Sounds of SAND

Osprey Orielle Lake is the Founder and Executive Director of Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network, International (WECAN). She works nationally and internationally with grassroots, Indigenous and business leaders, policy-makers and scientists to promote climate justice, resilient communities, and a just transition to a clean energy future. Osprey is Co-chair of International Advocacy for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature and the visionary behind the International Women's Earth and Climate Summit, which brought together 100 women leaders from around the world to draft and implement a Women's Climate Action Agenda. She teaches international climate trainings and directs WECAN’s advocacy work in areas such as Women for Forests, Rights of Nature and UN Forums. She has served on the board of the Praxis Peace Institute and on the Steering Committee for The UN Women’s Major Group for the Rio+20 Earth Summit. Awards include the National Women’s History Project Honoree, Taking The Lead To Save Our Planet, and the Woman Of The Year Outstanding Achievement Award from the California Federation Of Business And Professional Women.  Osprey is the author of the award-winning book, Uprisings for the Earth: Reconnecting Culture with Nature.

Her new book is The Story is in Our Bones: How Worldviews and Climate Justice Can Remake a World in Crisis

Topics:

• 00:00 — Introduction
• 08:05 — Path to the Book
• 14:42 — Moderns and Ancient Science
• 20:24 — Integrative and Interconnected Ways Forward 
• 25:28 — Gaza and the Polycrisis
• 35:28 — Composting Cultural Toxins
• 42:00 — Remembering How to Listen
• 45:40 — Stories of Resilience

Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

A recording of excerpts from a live SAND Community Gathering hosted by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo.

In these times of unbearable anguish, as the already beleaguered Palestinian community is being massacred and starved before our astonished eyes, our own grieving flows into the sea of human suffering and we remember that we belong to each other.

Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author of creative non-fiction and contemporary translations of sacred literature. She taught Philosophy and World Religions at the University of New Mexico-Taos for 20 years and now teaches and speaks internationally on contemplative practice and inter-spiritual dialog. A certified bereavement counselor, Mirabai helps mourners harness the transformational power of loss. Her latest book, WILD MERCY: Living the Fierce & Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics, was named one of the “Best Books of 2019”. She lives with her extended family in the mountains of northern New Mexico.

Mona Haydar is a young Muslim Syrian-American poet, musician, workshop leader and speaker who gained global recognition through her “Ask A Muslim” project and the viral hip-hop music video “Hijabi (Wrap My Hijab).” Her debut EP “Barbarican” addresses global patriarchy, orientalism, immigration policy, white supremacy, and suicide. A Master’s graduate in Theology from Union Theological Seminary, Mona speaks at churches, synagogues, universities and international forums, engaging audiences on art, Islam, feminism, hip hop, theology, and interfaith dialogue.

Topics

• 00:00 — Introduction
• 06:52 — Mirabai’s Introduction
• 16:42 — Mona’s Introduction
• 21:06 — Interfaith Teachings on Grief
• 32:40 — Islamic Teachings on Grief
• 41:58 — The Grief of Loss
• 50:11 — Closing Prayer
• 55:58 — Song from Desiree Dawson & Mona Hayder

Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member:

Also mentioned in this episode is SAND’s Fundraiser to help relocate a family from the Genocide in Gaza.

Mattias Daly is Taoist practitioner and a professional translator with a degree in acupuncture and a master’s in Chinese Literature. He was inducted into the Longmen lineage of Complete Reality Daoism by Abbess Liu of the Three Purities Monastery in Jilin province, China in 2013. He primarily translates for the National Palace Museum in Taipei and the Chinese Taipei PEN quarterly.

His new translation of Taoist Inner Alchemy: Master Huang Yuanji's Guide to the Way of Meditation by Ge Guolong and Huang Yuanji is out now on Shambala Publications.

Topics:

• 04:42 — Core Principle of Taoism
• 10:59 — Path of Taoist Inner Alchemy
• 15:11 — Metaphor of Alchemy
• 22:44 — Energies of Inner Alchemy
• 27:09 — Chan Buddhism
• 35:36 — Physical Components of Inner Alchemy
• 43:45 —  Importance of Heart Practice
• 45:15 — Navigating the Polycrisis

Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

A recording of excerpts from a SAND Community Gathering hosted by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo.

Trauma has a severe impact that extends far beyond the individual survivor. It ripples through families, communities, and generations in ways both seen and unseen. Yet there is a path forward — through courageously sharing our stories and tapping into the body’s innate wisdom.

In this episode, Peter openly shares his own courageous journey to resolve severe childhood trauma, by using the very techniques he developed. He shows a pathway whereby giving voice to our stories can help reclaim our dignity, wholeness, and ignite an inner spark of healing.

Peter A. Levine, Ph.D., is the renowned developer of Somatic Experiencing. He holds a doctorate in Medical and Biological Physics from the University of California at Berkeley and a doctorate in Psychology from International University. The recipient of four lifetime achievement awards, he is the author of several books, including Waking the Tiger, which has now been printed in 33 countries and has sold over a million copies.

His new book is An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey

Topics:

• 00:00 — Introduction
• 02:43 — Writing the new Autobiography
• 09:05 — Uncovering Layers of Trauma
• 19:52 — Trauma & Intimate Relationships
• 26:20 — Meeting Albert Einstein & Past Life Trauma
• 34:00 — Relationships with Parents
• 43:00 — Connections to Ancient Traditions
• 50:10 — Indigenous Healing Practices
• 57:12 — Closing

Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

Also mentioned in this episode is SAND’s Fundraiser to help relocate a family from the genocide in Gaza.

Reem (DRĖĖĖMY) Abdou is a native Egyptian international interdisciplinary sound artist, embodiment and meditation guide, curator, cultural worker, and community building founder of the inclusive global impact agency for women+ & BIPOC holistic artists: The Collective BAE. As an intentional DJ and spoken word poet, her work harnesses music, movement, and meditation to activate real shifts at the intersection of transformational creativity, social and healing justice, and ecosystem consciousness.

Links:

• www.dreeemy.com
• instagram.com/dreeemy
• www.collectivebae.com

Upcoming projects:

• Join The BAE (RE)MEMBERSHIPS: An Ecology of Care for Conscious Creatives. We'll be launching a full training course this May.
• The release of the 2nd EP: SALTWATERS in the Mother & Water project. It will be released this May.

Topics:

• 00:00 — Introduction
• 03:00 — Ancestry & Dream work
• 06:45 — Communities
• 11:19 — Bass Yoga
• 17:19 — Gradients & Binaries
• 23:17 — Ecologies of Care
• 32:33 — Sacred Activism
• 36:51 — Post-COVID Shift
• 45:31 — Egyptian Lineage
• 53:44 — Upcoming Projects

Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member:

Rev Deborah L Johnson (Rev D) is a dynamic organizer, strategist, facilitator, public speaker, and
spoken word artist, known for her ability to bring clarity to complex and emotionally charged
issues with humor and compassion. As an organizational consultant specializing in cultural
diversity, she serves the public, private, non-profit, and military sectors. Her clients have
included, MCA Universal, ATT, Apple Inc, Hewlett Packard, Kaiser Permanente, US Coast Guard
Academy, Ford Foundation, SBC Communications, UCSF, Prudential, and Kodak. Rev Deborah is
a successful co-litigant in two landmark civil rights cases in California. The first resulted in the
inclusion of sexual orientation in the state’s Civil Rights Bill in 1984 setting a national precedent,while the second staved off repeal of the state’s Domestic Partnership in 2005. For her social justice work, she has been featured in numerous books and films including Showtime’s Jumpin’ The Broom and has received many lifetime achievement awards including induction into the Board of Preachers at the MLK Jr. Chapel of Morehouse College.

RevD's Upcoming Courses:

Yes to Oneness
The 6-session “YES to Oneness” workshop is preventative medicine for divisiveness. Guided by divine downloads from my books The Sacred YES and Your Deepest Intent, we’ll go on a spiritually transformative experience.
 

How to Depolarize
The 3-session “How to Depolarize” workshop provides diagnostic techniques and treatment plans for divisiveness. It is an interactive skills building practicum based on my 40+ years as a movement organizer, corporate DEI consultant, spiritual leader, and successful co-litigant in two landmark civil rights cases. This workshop expands upon the concepts I recently presented at Harvard Divinity School.  

Topics:

• 0:00 — Introduction
•  2:51 — Reconnecting Post-Pandemic
• 4:29 — Keeping Hope Alive
• 7:41 — On Nonduality
• 12:27 — Balancing Social Justice
• 19:59 — Everything is in Vibrations of Possibilities
• 25:58 — Interfaith / Omnifaith Exploration
• 33:14 — Reconnecting to our Natural State
• 40:06 — Knowing Truth
• 45:10 — Advice for Burnout and Connection
• 50:42 — Learning and Growing in Community

Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

A recording of excerpts from a SAND Community Gathering hosted by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo.

Trauma has a way of separating us from parts of ourselves. Painful experiences cause protective parts to take over, isolating our inner wounds in an effort to help us survive. Yet, avoiding our emotional injuries rarely leads to true healing.

In this conversation, Internal Family System (IFS) founder Richard Schwartz outlined how to transform our relationship with the wounded parts holding our unresolved injuries.

Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, is the creator of Internal Family Systems, a highly effective, evidence-based therapeutic model that de-pathologizes the multi-part personality. His IFS Institute offers training for professionals and the general public. He is currently on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, and has published five books, including No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model. Dick lives with his wife Jeanne near Chicago, close to his three daughters and his growing number of grandchildren.

Topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 02:00 –  Intro to Internal Family System (IFS)
• 16:48 – IFS work with Maurizio
• 29:16 – Ancestor and Legacy Work
• 38:12 – Altered States of Consciousness in IFS Work
• 44:20 – Exiled Parts That Become Cultural Patterns

Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

In this episode we bring you excerpts from an online SAND Community Gathering with Gabor and Daniel Maté hosted by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo from February 2024. Also present in this episode is Betsy Polatin offering guided meditation and grounding exercises as everyone navigates these difficult conversations. Lastly SAND presenter Deran Young ends the episode with a question on Racialized Trauma.

You can watch the full video conversation here

No statement, no words can speak to the immense suffering, devastation and horrendous humanitarian crisis intensifying in the Middle East. The current tragedy awakens existential fear, acute grief and deep despair. It also creates a rift among friends and families. Many are in a state of deep shock and in need of support, and the obstacles to communicating with loved ones only intensify the anguish.

In this Q&A session, Dr. Gabor Maté and his son Daniel discussed ways to listen and communicate across different perspectives and narratives.

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.

Daniel Maté is a composer, lyricist, and playwright for musical theatre based in BC and New York. He has been active since 2007, when he graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing. He also holds a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from McGill.

Daniel received the prestigious Edward Kleban Prize for Most Promising Lyricist in American Musical Theatre, a Jonathan Larson Foundation Grant, and the ASCAP Foundation’s Cole Porter Award for Excellence in Music and Lyrics (for his song cycle The Longing and the Short of It.) He has presented his work at the historic Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and New York’s Lincoln Center, and was an invited participant in the inaugural Johnny Mercer Writers Colony.

Betsy Polatin, MFA, SEP, an internationally recognized breathing/movement specialist and best- selling author, has been teaching for 45 years. Her unique and intuitive perspectives are greatly influenced by the study of movement, breath, and trauma, as well as the teachings of spiritual and meditation masters. She speaks at conferences around the world.

As a well-known educator, she’s had numerous articles published in the Huffington Post, and is the author of The Actor’s Secret and Humanual.

Deran Young is a licensed therapist specializing in racial trauma and legacy burdens. She is also a Co-Author of the New York Times Best Seller, You Are Your Best Thing, a retired military officer, & founder of Black Therapists Rock. Black Therapists Rock is a non profit organization with a network of over 30,000 mental health professionals committed to reducing the psychological impact of systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma. She obtained her social work degree from University of Texas, where she studied abroad in Ghana, West Africa for two semesters creating a high school counseling center for under-resourced students. Deran has visited over 37 different countries and her clinical experience spans across four different continents. Her passion for culture and people has led her to become a highly sought after diversity and inclusion consultant working with companies like BBERG, Facebook, Linked In, and YWCA. She resides in the Washington DC area with her 10 year old son.

Topics:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction
• 00:04:10 – Gabor Maté Introduction
• 00:09:56 – Daniel Maté Introduction
• 00:18:48 – Gabor’s Learning During this Violence since October 7
• 00:21:23 – Betsy Polatin Grounding Practice
• 00:24:31 – Gabor Responds to Comments in the Chat, speaking to ALL suffering
• 00:26:47 – Question: "What is the most effective way to break through Zionists Friends"
• 00:35:58 – Question: “How to Respond to Friends and Circles on Social Media”
• 00:38:34 – Question: “Responding to Israeli Sufferings from October 7”
• 00:51:12 – Betsy Calming Exercise
• 00:54:33 – Question: “Legacy of Dehumanization in this Conflict”
• 00:59:43 – Question: “Speaking Out in Jewish Communities”
• 01:04:52 – Question: “Addressing the War Machine(s)”
• 01:10:27 – The Misconceptions About Safety and Comfort in these Discussions
• 01:14:48 – Deran Young on Racialized Trauma
• 01:19:56 – Betsy Closing Meditation

Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Mauro Zappaterra obtained his MD and PhD degrees from Harvard Medical School. He completed his PhD doing work with neuronal stem cells and the effects of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in brain development and in the adult. He is published in numerous scientific articles on the CSF and his work was chosen as the cover image for the prestigious Neuron Journal.  He was also featured in the New England Journal of Medicine in teaching medical students about living with life threatening diseases and in Psychology Today on an article titled “Joy: The art of loving life."

