Lisa E

Lisa, currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, originated from Florida and spent part of her youth in Atlanta before settling in Nashville. Discovering Buddhism at the age of 17 during a high school elective on Zen Buddhism, Lisa found solace in the teachings of impermanence, especially during a challenging period when she lost both parents at the age of 16.

While initially putting meditation on hold, Lisa navigated through various life experiences, working as a tech executive before transitioning into a full-time career as a visual artist. Throughout these phases, she consistently cultivated her meditation practice and deepened her understanding of the Dharma.

Approximately 12 years ago, Lisa received full Dharma transmission authorization from her teacher, Trudy Goodman. Since then, she has been teaching the Dharma full-time, drawing on her diverse life experiences and spiritual journey.

In her Dharma journey, Lisa grappled with the challenge of attracting followers without a clear tradition. Choosing the insight tradition as her foundation, she seamlessly blended Zen and Mahayana influences into her teachings. Lisa emphasized the need for a defined starting point, providing newcomers with insight basics for grounding.

While rooted in a specific tradition, Lisa encouraged an open-minded exploration of diverse teachings. Her memoir-like reflection underscored the dynamic nature of spiritual paths, with growth stemming from exposure to various perspectives. In her narrative, the journey was not merely about accumulating ideas but a process of self-discovery and awakening within the ever-evolving landscape of the Dharma.

Lisa explores the core of her lineage teaching’s, drawing from Victor Frankl’s idea of choice in the space between stimulus and response. She sees the path as a means to move beyond conditioned reactivity, creating space for wise and compassionate responses.

In recounting her journey, Lisa reflects on her initial encounter with meditation as a teenager, attempting a Kundalini-style practice. Despite her innate ability to concentrate, the intense experience proved traumatizing and overwhelming.

Lisa emphasizes the foundational importance of daily sitting in deepening one’s spiritual practice, encouraging a commitment to at least 30 minutes to reach a sweet spot of settling and insight. The metaphorical “legs” of the practice, as she terms it, include cultivating connections with the sangha, emphasizing the significance of spiritual companionship beyond mere self-improvement.

Lisa advocates for diverse engagements with the sangha, from day-long and half-day retreats to regular classes. She suggests at least a couple of meditational retreats annually for those deeply committed to the path. At One Dharma, the focus is on providing opportunities and space for individuals to cultivate their practice, acknowledging varying levels of commitment and creating accessibility through low-cost scholarship spots.

The ethos is to offer support in various forms, recognizing that people have different temperaments and abilities to commit. Lisa’s approach is to provide a comprehensive foundation for spiritual growth, ensuring that resources and means are available to anyone willing to embark on the path.

From the onset of her Dharma journey, Lisa recognized the crucial role of sangha, considering it an essential facet of the Three Jewels. Driven by her own meaningful experiences within a spiritual community, she felt a deep commitment to share this opportunity for collective practice. Lisa underscores the potential for insularity in solitary practice, emphasizing the enriching aspects of communal engagement.

In her Sangha, diverse experiences are shared during Dharma talks and discussions, fostering a sense of normalization and self-acceptance. Lisa strives to create a welcoming and compassionate space for individuals at varying levels of experience, facilitating a sense of community that extends beyond personal boundaries.

Recognizing the significance of community in the spiritual journey, Lisa offers diverse opportunities for engagement, such as Back to Basics sessions for newcomers. She believes that a shared sense of community fosters a broader perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings.