Meet Lisa Jisa | Writer, Licensed Massage Therapist, Flower Essence Practitioner, finishing up yoga teacher training

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Jisa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
The first book to have a big impact on me was one I read in 5th grade– Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. I was amazed to discover just how powerful words on a page could be and that they could stir up so many emotions Those sentences didn’t exist until the author created them. That’s when I fell in love with writing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love to be creative with words more than anything else! I was so excited to finally publish my first novel in 2019 (more are forthcoming!) The idea for Pearls of Winter rattled around in my head for 25 years before it was completed . At one point during the writing process, I came to a stand-still and couldn’t get the juices flowing. I recall praying, “Lord, if you want me to finish this story, I’ll need to go to Guatemala. I don’t know enough to write about it without seeing it firsthand.” And suddenly I remembered–I’d been to Uganda three times! And I’d kept detailed journals! So the storyline switched from Guatemala to Uganda, and the words flowed almost faster than I could get them out. Many of the main character’s experiences were things I’d seen or done in Africa, so it’s very true to real life.

It’s fascinating to discover that the words in Pearls of Winter can evoke strong emotions in readers much like how Bridge to Terabithia affected me so many years ago. In fact, I can’t read certain sections of my book without being brought to tears–and I wrote it!

I searched briefly for an agent, but I knew I could face dozens of rejections before finding the right one, and I wasn’t up for that then. So I decided to go the self-publishing route. I worked with an amazing team who helped develop a beautiful cover, and every page is stunning. It would have been much cheaper to self-publish on my own, but I had no experience with the publishing world and wanted my first “baby” to be fabulous! I may try to find an agent for future works, but I have no regrets about my choice.

I had Lyme disease for many years prior to getting a proper diagnosis, so by that time the traditional ways of combatting it weren’t going to work. I ended up on a more natural, homeopathic healing journey and the results have been amazing. I have always been drawn to nature and natural remedies, as I’m a highly sensitive person and my body can’t handle things that others can.

I’m also a flower essence practitioner. Flower essences are something I first learned about on my journey to heal from Lyme and its co-infections. They have nothing to do with essential oils, but are a form of energy medicine. Each bottle contains the unique vibrations of certain flowers. They will help with physical problems are long as they’re emotionally rooted–and most are!

I find it satisfying to create flower essence blends for people, and it’s exciting to see the results. One of my favorite success stories is a young man who served in the army and has struggled with hat are likely PTSD symptoms. After one week using the flower essence blend I created for him, his amount of sleep doubled each night and the nightmares that haunted him have been drastically reduced.

A big challenge would be that my heart wants to help everyone free of charge. But that’s not realistic. It’s hard to put a price tag on what I do, even though I know it’s worth it! Who knows, maybe I’ll find a grant that would enable me to make essences for more vets!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite thing to do is spend time in nature! It’s where I find the most peace and where my creative juices get flowing.

I’d definitely take a friend to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. I’d show her where I’ve sat for various concerts, and hopefully she’d be up for some stair climbs and running back and forth on the bleachers. I run out there with my sister often and love seeing the awed looks on tourists’ faces at such a beautiful venue.

I’d take her to hike the trail at Waterton Canyon and hopefully we’d spot some bighorn sheep along the way. It’s such a nice, wide trail, and they’re aren’t any issues sharing the road with other hikers and bikers. And the hike back to the car is all downhill!

One of my favorite nearby hikes is Mount Falcon park. A variety of trails wait to be explored, whether my friend is feeling strong and acclimated to the altitude or needs something a bit tamer. There’s a beautiful vista of Red Rocks at one point, and it’s fun to see the location where a summer home for the US presidents was almost built.

I’d also take my friend to the Columbine memorial site. Even though that tragedy happened a long time ago, memories are still vivid. I find it relevant to remember that life doesn’t go on the same for everyone. It’s a reminder to be grateful and to cherish loved ones while we can.

I’m more inclined to eat at home than go out. One of my favorite places is the backyard of my sister and her husband! They have a fabulous pool in the backyard that overlooks a green belt/park. And foothills can be seen in the distance–so lovely!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My youngest daughter, Stella, was instrumental in my decision to go back to college when I was 51 to get a therapeutic massage degree. I’d been coping with misdiagnosed Lyme disease for many years and was finally healing and starting to feel better. She and I were navigating our lives post-divorce (after nearly 3 decades married) and I was at a loss as to what I could do for work. I’d homeschooled my three children for most of that time and had been out of the work force. Stella encouraged me that massage would be a great fit, and that I wasn’t too old to go back to college. She was right!

I’m also grateful to my parents for giving me a place to land following a car accident and discovering my home had mold. I sold/got rid of most of my belongings and moved in with them in Durango, CO for five months in 2021. They gave me the space I needed to heal physically and mentally, and such a beautiful location to do it!

Dr. Bob Arne (Arne Wellness Center in Littleton) literally save my life when he helped me discover what was behind crazy symptoms and got me through Lyme disease. He figured out what traditional medical doctors hadn’t been able to for 10+ years.

I truly need give all the credit to Jesus. Without strong faith, I never would have made it to where I am today.

Website: www.lisajisa.com

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Other: www.pearlsofwinter.com