Topics:

• 0:00 — Introduction
• 2:14 — Mauro’s Background
• 9:37 — Exploring Holistic Medicine at Harvard
• 17:31 — Evidence Based Medicine
• 19:00 — Sound and Light Therapy
• 24:10 — Day to Day Practice
• 28:22 — Chronic Pain
• 45:08 — Frontiers of Alternative Healing
• 54:10 — CSF Guided Meditation
  
  

Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

"This is a spiritual test, this is a spiritual war, as much as it is a material one. People say, ‘As above, so below.’ How we are interfacing with the physical realities of this moment, the ways that we are leveraging our daily energy are either making us complicit with life's desecration or helping us to affirm life and the spirit of resistance. The battle that we are in is right now!"
— Layla K. Feghali on the violence in Gaza, Sounds of SAND, Ep. #76

We are now over four months into a worsening genocide in Gaza — with over 30,000 murdered and over 2 million now enduring military-enforced famine enacted by Israel, the US, and their global allies. There is no way a 90-minute teaching can impact the depth of sorrow, injustice, betrayal, and state-sponsored violence unfolding in Palestine. And yet, we share a moral obligation to resist the life-desecrating forces at work.

In this gathering, our three guests share of their personal attempts as Earth-honoring ritualists and educators to embody core values and take tangible action in a time of genocide.

Calls to Action to Support these GoFundMe Campaigns:

 

• SAND’s GoFundMe to help Amina & her family
• Layla Feghali’s connection to Ahmed Al Munirawi’s campaign
• Layla Feghali’s connection to Reem Shaheen’s campaign

Guests:

Daniel Foor is a doctor of psychology, experienced ritualist, and the author of Ancestral Medicine: Rituals for Personal and Family Healing. He is a practicing Muslim and initiate in the Òrìṣà tradition of Yoruba-speaking West Africa who has also learned from Mahayan Buddhism and the older ways of his English and German ancestors. Daniel was a U.S. Fulbright scholar in Cairo, Egypt as a student of Arabic language, and he is passionate about generational healing and training leaders and change makers in the intersections of cultural healing, animist ethics, and applied ritual arts. He lives with his wife and daughters near his adoptive home of Granada, Spain in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Taya Mâ Shere is a ritual artist embracing embodied, earth-honoring devotion as liberatory spiritual practice. She serves as a professor of Organic Multi-Religious Ritual at Starr King School for the Ministry and co-weaves Makam Shekhina, a Jewish and Sufi Muslim multi-religious community committed to counter-oppressive spiritual practice. Taya Mâ hosts the acclaimed podcast, Jewish Ancestral Healing and The Sarah & Hajar Series: Sacred Practice and Possibility at the Intersections of Judaism and Islam. She is currently tending Ceasefire movement chaplaincy and From the Deep, an emergent mystery school of earth-reverent ritual and counter-oppressive devotion. She co-founded the Kohenet movement and  is co-author of The Hebrew Priestess: Ancient and New Visions of Jewish Women’s Spiritual Leadership. Her five albums of sacred chant have been heralded as “cutting-edge mystic medicine music.”

Layla K. Feghali is an ethnobotanist, cultural worker, and author who lives between her ancestral village in Lebanon and her diasporic home in California, where she was born and raised. Her dedication is the stewardship of our earth’s eco-cultural integrity and the many layers of relational restoration, systemic reckoning, and healing that entails. Feghali offers a line of plantcestral medicine and other culturally-rooted offerings, with an emphasis on Southwest Asia and its diasporas. Her recent book, The Land in Our Bones, documents cultural herbal and healing knowledge from Syria to the Sinai, while interrogating colonialism and its lingering wounds on the culture of our displaced world.

Topics:

• 00:00:00 — Introduction
• 00:05:43 — Daniel Foor
• 00:21:44 — Taya Mâ Shere
• 00:35:44 — Layla K. Feghali
• 01:00:28 — Guided Practice
• 01:10:22 — Questions from the Event Chat
• 01:20:29 — Yeye Luisha Teish
• 01:23:48 — Closing Statements

Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member