Bölümler
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Today we present an anthology episode with SAND speaker, Dr. Elisabet Sahtouris (1936-2024) who passed in December 2024.
Internationally known as a dynamic speaker, Dr. Sahtouris was an evolution biologist, futurist, professor, author and consultant on Living Systems Design. She taught the relevance of biological systems to organisational design in business, government and society. She was a Fellow of the World Business Academy, an advisor to EthicalMarkets.com and the Masters in Business program at Schumacher College, also affiliated with the Bainbridge Graduate Institute's MBA program for sustainable business.
Dr. Sahtouris convened two International Symposia on the Foundations of Science and written about integral cosmologies. Her books include A Walk Through TIme: from Stardust to Us, Biology Revisioned, co-authored with Willis Harman, and EarthDance: Living Systems in Evolution.
sahtouris.com
Topics
00:00 Introduction to Elisabet Sahtouris
01:11 Indigenous Science and Wisdom
04:02 The Living Universe Concept
07:04 Western vs. Vedic Science
09:16 The Evolution of Scientific Assumptions
11:47 Mechanism vs. Organism in Biology
12:45 Genetic Engineering and Its Pitfalls
15:56 The Role of Consciousness in Evolution
17:33 Dying to Live: Evolution through Recycling
28:22 The Metaphor of the Butterfly
33:58 Advice for Future Generations
39:29 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
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This is a recording from the 2022 Community Conversation between with guest Iya Affo and SAND co-founders Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo.
Very few people are aware of the impact of historical trauma. Historical trauma is trauma so deeply rooted in the subconscious we may not even know it is there. It can leave us feeling anxious, irritable, sad, and hopeless… and we have no idea why. But once we begin to see the larger context of our trauma, then a more holistic healing can begin.
Iya Affo is a Culturalist and Historical Trauma consultant. She earned Western certification as a Trauma Specialist and is a descendant of a long line of traditional healers from Bénin, West Africa. Iya serves as an Executive Board Member for the Arizona ACEs Consortium, is an Adjunct Faculty member at the Arizona Trauma Institute, and is the founder of Heal Historical Trauma Culture & Indigenous Wellness Academy. She has visited more than 30 countries; living in Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Native American, and Yoruba communities, embracing aspects from each culture for personal evolution. She strives to transcend tolerance through cultivating love and respect in hopes of facilitating the decolonization and subsequent healing of indigenous people from all over the world. Iya advocates for the harmonization of Traditional Medicine and Western Medicine for true holistic healing.
Iya's passion is to cultivate intergenerational healing by connecting intuitive ancestral practices with modern neurobiology. As we delve into leveraging our neurobiology to facilitate the healing process, we will also explore re-culturing and the creation of self-harmonizing communities.
Iya Affo’s Website
Topics
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:51 Introducing Iya Affo
02:31 Iya's Personal Journey
05:57 Understanding Historical Trauma
10:14 Resilience and Cultural Connections
11:57 The Role of Names and Identity
16:25 Tools for Healing and Resilience
19:12 The Importance of Cultural Practices
24:35 Epigenetics and Generational Trauma
26:34 Storytelling and Historical Context
26:54 Ancestral Vigilance and Survival Instincts
29:05 Epigenetics and Generational Trauma
30:50 Impact of Historical Trauma on Modern Behavior
34:52 Challenges of Western Medicine in Indigenous Communities
43:51 Traditional Healing Practices and Neurological Regulation
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Eksik bölüm mü var?
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In this episode, Isa Gucciardi discusses depth hypnosis, combining shamanic practices, Buddhist psychology, transpersonal psychology, and energy medicine to assist individuals in healing from issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and more.
Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. holds degrees in cultural and linguistic anthropology, comparative religion, and transpersonal psychology. She is the creator of Depth Hypnosis™, a groundbreaking therapeutic model that blends elements of ancient wisdom and contemporary psychological thought. It has won rave reviews from psychotherapeutic and spiritual counselors alike. She is also the author of three books, Coming to Peace, The New Return to the Great Mother, and Depth Hypnosis.
Topics
00:00 Introduction
02:13 Exploring Depth Hypnosis
02:42 Components of Depth Hypnosis
05:29 Case Studies and Applications
09:01 Acceptance of Alternative Healing Modalities
14:29 Integration and Plant Medicine
20:30 Applied Shamanism and Cultural Sensitivity
28:40 Ancestral Healing and Intergenerational Trauma
40:49 Learning and Practicing Depth HypnosisResources
IsaGucciardi.org
Sacred Stream
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In this episode, our guest, Jeremy Lent, discusses the profound global upheaval in early 2025. We explore themes of hope and grief amid political, cultural, and environmental crises. Lent provides deep insights into systems thinking, emphasizing the importance of interconnectedness and unpredictability in complex systems. The conversation also holds space for the impact of reductionist thinking, the power of technology, and the potential for societal transformation through integrated intelligence. The episode concludes with discussions on individual and systemic change, indigenous wisdom, and the need for a life-affirming future.
Jeremy Lent is an author and speaker exploring the root causes of civilization’s crises and pathways to a sustainable future. Described by The Guardian’s George Monbiot as “one of the greatest thinkers of our age,” he is the author of The Patterning Instinct and The Web of Meaning, which integrate science and traditional wisdom to reimagine our place in the universe. He founded the Deep Transformation Network and Liology Institute to foster an ecological civilization and writes on cultural and political patterns at Patterns of Meaning.
