Episode 114

Written By Michaela Carlin
 
 

In Part 2 of Michaela’s conversation with global non-dual teacher Lisa Cairns, Lisa shares the profound challenges and breakthroughs of her journey to awakening. Defining non-duality as absolute love and the realization that separation is an illusion, Lisa recounts her time living in the Australian bush with a non-dual teacher, a heartbreaking breakup, and a transformative month spent in Bali. There, she gave herself permission to do nothing but listen to her body’s intuitive needs, uncovering the truth that happiness is not dependent on anything external.

Lisa offers direct pointers to help listeners question their sense of self and the non-locality of consciousness, explore the illusions of separation, and navigate resistance. She discusses how to stop believing the mind’s stories, challenge deeply held beliefs, and build the capacity to feel deeply—even when discomfort arises. Finally, Lisa shares the moment her awakening to Infinite Love occurred while eating a banana fritter, when the illusion of the separate self fell away, and everything became permeated with love. This episode is a continuation of Part 1, where Lisa explored the role of psychedelics in her awakening and the journey to living in non-separation, peace, and liberation.

In Part 1, Lisa shares the role psychedelics have played in her awakening process and what her experiences with LSD, Ayahuasca, and mushrooms revealed.

For the past 11 years, Lisa Cairns has traveled around the world, sharing the Indian philosophy of Non-duality. She has spoken in the UK’s National Health Care System, book shops, yoga centers, universities, conference centers, festivals and more.

In her talks, Lisa tries to communicate the limitless nature of life, which she considers is at the root of every philosophy, religion or story. She hopes to open doors for anyone who wants to listen, providing a broader perspective on life.

Episode Highlights

  • The complexities of Lisa’s relationship with her non-dual teacher and partner

  • The transformative challenges faced during three years living with him

  • The power of introspection during a month of self-exploration in Bali

  • Observing the rapid shifts between suffering and joy without external attachment

  • An expansive awakening experience triggered by a moment of deep beauty

  • Defining non-duality through love and the concept of interconnectedness

  • The relationship between love and the illusion of separateness from objects

  • Understanding natural emotions versus the imagined self that creates conflict

  • Anger and boundary setting as natural responses in human relationships

  • The radical challenge of self-discovery and authentic living

  • Recognizing the abstract nature of identity and ownership in daily life

  • Engaging in direct experience to question the true nature of self beyond the body

  • Unpacking the concept of innate being and its profound relationship to love

Lisa Cairns’ Links 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

* * * * *

Special thanks to Jeremy Colbert (Taragápe) for the original podcast theme music.

You can find out more about Jeremey’s work here:
taragape.com and @taragape

Michaela Carlin
Next

Episode 113