Although Lisa worked as a chemical engineer, spirituality always was the priority in her life. In 2009, at a silent retreat, her thought-based identity dropped away, and she saw only the single flow of benevolence in all that is.

When some of those thoughts returned a few weeks later (less convincing than before), there also came a deep curiosity to inquire into those thoughts. She developed many tools to return to a lived experience of the deeper knowing. Both of her books share these tools. All that is is a vibrant expression erupting from a single full emptiness.

Website: experiencingthetrueself.com

Books:

An Unprincipled Life: Living from the Unknown

Living Awake: 20 Techniques to End "I Got It; I Lost It"

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded January 26, 2025

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Series  

00:04:27 Early Childhood Spiritual Insights  

00:08:09 Exploring the Astral Body and Embodiment  

00:11:15 Understanding the Koshas: Layers of Existence  

00:15:16 Discovering Inner Strength Through Adversity  

00:19:44 The Journey of Pure Intelligence and Self-Rediscovery

00:23:47 Understanding the Mind: A Sense Organ analogy  

00:27:56 Discovering the Root of Aliveness in Spiritual Practice

00:31:05 Embracing Life's Uncertainties and Letting Go of Control

00:34:18 Understanding Impermanence in Awakening

00:38:12 Embracing Flexibility in Life's Demands  

00:42:34 Understanding Life's Impetus  

00:47:11 Parenting Lessons from Calvin and Hobbes  

00:51:44 Spiritual Principles in Dire Situations  

00:55:33 The Power of Positivity and Human Kindness

00:58:56 Choosing Challenging Lifetimes for Wisdom  

01:02:29 Exploring Past Life Memories  

01:06:48 Concept of Past Lives and Dimensions

01:11:42 Finding Positivity in Adversity: Lessons from Prisoners

01:17:00 The Illusion of Shoulds and Self-Realization  

01:20:57 The Balance of Opposing Forces and Human Nature  

01:25:15 Experiencing Wisdom in a Different Realm  

01:29:49 Understanding Malignant Narcissism in Leadership  

01:33:25 Embracing Life's Harmony and Challenges  

01:36:44 The Role of Creativity and Connection in Environmental Action

01:40:16 Climate Change and Thwaites Glacier Threat  

01:42:32 Embracing Inner Wisdom vs. Scientific Method

01:46:06 Integrating Science with Inner Wisdom  

01:50:29 Embracing Personal Growth and Self-Reflection  

01:55:24 Political Perspectives and Third Party Hopes

01:59:09 Embracing Open Dialogue and Challenging Ideas