Topics
00:00 Introduction
00:52 Introducing Jeremy Lent
01:50 Navigating Hope and Grief
03:18 Systems Thinking and Interconnectedness
10:08 Cultural Narratives and Political Polarization
17:37 Technology's Role in Connection
26:10 Blockchain and Decentralization
27:43 Integrative Intelligence and Human Flourishing
32:32 Indigenous Wisdom and Reciprocity
49:42 Conclusion and Future Engagements
Resources
Jeremy Lent’s Website
Deep Transformation Network
Patterns of Meaning
Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters by Brian Klaas
Sounds of SAND #108 Thrutopian Dreams: Manda Scott
Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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Today we explore the story of the Buddha’s awakening through a mythic lens with Buddhist writer and teacher, John Tarrant. We touch into topics like Zen koan, grief, death, art, and how this timeless parable of the Buddh’s story still resonants for thousands of years.
John Tarrant is a Zen teacher, writer, and poet who has studied koans for over forty years. He is director of the Pacific Zen Institute and teaches culture change in organizations. Tarrant holds degrees in human sciences and English literature and a PhD in psychology. For twenty years, he was a Jungian psychotherapist working on dream analysis. He is the author of several books, including The Light Inside the Dark: Zen, Soul, and the Spiritual Life and Bring Me the Rhinoceros: And Other Zen Koans That Will Save Your Life and his most recent book The Story of the Buddha. He lives among the vineyards near Santa Rosa, California.
Topics
00:00 Introduction
00:52 Introducing John Tarrant
02:07 Discussing 'The Story of the Buddha'
03:36 The Mythic Universe and Dreamlike Qualities
08:25 Illustrations and Artistic Choices
10:24 The Living Dharma and Personal Reflections
15:23 Modern Life and Spiritual Growth
18:26 Embracing Suffering and Death
22:19 Catholicism and Mysticism
27:57 The Light Inside the Dark
33:48 The Power of Noble Conversations
34:10 Craving and Contentment
34:44 Collective Grief and Environmental Collapse
36:05 The Enlightenment of a Samurai
38:07 The Buddha's Awakening and Interdependence
40:09 Dreams and Their Significance
42:59 Meditation and Connection with Animals
51:00 The Intimacy of Not Knowing
54:54 Returning to the Fire
56:13 Sharing the Dhamma
Resources
John Tarrant’s Website: Tarrant Works
The Story of the Buddha by John Tarrant: Shambhala Publications
Roberto Calasso: Explore Roberto Calasso’s Works
Sounds of SAND #113 Ancient Rhythms Podcast: Pat McCabe & Francis Weller
Sounds of SAND #98 Glissando of Consciousness: Andrew Holecek
Bring Me the Rhinoceros: And Other Zen Koans That Will Save Your Life by John Tarrant
The Light Inside the Dark: Zen, Soul, and the Spiritual Life by John Tarrant
Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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In this SAND Community Gathering (January 2025), journalist Naomi Klein and trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté explored the complex intersection of collective trauma, political power, and memory in a discussion moderated by Cecilie Surasky.
Drawing from Naomi’s recent analysis of how trauma has been weaponized in current conflicts, and Gabor’s deep understanding of trauma’s psychological impacts, their conversation examined how media narratives and political rhetoric weaponize fear and trauma to gain public support for military and political crimes. The discussion addressed the troubling speed at which the Oct 7 Jewish trauma is now converted into a spectacle through virtual reality experiences, museum exhibitions, and immersive memorials, while questioning who gets to control these narratives and to what end. Together, they explored alternatives for remembering that might lead toward healing rather than perpetuating cycles of violence.We hear from several Community Gathering audience members with their questions in the second half of the episode.
Gabor Maté, M.D. is a specialist on trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Dr. Maté worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. Gabor is also the creator of a psychotherapeutic approach, Compassionate Inquiry, now studied by thousands of therapists, physicians, counselors, and others in over 80 countries.
Naomi Klein is an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author. She is a columnist with The Guardian. In 2018 she was named the inaugural Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair at Rutgers University and is now Honorary Professor of Media and Climate at Rutgers. In September 2021 she joined the University of British Columbia as UBC Professor of Climate Justice (tenured) and co-director of the Centre for Climate Justice.
Cecilie Surasky is the Director of Communications and Narrative at the Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI), where she leads an incredible team focused on integrating strategic communications and narrative strategies. With a background in Religious Studies and Semiotics, Cecilie views all narratives as sacred, and believes that leaders, for better or worse, often serve as modern-day high priests. As former deputy director of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) she led impactful campaigns aimed at building a co-liberation movement and garnering support for Palestinian human rights.
Topics
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:45 Panel Introduction and Moderator
01:31 Exploring Trauma and Its Impact
02:44 Weaponizing Trauma in Conflict
06:14 Historical Context and Jewish Identity
10:54 Challenging Narratives and Identities
15:09 The Role of Trauma in Shaping Perspectives
30:35 The Impact of Trauma on Palestinians
32:17 Structures of Deliberate Traumatization
37:48 Healing and Moving Forward
41:50 Debunking Historical Myths
42:12 Instrumentalization of Trauma
43:24 Hollywood's Role in Shaping Trauma Narratives
46:30 Economic and Political Motives Behind the Holocaust
48:27 Comparing Historical and Modern Genocides
49:59 Imagining a State Focused on Healing Trauma
51:00 Reclaiming and Reinterpreting History
58:29 The Role of Compassion in Addressing Trauma
01:05:44 Palestinian Perspectives on Healing and Storytelling
01:13:21 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations
Resources
Naomi Klein’s Website
Gabor Maté’s Website
Other and Belonging Institute
Jewish Voices for Peace
Naomi Klein’s Article on Israel Weaponizing Trauma: “How Israel has made trauma a weapon of war” (The Guardian)
Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein
The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté
Watch SAND’s Where Olive Trees Weep
Purchase SAND’s full 23-video series Conversations on Palestine
Watch SAND’s The Wisdom of Trauma
Learn more about the SAND Community Gatherings
Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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Rawan Roshni is in conversation to discuss the recent ceasefire announcement affecting Palestine and offers a poignant and emotional reflection on the situation. She shares stories from her displaced Palestinian heritage, detailing her family's survival and the ongoing trauma faced by Palestinians. We explore the healing modalities of sound, music, and the human voice and listen to two of her newest live pieces of music and poetry, “Al-Tuyoor: Messages from the Birds” and “Prophecy of Remembrance”.
Rawan Roshni is a Palestinian/Balkan, Global Citizen, Arab Woman, based in Jordan. She uses her voice as an Artivist through her singing/songwriting and facilitation of brave spaces focusing her work in the SWANA region. She has co-founded multiple interfaith and world music projects and most recently has been touring her solo tri-lingual live-looping Music & Poetry performance Al-Tuyoor: Messages from the Birds for 2 years across 7 countries and counting! Her facilitation work over the past decade has ranged from issues such as conflict transformation, collective liberation, catalyzing community, emotional processing tools, conscious relating, consent and more! She fuses Sound, Movement and Intuitive Rituals as tools in her work, bringing elements such as group singing, sound work through vocalization, whirling dance, and intentional nature-based practices.
Topics:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:29 Emotional Reactions to Ceasefire
01:38 Mixed Feelings and Skepticism
04:01 Personal Connection to Palestine
05:17 Family History and Displacement
09:21 Art and Music as Healing
11:43 The Power of the Human Voice
12:38 Artivism and Activism
19:20 “Prophecy of Rememberance” (song)
38:07 Birds as Messengers
57:50 Future Projects and Closing Remarks
Resources:
Website
Instagram
Nada Bramha
Aboriginal Song Lines
“Conference of the Birds” by Manṭiq-uṭ-Ṭayr
Sacred Activism Course at Tamera
Sacred Activism Course in Montenegro
Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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In this live SAND Community Gathering (January 2025), SAND co-founders Maurizio and Zaya Benazzo welcome Darcia Narvaez, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Notre Dame, to discuss her interdisciplinary research on evolved morality, child development, and human flourishing. Narvaez shares insights from her book, The Evolved Nest, and explores the impact of modern parenting practices, the benefits of communal child-rearing, and the neurological and emotional development of children. The discussion also holds space for the importance of nature immersion, indigenous practices, and the detrimental effects of trauma on development. The episode concludes with practical tips for parents and communities to foster a nurturing environment based on centuries-old wisdom.
Topics
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:46 Guest Introduction: Darcia Narvaez
02:14 Darcia's Journey and Early Influences
05:32 The Concept of the Evolved Nest
08:34 Modern Birth Practices and Their Impact
14:08 Parenting and Child Development in Indigenous Communities
16:36 The Role of Community in Child Rearing
19:52 Education and Learning: Western vs. Indigenous Approaches
27:54 The Impact of Trauma in Modern and Natural Worlds
28:42 The Impact of Early Trauma on Male Elephants
29:04 Developmental Needs of Young Males
29:52 The Role of Older Males in Elephant Social Structure
30:43 Human Development and Mentorship
31:16 The Importance of Multi-Aged Groups
32:01 Rites of Passage and Ceremonial Transitions
33:03 Vertical and Horizontal Connectedness
34:10 The Influence of Christianity and Patriarchy
35:08 Creation Spirituality and Indigenous Worldview
36:05 The Evolved Nest and Modern Parenting
37:15 The Role of Community in Child Development
39:39 The Importance of Nature and Healing Practices
46:17 Learning from Octopus Intelligence
48:04 Restoring the Kinship Worldview
51:05 Conclusion and Call to Action
Resources
The Evolved Nest (website)
The Evolved Nest: Nature's Way of Raising Children and Creating Connected Communities (book)
Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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Recorded live at a SAND Community Gathering (December 2024) hosted by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo.
In this intimate conversation with poet and philosopher David Whyte and his wife, cultural architect Gayle Karen Young, explore the tender territories of grief, belonging and rest.
Drawing from David’s new book Consolations II, this unique dialogue offers a glimpse into how two lives intertwine in both understanding and living these essential human experiences and how loss and heartbreak can become doorways to deeper belonging.
The conversation weaves together poetry, contemplative wisdom, and the authentic experience of two people who have walked the path of partnership through its many thresholds. It offers both practical insight and spiritual nourishment for anyone seeking to understand how we grow through love’s many faces—from its first tender beginnings to its most profound depths of kinship.
