Seeing Recovery Through Ocean Eyes with Lisa Denning

 
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Episode 53 - Seeing Recovery Through Ocean Eyes with Lisa Denning

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I welcome Lisa Denning, Advanced Life Coach Practitioner/Consultant, photographer, filmmaker, recovery coach, and Co-Founder of the Light ON Foundation to the show. While in recovery from her eating disorder, Lisa had a life-changing experience with a pod of dolphins that led her to connect deeper with herself and her recovery. From this moment, she found recovered life filled with joy that she never imagined existed. Her connection to the ocean has taken her around the world, to witness and capture on film the endearing connections that are happening between people and cetaceans in the open ocean. Lisa’s work is aimed to inspire hope and healing for those living with or affected by eating disorders. 

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • The fear state that prevents those with eating disorders from “following their heart.”

  • Silencing the eating disorder chatter and being present in the moment can allow one to experience life free from disordered thoughts and behaviors.

  • Like eating disorders, the path to recovery is not perfect.

  • How eating disorders rob people of their passions.

  • The pain one experiences in an eating disorder can shift to joy in recovery.

  • Ways to “show up” and face the challenges that come with recovery.

  • How being “seen” can be someone’s biggest fear and biggest desire.

  • The healing nature of the ocean and Lisa’s unique healing experience.


ABOUT LISA DENNING:

While still in recovery from a life-threatening eating disorder, Lisa Denning moved to Hawaii in 1999 to explore her connection with the dolphins and whales more deeply. On her first swim out in the ocean, she was surrounded by a pod of wild dolphins and welcomed into their pod. She felt at home in her body for the first time, ever. From that day on, Lisa swam out to be with that same pod for hours every day. It was there with the dolphins that she found her body, heart, true joy, and finally begin to heal. With the dolphins, Lisa found herself experiencing what hadn’t been safe or possible yet with humans. Her friendship with these ocean beings led her not only deeper into herself and recovery but also to create a life filled with joy that she never imagined existed.

Lisa is also an underwater photographer with dolphins and whales and an ocean guide, co-facilitating seminars in Hawaii and different locations around the world where people come to be with these beings in their ocean homes. Over the years, she has guided thousands of people into the ocean introducing them to the magic of the underwater world. Ocean Eyes Photography started as a way to share her experiences in the ocean with others. It brings Lisa joy to capture the incredible interactions that are happening between humans and our ocean family. Because of the relationships and deep connection felt with dolphins, whales, and sharks, Lisa has been able to witness and capture magical moments all over the world. For her, it’s not about ‘getting the shot’, it is about being with them and seeing the magic that unfolds.

In addition to her work with Light ON, Oceans Within, and Ocean Eyes Photography, Lisa works as a life coach focusing on working with those in recovery with eating disorders. She is currently completing “Oceans Within” her first book about her recovery journey that will share the details of Lisa’s recovery journey both in and out of the water. Through writing, speaking, imagery, and more, Lisa hopes to provide inspiration and the knowledge that real recovery is not only possible but worth every second of what it takes to get there. Lisa believes that “we all have what we need inside to heal and we find these reminders along the way as we are ready.” Lisa believes that recovery is not solely about stopping and managing symptoms but feeling free and joyful in one’s body expressing one’s authentic truth. 

Lisa is also the Co-Founder of Light ON Foundation. Light ON is a 501c3 community organization founded by Lisa and trauma specialist Teri Callaghan. Their mission is to provide alternative and expanded healing opportunities to survivors of sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of interpersonal trauma. Light ON’s goal is to become a model for healing the effects of individual and community trauma that can be adapted and used effectively in any location. Inspired by her relationship to the ocean, Lisa created Oceans Within, where she offers weekend retreats, community wellness days, and other gatherings depending on the needs of the community. You can learn more by visiting www.lightonfoundation.com.


CONNECT WITH LISA DENNING:

Copyright 2020 Lisa Denning Photography

Copyright 2020 Lisa Denning Photography

ABOUT KARIN LEWIS:

Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS has been recovered from Anorexia Nervosa for over 20 years and has been specializing in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders since 2005. Karin is the founder of the Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center located in Boston, MA. You can visit Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center online to learn more about Karin and her center’s services. You can also connect with Karin on social media by following her on Facebook and Instagram.