-confidence was shot, and I felt like my life was at an all time low. For some reason, I knew I just had to keep going and so this unearthed my pathway to healing.

I believe God (the Universe, or whatever you’d like to call a greater power), puts people in your life for a reason. This became apparent, when I moved into my own place and met my neighbour who became a mentor and life coach to me. She sparked my pathway of healing, and as I started to feel a release, I just wanted more of it. I then embarked on a journey of reading self-help books, started practicing yoga you-tube videos, continued with therapy, and tapped more into my own spirituality. I’d say everything truly started to align when I won a scholarship to Happy Jack Yoga University at the Toronto yoga conference. Jack looked deep into my eyes and said “Lisa, you’re meant to be a yoga teacher. I can see it in your eyes. The world needs more people like you.” Those words would have a ripple effect as I embarked on a wonderful journey into yoga and wellness. Within one year, I became a yoga teacher and started my own yoga and wellness business- Yoga With Lisa P! I knew at this point that my pain became my purpose. I was meant to help heal others. Every person I’ve met along my journey, has either taught me a lesson, guided me to my passion, or blessed me with knowledge that I would in turn be able to gift to others.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The journey hasn’t been an easy one, but it’s certainly been worth it. Going through traumatic experiences and trying to heal from the pain, forced me to truly feel the emotions that I was trying to bury. The truth is that I was scared to face my feelings. So, I tried to numb them with work, drinking, binge watching TV shows, anything to distract me. However, no matter what I did, it didn’t work. The more I kept trying to numb the pain, the stronger the feelings got. I was tired of the way I was living, and the little voice inside my head knew I was destined for something bigger, but the only way to get there was to go through it.

It turned out that as I started to face my feelings, they weren’t nearly as scary as I thought. Yes, there were a lot of tears, some yelling in the car, and the occasional punching of my pillow. However, the struggle was actually learning how to give myself the permission and space to process my feelings. I came to learn that my inner child never felt safe showing her true emotions, so I had to parent her to let her know she was safe and allowed to show them now. As I started to heal, I learned that there were layers to it, and I had to be patient with the process. That was another struggle in itself. I realized I needed to take it one day at a time. I also struggled with loneliness because as I was healing, I was becoming a different person (in a good way of course). I simply felt I didn’t resonate with people I used to, or with hobbies I once enjoyed. As hard as it was to let these parts of my life go, I knew I needed to in order to make space for the new. The universe has never let me down with this, and continues to fill my life with new people and hobbies that align with the person I am today. I’m truly grateful for everyone and every experience in my life because I wouldn’t be who I am without them.

With healing, some days are a smooth ride and others are a bumpy one leading to a dead end; but in the end, you learn to appreciate that both are simply part of the journey.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

By day, I’m an elementary school teacher, and for 12 years now, that is who I’ve always identified as. However, as I’ve started my yoga and wellness business (Yoga With Lisa P), I’ve come to learn that I am more than a job title. I love that I get to pair teaching with creativity through my new business. I specialize in hosting themed yoga and wellness workshops. For example, my latest workshop was called “Rest & Restore”, where I taught breathing techniques, led a guided relaxation meditation, did a write & release activity, and then had my guests create their very own tea blends to take home with them. We ended the workshop with a calming restorative yoga practice, paired with a soothing playlist to truly put your mind and body at rest. Other themed workshops I’ve hosted included: Self love, grief, gratitude & play, and more!

My experience with being a teacher has led me back home to my own inner child. It is through her that I am able to infuse my business with fun and creative ways for adults to find their way back home to themselves as well. I truly enjoy holding space for others in a safe and peaceful environment where you can take a deep breath in knowing that your truest self is loved, welcomed, and always honoured.

Any big plans?

Exciting new workshops and travel-based retreats are up next! I am always open to new opportunities and collaborating with others, so I am also in the process of navigating wellness education in schools. Moreover, I’m continuing to explore the wonderful world of painting and how it can be used as a tool for healing as well. This may just be a new workshop in the making! Finally, I’m continuing to work towards my dream of opening up my own wellness and retreat center.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yogawithlisap.com
• Instagram: @Yogawithlisap

Image Credits

Hayley Wallwork