David Whyte, raised between his Irish mother’s imaginative influence and his father’s Yorkshire landscapes, now calls the Pacific Northwest home. He is the author of twelve books of poetry and five books of prose, holding a degree in Marine Zoology and bringing rich experience from his years as a naturalist guide in the Galapagos Islands and leader of expeditions in the Andes, Amazon, and Himalaya.
Gayle Karen Young is a cultural architect and catalyst for human and organizational development who believes the world needs leaders who are “able for” what lies ahead. With over two decades in leadership development, she focuses on both the visible, practical aspects of leadership and the invisible work of creating spaces where others can thrive.
Topics:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:37 Meet the Guests: Gayle Karen Young and David Whyte
02:41 The Power of Poetry and Reflection
03:37 Exploring Grief and Intimacy
09:02 Collective Grief and Global Suffering
27:20 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership
30:14 Exploring Grief and Progressive Patriotism
30:52 The Everyday Invitation to Vulnerability
31:42 Understanding the Path of Care
35:34 The Seasonality of Care and Grief
39:19 The Overwhelming Nature of Modern Connectivity
41:53 The Essence of Loving Your Neighbor
43:32 The Bell and the Blackbird: An Irish Koan
52:04 The Importance of Silence and Relationship
54:33 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
Resources:
David Whyte’s Website
Gayle Karen Young’s Website
David’s new book Consolations II
Mary Frances O’Connor - The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss
Martin Prechtel - The Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise
Dacher Keltner - Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life
Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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Join us as we journey into the depths of winter’s sacred darkness with renowned wisdom keepers Pat McCabe (Woman Stands Shining) and Francis Weller. Recorded on December 21, 2024, at SAND’s Winter Solstice gathering, this episode invites you into a virtual ceremonial space that honors the winter solstice as a powerful moment of transition and transformation.
Through poetry, storytelling, and profound dialogue, McCabe and Weller guide us in exploring the sacred landscapes of loss and regeneration. Drawing from Indigenous wisdom and archetypal psychology, they illuminate how embracing grief and releasing what no longer serves can awaken the tender seeds of renewal within us. This is an invitation to witness and metabolize both personal and collective transitions, understanding death not as an end but as a sacred dreaming—a portal to transformation.
This episode offers a contemplative space to embrace life’s cyclical nature, reflecting on the solstice as a time for inner alchemy. Together, we honor the rhythms of descent and renewal, finding meaning and hope in the fertile darkness of winter. Whether you are seeking solace, inspiration, or deeper connection, this conversation is a profound offering for anyone navigating the thresholds of life.Pat McCabe (Weyakpa Najin Win, Woman Stands Shining) is a Diné (Navajo) mother, grandmother, activist, artist, writer, ceremonial leader, and international speaker. She is a voice for global peace, and her paintings are created as tools for individual, earth and global healing. She draws upon the Indigenous sciences of Thriving Life to reframe questions about sustainability and balance, and she is devoted to supporting the next generations, Women’s Nation and Men’s Nation, in being functional members of the “Hoop of Life” and upholding the honor of being human.
Francis Weller, MFT, is a psychotherapist, writer and soul activist. He is a master of synthesizing diverse streams of thought from psychology, anthropology, mythology, alchemy, indigenous cultures and poetic traditions. Author of The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief; The Threshold Between Loss and Revelation, (with Rashani Réa) and In the Absence of the Ordinary: Essays in a Time of Uncertainty, he has introduced the healing work of ritual to thousands of people. He founded and directs WisdomBridge, an organization that offers educational programs that seek to integrate the wisdom from indigenous cultures with the insights and knowledge gathered from western poetic, psychological and spiritual traditions.
Topics
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene02:07 Introducing the Guests: Pat McCabe and Francis Weller03:30 Pat McCabe's Opening Reflections08:24 The Sacredness of Water and Ceremony19:07 Francis Weller on Grief and Gratitude22:54 The Long Dark: Embracing Darkness and Descent27:49 The Medicine for the Long Dark40:48 The Gift of Shame and Healing41:27 Facing Grief Together42:44 Embracing the Darkness43:39 Interconnectedness and Affection45:11 The Medicine of Rest and Patience49:14 A Journey to Hiroshima52:43 The Power of Storytelling58:10 “Heabeat” by Danit (song)01:04:37 Fearless Generosity and the Hollow Reed01:09:00 The Necessity of Beauty01:13:11 Closing Reflections and PrayersResources from Episode
Danit - HeartbeatRefugia (Kathleen Dean Moore) Embodiment Matters - On Creating Refugia: Some New OfferingsDuane Elgin - Choosing Earth: Humanity’s Transition to a New CivilizationDeborah Eden Tull - Luminous DarknessDavid Whyte - Sweet DarknessJoan Halifax - The Fruitful DarknessSupport the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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Today we are in conversation with Ayurvedic doctor Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh where we discuss longevity through the lens of intergenerational trauma, colonization, ecological collapse, and how the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine might contain remidies for what ails our modern health crises.
