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Writing

 

Journaling has been a healing practice throughout my life. It is a powerful tool to unearth the deeper longings that have allowed me to “sage” while I age.

Writing is an intimate relationship. Like any intimate relationship, it is anything but easy so it requires rekindling the spark over and over. Finding the spark to write allows us to share our life stories and experiences. It lifts the veils we hide behind to reveal the universal truths that make us human. We begin to understand how connected we truly are and how we can live our lives through the rhythm of our souls.

 
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This is Lisa’s first novel, which is based on her vision quest experiences in the Sahara Desert of Southern Algeria.

(see below to find out more about vision questing.)

 

Rhythm of the Soul: A Journey of Loss and Discovery

In a tale of longing, Laila journeys deep into the Sahara Desert accompanied by the Tuareg nomads and her beloved camel companion, Anarani. She returns delving into her early memories of growing up as a daughter of anthropologist parents who were studying the Tuareg nomads in Algeria. After a tragedy strikes during the 1990 Tuareg revolution, the family leaves broken. Carrying the emotional devastation over many years, Laila feels a thirst to go back into the vast landscape that mirrors the struggles of her inner landscape. Through the magical voices of the desert, the ceremonial shai tea, her guide, Go’at, the Tuareg, and Anarani, Laila seeks to quench the longing that courses within. The Rhythm of the Soul weaves a story steeped in cultural anthropology, Tuareg history, and magical surrealism. It delivers a rich tapestry of inner and outer journeying into the mysteries of being, mirroring what we all long for: belonging.

 

I made it my life’s focus to travel so I could learn about people and their cultures. I went to the Sahara Desert for vision questing in 2005 and 2010 with a Swiss organization that had forged a connection with the Tuareg nomads. This allowed us to learn from the men who led our caravan. Our group transformed our Western identity by wearing the Tuareg veil (shesh) and tunic (gandora). Throughout each days’ journeys our two worlds shared tales while riding the camels, drinking the tea, eating from the same bowls, and talking around the campfire. I observed the Tuareg’s deep wisdom shaped by the stark landscape, how they cared for their camels, and their struggles to maintain their nomadic lifestyle. These experiences captured my heart and imagination. Thus this story bubbled up to convey the magic of the Sahara.

Take an entertaining and fascinating adventure that weaves the soul of Laila with the soul of the Sahara, the Tuaregs, as well as her camel, Anarani. You will feel like you went on a deep, personal journey while exploring the universal struggles that ultimately make us all human.

“When I find a book that envelopes me into the life and journey of the characters, I cannot put it down! This is one of those books!! Lisa Diane McCall captures a tale of pain and growth, sadness and healing. It is an amazing journey mixed with cultural traditions and so much depth! ”
— Jeri St. John

Magical Realism

I love reading books in the genre of Magical Realism. What is magical realism? Wikipedia’s definition says it refers to fiction and literature with magic or the supernatural presented in an otherwise real-world or mundane setting. Books from Latin America are most commonly associated with this style by authors such as Jorge Luis Borges, Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, Laura Esquivel, etc. The book that was my first introduction was Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel. I immediately became a fan and delved into reading the cited authors above.

My novel is written in the genre of magical realism. Weaving other worldly characters and circumstances brings a touch of fun and artistic license to my story. As I was riding my camel, Anarani, on my first Sahara vision quest, his cheeks were the only ones out of all the camels that seemingly had scars. Although I never asked why directly, my imagination stirred up a story about Anarani. And what better way than for him to speak it directly? I also include voices of the desert speaking their wisdom - the dunes, wind, and the Tuareg tea.

To find out more about vision questing:Animas Valley InstituteSchool of Lost Borders

To find out more about vision questing:

Animas Valley Institute

School of Lost Borders

Vision Questing

There are times in life when you long for deeper clarity and vision about your life purpose. You feel a transition or shift in perspective is necessary, but your plugged in life constantly distracts you from taking those steps.

When I have been confused, uncertain, sad, or dealing with any other blockage that can come, I reconnect with nature to explore new insights and perspectives, not only within myself but also about the world I live in. One way I have done that is through vision questing. I have been on three vision quests over the years and my life has been inexorably transformed having gone through these experiences. I feel it is important to provide some understanding of the process.

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With my riding camel, Anarani, in the Sahara Desert

With my riding camel, Anarani, in the Sahara Desert

 

Hi. I'm Lisa

My work (and this site) is devoted to helping people live with more joy, ease, and freedom through workshops, private coaching, and writing to guide you toward creating a life you love.

 
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