Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Lissa Coffey in this MysticMag interview, where she shares her multifaceted career as an author, broadcaster, and spiritual teacher.
From her early creative endeavors to her life-changing encounters with mentors like Deepak Chopra, Lissa’s path has been one of profound self-discovery and dedication to spreading wisdom. She opens up about how personal challenges and ancient teachings such as Ayurveda and Vedanta have deeply influenced her work and philosophy.
Dive into this engaging conversation to explore how Lissa’s experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone on a journey toward self-understanding and spiritual depth.
What inspired you to start your journey of self-discovery and how have your early interests influenced your career path?
From a young age, I was deeply intrigued by the concept of purpose. Even during my time in high school, while I was fast-tracking my education and engaging in creative endeavors like writing and staging a musical, I knew there was something deeper calling to me. This early exposure to creative arts and my persistent questioning about life’s deeper meanings laid a strong foundation for my future pursuits.
Each experience was a stepping stone that led me naturally into the worlds of broadcasting, writing, and eventually spiritual teaching. My early curiosity and broad interests helped shape a career that is as much about discovering myself as it is about helping others on similar paths.
Throughout your varied career, who were some of your mentors, and what impact did they have on your professional development?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a series of mentors who profoundly impacted my journey. Working with Deepak Chopra was pivotal; he not only introduced me to the profound depths of Ayurveda and Vedanta but also encouraged me to explore and teach these philosophies.
My interactions with him and later, my studies at the Vedanta Society of Southern California under Swami Sarvadevananda, were critical in deepening my understanding and application of these ancient teachings, both in my personal life and in my professional endeavors as an author and speaker.
How have your personal challenges influenced the subjects you write about, particularly in your books and courses?
Life’s personal challenges have been essential to my writing. For instance, navigating through my divorce and the introspections that followed led to the creation of my book, “Closure and the Law of Relationship: Endings as New Beginnings.”
This book, which also inspired a corresponding course, reflects my journey through personal pain and the universal quest for closure and healing. My writings often mirror my life’s trials and triumphs, aiming to offer solace and actionable wisdom to others facing similar situations.
Is there any one book that has influenced your life or career?
The Bhagavad Gita changed my life in unimaginable ways. This is the book I had been looking for and didn’t even know it! It’s the 2nd best-selling book in the world and the 2nd most-translated book in the world after the Bible. It consists of a conversation between Arjuna, a warrior who represents every man, and Krishna, a physical representation of God. It was difficult for me to read at first, I didn’t understand it. But through classes at the Vedanta Society where we really dove deep into each verse I just fell in love with the wisdom. Because of this experience, I wrote “Song Divine: A New Lyrical Rendition of the Bhagavad Gita.” Our teacher, Swami Sarvadevananda wrote the foreword to the book.
From there I called on my background as a songwriter to create “Song Divine: The Bhagavad Gita Rock Opera.” David Vito Gregoli did all the music. We’ve known each other for more than twenty years. We met through church, and he played music at my wedding! Each chapter of the Gita is a song with the essence of that chapter in the lyrics. It’s really beautiful, and the one thing I am most proud of doing today. Everyone around the world can find the songs streaming – they are everywhere! And International Pop Star Sonu Nigam sang the song from Chapter 2 titled “Know Who You Are.” We also have videos of each song on my YouTube channel.
Vito and I recently released a new album called “We Share the Moon.” The songs are inspired by sages and saints throughout time and cultures. It’s kind of a pop/new age fusion, very radio-friendly. Those songs are streaming everywhere, too.
Could you elaborate on how Ayurveda and Vedanta have influenced your philosophy of life and work?
Ayurveda opened a new realm of wellness and understanding for me, bringing a holistic approach to health that transcends physical well-being to include emotional and spiritual health. Vedanta, with its profound philosophical teachings, especially through the Bhagavad Gita, has reshaped my worldview.
It taught me the importance of dharma, or purposeful living, which has not only enriched my personal life but also guided my professional endeavors. These teachings form the core of my work, whether I am writing books, conducting courses, or speaking on various platforms.
What are the key qualities that have supported your journey, and what advice would you give to others who are just starting their own?
Resilience, self-discovery, and faith have been my pillars. To those at the beginning of their journey, I’d say embrace resilience. The path isn’t always easy; there will be setbacks, but with passion and perseverance, you can navigate through.
Understanding who you are is fundamental. Spend time in self-reflection and don’t shy away from the deep questions. Lastly, maintain faith in the process. Trust that each experience, even the challenging ones, is steering you towards your greater purpose.
Who deserves the credit for helping you overcome challenges and achieve success in your career?
I owe so much to the many mentors and teachers I’ve had throughout my life. People like Deepak Chopra and Swami Sarvadevananda have been instrumental, but so too have my family—my children, my sister, and my parents.
They’ve taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, determination, and the power of supportive relationships. I believe that our connections with others provide the richest opportunities for learning and growth.
Find out more at: CoffeyTalk.com