Avanti Kumar-Singh, MD, is an internationally recognized Ayurveda and integrative medicine practitioner, certified yoga therapist, and former ER doctor. Her approach blends Western medicine with the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda from her South Asian lineage. Dr. Avanti is the former co-lead facilitator at Northwestern Medicine's Osher Center for Integrative Health, hosts The Healing Catalyst podcast, and offers courses on integrative medicine. She is a sought-after speaker and advisor in the wellness community, sharing her expertise with Fortune 500 companies, top academic institutions, and leading industry and medical conferences. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Goop, mindbodygreen, and more.
Her new book is The Longevity Formula: Ayurvedic Principles to Reduce Inflammation, Increase Cellular Repair, and Live With Vitality (Sounds True, 2024).
Topics:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh
01:33 Inspiration Behind 'The Longevity Formula'
03:54 Understanding Lifespan vs. Health Span
05:42 Ayurveda's Role in Longevity
06:55 Integrating Ancient Practices with Modern Medicine
09:58 The Concept of Balance in Ayurveda
15:39 Ayurveda in Modern India
20:25 Inflammation and Its Impact on Health
24:33 Nourishing the Tissues: Connecting Practices
25:00 Understanding Inflammation: Signs and Symptoms
26:08 Listening to Your Body: Symptoms as Information
28:59 Ayurveda and Circadian Rhythms
32:47 Seasonal Eating: Aligning with Nature
35:30 Energetic Medicine: The Blueprint of Health
43:31 Practical Tips for Longevity
47:09 The Importance of Connection
49:06 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsSupport the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo host this captivating conversation into divine and personal love with two modern-day mystics, held dear by SAND from a SAND Community Gaterhing from July 2023.
Love, a powerful catalyst for transformation on the spiritual path, resonates at the core of our being. Through this dialogue, we will transcend the limitations of a narrow, individualized perception of love, immersing ourselves in the boundless realm of our true nature—a universal expression of pure love.
Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally known retreat leader, Cynthia Bourgeault divides her time between solitude at her coastal home in Maine and a demanding schedule traveling globally to teach and spread the recovery of the Christian contemplative path. She is the founding Director of both The Contemplative Society and the Aspen Wisdom School.
Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas), Founder of the Diamond Approach, was born in the Middle East, but at age 18 he moved to the USA to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics, where he was studying Einstein’s theory of general relativity and nuclear physics, when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him more and more into inquiring into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature. Hameed is the founder of the Diamond Approach®—a spiritual teaching that utilizes a unique kind of inquiry into realization.
Topics:
00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:03 Introducing Cynthia Bourgeault02:17 Introducing Hamid Ali and Non-Dual Love03:07 Exploring Non-Dual Love03:50 Cynthia's Perspective on Non-Dual Love06:06 Hamid's Perspective on Non-Dual Love08:44 The Nature of Divine Love12:46 The Role of Love in Human Experience18:14 The Transformative Power of Love28:09 Understanding True Love47:33 Healing Through Love and Gratitude01:02:05 Closing Remarks and ReflectionsSupport the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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In this important conversation examining the vital role of journalists and documentarians in conflict zones, Palestinian journalist, Mariam Barghouti and Jenin resident, Rawand Arqawi share their firsthand experiences with Palestinian trauma healer, Ashira Darwish, cutting through the fog of misinformation to reveal the human realities often obscured in Western mainstream narratives.
Our guests shared first-hand experiences on reporting from Jenin and the broader region, exploring both the crucial importance of ground-level documentation and the challenges faced by those who undertake this work. Documenting truth has become increasingly dangerous as we’ve seen more journalists killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza and Lebanon in the past 12 months than in any similar recorded period since 1992, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Mariam Barghouti is a Palestinian-American writer, researcher, and journalist based in Ramallah. She holds a BA in English from Birzeit University and an MSc in Sociology from the University of Edinburgh, where she focused on Israeli Ashkenazi-Mizrahi racial hierarchies. Barghouti is known for monitoring humanitarian aid in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine for various organizations. Her political commentary and research have featured prominently in CNN, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, BBC, The New York Times, and more. She has contributed to books like I Found Myself in Palestine and written profiles on Palestinian figures such as artist Khaled Hourani and politician Dr. Hanan Ashrawi.
Ashira Ali Darwish worked for 15 years as a TV & Radio journalist and researcher in Palestine for the BBC, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. She is the founder of Catharsis Holistic Healing, a trauma therapy project pioneering a type of Sufi active meditation which draws its roots from ancestral and Indigenous knowledge. Her personal healing journey from full body paralysis with a severed spinal cord in 2012 has given her a deep insight into the process of recovery and healing. In 2021, she received the “ISABS Honours” from the Indian Society for Applied Behavioural Science for her contribution to positive societal transformation.
Rawand Arqawi is a producer and cultural manager who was born and grew up in Jenin. She worked as a production coordinator for nearly six years with the Freedom Theatre, working under theater artist Juliano Mer-Khamis. During her time with the Freedom Theatre, she coordinated dozens of performances, workshops, international tours, exchanges, as well as managing communications, international volunteers, fundraising, and logistics. Beyond her work with the Freedom Theatre, she has contributed to various local artistic projects and groups, including working as a production assistant for Al Jazeera Children. In 2013, she initiated Fragments theater, and has since then continued to produce several performances and workshops. She is passionate about using arts as a tool of resistance.
Topics:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:31 The Crisis in Journalism01:55 Introducing the Guests03:55 Rawand's Testimony on Jenin14:27 Mariam's Insights on the West Bank21:36 Challenges for Journalists26:48 The Fragments Theater27:38 Reflecting on Giuliano's Dream28:14 Initiating Cultural Activities in Jenin29:25 Challenges and Mental Health Initiatives32:41 The Impact of Giuliano's Assassination36:54 The Role of the Palestinian Authority43:10 The Struggle for Life and Resistance51:46 Supporting Jenin Cultural Center54:33 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionLinks:
Support the Jenin Cultural CenterWatch Where Olive Trees WeepPurchase the and the full 23-video series Conversations on PalestineLearn more about the SAND Community GatheringsSupport the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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“We are not walking through the world; we are interwoven with it. In everything we do, we participate in complexity.”
–Neil TheiseNeil Theise is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Through his scientific research, he has been a pioneer of adult stem cell plasticity and the anatomy of the human interstitium. Dr. Theise’s studies in complexity theory have led to interdisciplinary collaborations in fields such as integrative medicine, consciousness studies, and science-religion dialogue.
Neil’s new book, which we discuss on the episode, is Notes on Complexity
Topics00:00 – Introduction02:15 – Neil’s Scientific and Spiritual Background08:29 – Complexity and the Merging of Science and Spirituality15:48 – Complex vs. Complicated22:14 – Chaos, Fractals, and Emergence29:48 – Biological Emergence36:44 – Incompleteness Theorem, Quantum Physics, and Consciousness47:02 – Complexity and ResiliencySupport the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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Michael Meade is a renowned storyteller and scholar of mythology, anthropology, and psychology, who draws from his study of archetypal myths, ancestral wisdom and cross-cultural rituals to interpret our remarkable moment in human history. While many of us are attempting to recognize our own self-terminating patterns and inhabit new ways of being human, Michael helps us to see the stories we are living, and the new stories that are calling us.
He is the author of many books, including The Genius Myth, Fate and Destiny, Why the World Doesn’t End and The Water of Life. He is also the founder of Mosaic Multicultural Foundation, a nonprofit organization that initiates innovative projects and unifying events that support and educate at-risk youth, refugees, combat veterans, and communities in need.
Resources:
Michael Meade and Mosaic Multicultural FoundationARTS AND PRACTICES - Antidotes to Overwhelm Sources of ResilienceMichael Meade podcast, videos and essaysFacing the Cascade of Crises: A SAND Community Gathering with Michael Meade and Gail BrennerHolding the Thread of Life: Michael Meade (Live at SAND 19) (heard in the episode around 38:00)Drumming at the Edge of Magic by Mickey HartTopics:
00:00 Introduction
02:11 US Elections and Political Climate
02:48 Cultural and Environmental Unraveling
06:42 The Role of Uncertainty and Inner Self
08:09 Mythology and the Deeper Self
10:25 Rite of Passage and Personal Transformation
18:47 The Genius Myth vs. The Hero Myth
23:47 The Nature of the Soul and Family Expectations
28:26 Discovering Your Calling in Descent
29:30 The Whisper of Genius
31:01 Flattening of Modern Culture
31:53 The Role of Inspiration in the Arts
32:40 The Power of Practice
33:19 The Sound of Creation
37:02 "Holding the Thread of Life" (Excerpt) live at SAND 19 by Michael Meade
40:25 Quieting Down to Hear the Call
41:47 Expressing Emotions for Healing
46:32 The Importance of Grief and Compassion
48:57 The Magic of Words
53:27 Connecting with Mythological Ideas
54:50 Conclusion and Future Conversations
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Standing for Collective Liberation
“No one will be free if the others live under occupation. No one will be safe unless everyone is safe.”
In this live SAND Community Gathering (November 2024) Zaya and Maurizio were in discussion with Palestinian and Israeli peace activists Osama lliwat & Rotem Levin who share their personal stories, describe the reality on the ground, and explain their vision for a path toward collective liberation.
Osama lliwat was born in Jerusalem and grew up in Jericho, after his family was displaced in 1967. In the peace world for more than 15 years and the co-founder of Visit Palestine, he has dedicated his life to nonviolent resistance. He has worked with the Sulha Peace Project and Interfaith Encounter Association, appeared in several documentaries including Objector and The Other, and speaks regularly on peacebuilding at organizations and universities around the world.
Rotem Levin was born and raised in Ein Vered. After his military service, he participated in a transformational intensive dialogue program in Germany, where he got to know Palestinians on a personal and intimate level. This instigated a change in perspective on the story he was born and raised with. After this experience, he started organizing similar programs in Aqaba, Jordan, where he offered the experience to other post-military Israelis and to Palestinian and Israeli medical workers. He is a committed activist and doctor by profession.
Topics:
00:00 – Introduction and Welcome00:45 – Context of the Gaza Conflict03:33 – Osama Liwat's Background04:05 – Rotem Levin's Background09:41 – Rotem's Personal Journey20:11 – Reflections on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict27:35 – Living in the West Bank33:35 – The Statelessness of Palestinians34:30 – Personal Stories of Displacement35:38 – Growing Up Amidst Conflict43:19 – Acts of Resistance54:03 – Encountering Peace Activists01:02:29 – A Call for Unity and Humanity01:06:47 – Final Reflections and GratitudeLinks:
Watch Where Olive Trees WeepPurchase the full 23-video series Conversations on PalestineLearn more about the SAND Community GatheringsSupport the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
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Manda Scott is an award-winning novelist and host of the acclaimed Accidental Gods podcast. Best known for the Boudica: Dreaming series, her previous novels have been short-listed for the Orange Prize, the Edgar, Wilbur Smith and Saltire Awards and won the McIllvanney Prize. Her latest novel ANY HUMAN POWER is a Mytho-Political thriller which lays out a Thrutopian road map to a flourishing future we’d be proud to leave to the generations that come after us. With degrees in veterinary medicine and a Masters in Regenerative Economics, Manda’s life is oriented towards creating radical new narratives that will pave the way to the total systemic change our culture – and our world – needs.
ANY HUMAN POWER is available for sale on Amazon.
Connect with Manda Scott on Facebook, Bluesky, Goodreads, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Topics
00:00 – Introduction and Support Request01:00 – Guest Introduction: Manda Scott02:04 – Discussion on Thrutopian Novels02:45 – Manda Scott’s Literary Influences07:01 – Spiritual Practices and Shamanic Path12:25 – The Concept of Thrutopian Fiction17:29 – The Power of Fiction in Inspiring Change21:22 – Genesis of ‘Any Human Power’27:45 – The Role of Dreaming in Spiritual Practice27:52 – Shamanic Dreaming and Its Significance29:08 – Connecting with Loved Ones Through Dreams30:36 – Trauma Culture and Initiation Cultures32:11 – The Four Stages of Evolution36:40 – Dopamine vs. Serotonin Reward Systems40:01 – The Importance of Community and Connection45:11 – The Future of Spiritual Practice and Writing46:29 – Integrating Dreaming into Daily Life48:36 – Concluding Thoughts on Modernity and CommunityResources
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan GarnerEagle of the Ninth by Rosemary SutcliffThe Last of the Mohicans (1971 TV Series)Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererRiding the Horse Backwards by Arnold and Amy MindellRegenesis by George MonbiotSounds of SAND #85 In Our Bones: Osprey Orielle LakeSounds of SAND #65 Emptiness & Grief: Francis WellerSounds of SAND #98 Glissando of Consciousness: Andrew HolecekSounds of SAND #11 Quantum Listening: IONESupport the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.
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Disentangling Judaism from the Violence of Occupation
“The way to manifest your sacredness is to embody sacredness – to treat all life as sacred.”
– Rabbi Cat ZavisIn this live SAND Community Gathering (October 2024) Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo were in discussion with Rabbi Cat Zavis, a renowned Jewsish teacher, writer, and social justice activist.
They discussed the misuse of Judaism to justify the brutal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Drawing on deep Jewish ethical traditions of justice and compassion, Rabbi Zavis showed how the occupation fundamentally contradicts core Jewish values. We explored the rich history of Jewish opposition to occupation and highlight contemporary movements working to honor Judaism’s ethical mandate, “Never Again” for anyone.
Rabbi Cat Zavis is a passionate shaper of Jewish rituals and services that inspire and draw connections between the spiritual, personal, and political. She is a spiritual social justice activist, attorney, and visionary leader with over 20 years experience in empathic and people-centered leadership and collaboration. A sought after facilitator and trainer in nonviolent communication, prophetic empathy, collaboration, and conflict resolution, she has over 25 years experience working with and helping people understand our shared needs and how to challenge manifestations of othering and build beloved communities of belonging. While co-editor of Tikkun magazine, she wrote articles and helped shape the magazine; as Executive Director of the Network of Spiritual Progressives she has trained over 1000 people in Prophetic Empathy and Revolutionary Love.Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.
Resources
TikkunBeyt TikkunRoots (1977 Miniseries)One Hundred Years War on Palestine by Rasheed KhalidiJewish Voices for PeaceSAND’s Helpful Resources on PalestineTopics
00:00 – Introduction and Greetings00:31 – Current Situation in Gaza01:58 – Introducing Rabbi Cat Zavis02:16 – Rabbi Cat Zavis' Background05:17 – Personal Journey and Reflections12:11 – Jewish Ethical Values and Israeli Occupation15:58 – The Split in the Jewish Community24:54 – Truth, Justice, and Peace in Judaism27:07 – Pursuing Truth and Justice28:01 – Condemnation of Israeli Actions29:43 – Judaism vs. Zionism30:47 – Anti-Zionist Jewish Thinkers32:08 – Theological Perspectives on Zionism34:33 – Solidarity and Liberation40:59 – The Role of Fear and Trauma45:21 – Call for International Intervention47:34 – Practical Support for Palestinian Rights49:33 – Spiritual Reflections and Blessings -
In this episode we present excerpts from the recent conversation (June 2024) as part of SAND’s “Conversations on Palestine” around the premiere of the film Where Olive Trees Weep hosted by the directors of the film and co-founders of SAND, Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo.
You can watch this full conversation and 22 others at Where Olive Trees Weep: 23 Conversations on Palestine. SAND has created a program with leading historians, spiritual teachers, trauma therapists, poets and performers to complement the themes explored in the film and provide a larger historical, cultural and social context to the plight of the Palestinian people
These Black activists and scholars came together to shed light on the intersection anti-Black racism, Israeli apartheid, patriarchal oppression, and predatory capitalism’s interconnected plunder. This panel discussed the coalitional power that blossoms when we recognize our kindred liberatory movements. Their dialogue illustrated how the subjugation of any community reverberates as a threat against the collective freedom and wellbeing of all humanity. Their truth disrupts manufactured divisions and nurtures the global, intergenerational solidarities indispensable for our mutual emancipation.Faith Gay is an activist and incoming Master’s student at Princeton University with a background in anti-war organizing and congressional advocacy. Her work focuses on democratizing United States foreign policy so that it can be influenced by those most impacted by it, including those outside of Washington. She is a member of Black for Palestine, a collective organizing Black people in the U.S. to leverage their political, economic, and cultural power in support of Palestinian liberation and to end U.S. complicity in Israeli apartheid.
Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart is a Black queer preacher, teacher, strategist, and justice advocate. She is an adjunct professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University and in the spring of 2024 completed a two year term as the Government Fellow for Religion and Public Life at Harvard Divinity School. Rev. Naomi also serves as the first-ever Strategic Partnerships Director at Political Research Associates (PRA), a social justice research and strategy center that provides strategic insights and actionable research that identifies, disrupts, and competes with movements and institutions that undermine democracy, justice, and human rights. In 2021, Rev. Naomi founded Salt | Yeast | Light, an organization that develops spaces of spiritual education, disruption, reflection, transformation, and public action. Most recently, she joined the national leadership team of Christians for a Free Palestine.
Imam Adeyinka Mendes is a spiritual counselor, meditation teacher, rites of passage facilitator, author, and Muslim religious leader based in Houston, Texas. He has been a student of the mystical traditions of Islam as well as indigenous and West African spiritual traditions for over 30 years after a life changing journey to Jerusalem at the age of 16. His focus as a teacher is on conveying the wisdom of our ancestors in ways that address the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. He is the founding director of Marhama (Arabic for 'expressing mutual compassion') Village, a community focused on building sustainable institutions through empowering service, prophetic spirituality, traditional knowledge, indigenous wisdom, and the arts. He has studied Classical Arabic, Islamic Sciences, sacred meditation, and the science of peace-building with sages and scholars from the United States, Syria, Sudan, Morocco, Mauritania, Nigeria, Egypt, Haiti, Senegal, and The Gambia. He imagines a world in which spiritual seekers from every tradition work together to establish a world of sacred service, compassion, and justice for every life.
(Scheduled, but not present in the recording because of illness)
Pastor Michael McBride is the executive director for LIVE FREE USA, a national organizing and social change network committed to ending the criminalization of people of color, reducing gun violence and transforming the policing and the criminal justice system. He was named by the Center for American Progress as a Top Clergy Leader in 2013 and served on President Obama’s Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Council to address Poverty and Inequality in 2016. He is one of the national leaders in the movement to implement public health gun violence prevention programs, recently featured as one of CNN’s Champions of Change. He is the co-founder of Black Church PAC and the Black Brown Peace Consortium. Pastor McBride serves as the Lead Pastor of The Way Church in Berkeley, CA. He has been a frequent contributor to the New York Times, the Washington Post, MSNBC, CNN, the Huffington Post and many other media outlets.Topics
00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:25 Introducing Faith Gay03:08 Faith Gay's Journey to Activism06:22 Reverend Naomi's Story10:46 Imam Adeyinka's Experience18:06 Pastor Michael McBride's Work19:55 Recognizing Apartheid and Segregation28:23 Bearing Witness and Economic Support33:27 Responding to Apartheid34:33 Personal Reflections on Compromise35:58 The Domino Effect of Speaking Out37:57 White Supremacy and Global Racism41:54 Solidarity with Indigenous People42:51 The Importance of Healing47:55 Spiritual Imperatives and Activism52:10 Final Reflections and Call to ActionSAND’s Helpful Resources on Palestine: https://whereolivetreesweep.com/resources/
Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.
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Ash Canty (he/him) is a trans masc, afro-indigenous, non-binary Psychic Medium & Death Guide. He support's and walks others in the threshold of their own unique death and dying process. He is led by spirit and his West African Benin, Eastern Band Cherokee, Northern Haudenosaunee and Blackfeet ancestors as well as the natural world in all that he does. In his mediumship gifts he offers powerful evidential mediumship readings & holds ongoing monthly live events, classes & courses for their community and supports them in remembering their own connection with spirit & the multidimensional realities or relation that surround us all.
Links:
WebsiteSubstackInstagram The Liberation Portal ProgramPrivate ReadingsTopics:
00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome01:27 – Ash Canty's Journey as a Medium04:04 – Impact of Collective Grief06:24 – Offering Spirit Readings to Palestinians12:00 – Connecting with Ancestors and the Land19:57 – Healing Through Grief and Connection27:25 – Exploring the Four Elements27:36 – Accessing Grief Through Simple Practices29:34 – Non-Linear Nature of Grief32:26 – Grief and Gratitude: Two Sides of the Same Coin36:22 – Messages from Ancestors44:21 – Energy of War and Peace46:48 – The Liberation Portal Program47:47 – Live Show Events and Conclusion
Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member. - Daha fazla göster
