Body

In this deeply reflective episode of Stay Grounded, Raj and Alex explore the delicate balance between taking action and letting go, diving into one of life’s most challenging paradoxes: the art of releasing control. Through their personal experiences and insights, they examine how our relationship with control affects everything from our daily decisions to our spiritual growth, and why learning to surrender might be the key to feeling truly empowered in life.

Key Topics and Takeaways:

• The surprising relationship between tension and control, and what your body is trying to tell you when you feel that familiar grip
•  Why examining your attachments might be the most important spiritual practice you’re not doing
•  The counterintuitive connection between safety and security, and which one actually leads to lasting peace
•  A profound perspective on “the subtle art of letting yourself die” that could transform how you handle life’s challenges
• The hidden reason why your triggers might be your greatest teachers
• What nature can teach us about trust and surrender that no self-help book can
• The unexpected way that soul curriculum plays into your relationship with control
• A practical approach to turning your entire day into a prayer, even in the midst of chaos

In a world that seems to demand more control and certainty than ever, this episode offers a refreshing and nuanced perspective on what it truly means to be grounded in trust rather than control. Whether you’re navigating major life changes, dealing with uncertainty, or simply feeling the weight of trying to manage it all, Raj and Alex’s conversation provides both practical wisdom and spiritual insights for anyone ready to explore a different way of being. Their vulnerable sharing and deep diving into personal experiences make this episode especially relevant for those seeking to understand why letting go might be the very thing they need to move forward.

Connect with Raj:
Newsletter – Sign up here: https://www.rajjana.com/staygrounded/
Website: https://www.rajjana.com/
Instagram: @raj_jana
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBP
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_jana

Legal Disclaimer: The information and opinions discussed in this podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only. The host and guests are not medical or mental health professionals, and their advice should not be a substitute for seeking professional help. Any action taken based on the information presented is strictly at your own risk. The podcast host and their guests shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by information shared in this podcast. Consult your physician before making any changes to your mental health treatment or lifestyle.

As we wrap up 2024, this timeless conversation between Raj and Lindsay Sukornyk feels more relevant than ever. In a year marked by increasing social division and polarizing viewpoints, their discussion about unconditional love and acceptance offers crucial wisdom for navigating relationships with grace and understanding. Through their authentic dialogue, they explore how we can maintain genuine connections while honoring each person’s unique journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding that everyone is on their own unique path and timeline of growth, especially vital in today’s climate where social media often pressures us to conform to others’ expectations or timelines.
• Recognizing that our desire for others to change often stems from our own unhealed wounds or unmet needs – a powerful reminder as we navigate increasingly complex personal and social dynamics in 2024.
• Cultivating the ability to hold space for others with compassion and understanding, even when their actions or beliefs trigger us – particularly relevant in our current era of heightened social and political tensions.
• Practicing radical acceptance and learning to find the beauty and perfection in each person’s journey, trusting that they are exactly where they need to be – an essential skill for maintaining relationships in our increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
• Letting go of the need to control or fix others, and instead focusing on embodying our own truth and leading by example – a transformative approach to personal growth and relationship building.

This episode hits differently as we close out 2024, reminding us that true love and acceptance begins with ourselves. In a world that often demands conformity and quick fixes, Raj and Lindsay’s conversation offers a refreshing perspective on allowing others to be exactly who they are. Whether you’re navigating family dynamics during the holidays, managing workplace relationships, or seeking to bridge divides in your community, this discussion provides practical wisdom for leading with love and understanding.

Connect with Lindsay:
Instagram: @lindsayalive

Connect with Raj:
Newsletter – Sign up here: https://www.rajjana.com/staygrounded/
Website: https://www.rajjana.com/
Instagram: @raj_jana
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBP
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_jana

Legal Disclaimer: The information and opinions discussed in this podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only. The host and guests are not medical or mental health professionals, and their advice should not be a substitute for seeking professional help. Any action taken based on the information presented is strictly at your own risk. The podcast host and their guests shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by information shared in this podcast. Consult your physician before making any changes to your mental health treatment or lifestyle.

Dr. John Churchill, co-founder of Planetary Dharma, integrates Western developmental psychology with Eastern contemplative traditions to create comprehensive frameworks for human growth and healing. With decades of experience studying both psychodynamic theory and meditation practices, Dr. Churchill offers a unique perspective on how early childhood experiences shape our relationship with ourselves, others, and spirituality.

Key Topics:

• Why feeling “unseen” might be more than just a personal wound – discover the surprising connection to multi-generational trauma
• The three foundational layers of human development that shape everything from self-trust to spiritual connection
• How your nervous system inherited patterns from your ancestors (and what to do about it)
• The overlooked connection between childhood attachment and adult spiritual experiences
• Why therapy alone might not be enough – and the missing piece in modern psychological healing
• The revolutionary practice that can help you internalize positive experiences (hint: it’s not meditation)
• What AI and technological advancement might mean for collective trauma healing
• The surprising truth about “victim consciousness” and its relationship to developmental stages
• How understanding human development could transform democracy and leadership
• Why the “spiritual bypass” might be keeping you from true awakening

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in understanding the deeper mechanics of human suffering and transformation. Dr. Churchill presents a groundbreaking framework that bridges ancient wisdom with modern psychology, offering practical insights for personal healing while illuminating larger patterns in social and cultural evolution. Whether you’re a therapist, spiritual seeker, or simply someone wanting to understand yourself better, this conversation provides crucial context for navigating your own development and contributing to collective healing during these transformative times.

Tools/resources mentioned in this episode:

Planetary Dharma – 4-year training program integrating Eastern and Western psychology
Ken Wilber’s developmental frameworks
Attunement exercises
Somatic experiencing techniques
Psychodynamic healing approaches

Connect with John:

Website: https://www.planetarydharma.com/
Instagram:@PlanetaryDharma
Email:hello@planetarydharma.com

Connect with Raj:

Newsletter – Sign up here: https://www.rajjana.com/staygrounded/
Website: https://www.rajjana.com/
Instagram: @raj_jana
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBP
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_jana

Legal Disclaimer: The information and opinions discussed in this podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only. The host and guests are not medical or mental health professionals, and their advice should not be a substitute for seeking professional help. Any action taken based on the information presented is strictly at your own risk. The podcast host and their guests shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by information shared in this podcast. Consult your physician before making any changes to your mental health treatment or lifestyle.

In this powerful episode of Stay Grounded, Raj and Alex explore courage as a fundamental vehicle for awakening and personal transformation. They dive deep into how choosing courage over comfort repeatedly in life not only leads to growth but serves as a catalyst for spiritual evolution. Through vulnerable personal stories and profound insights, they reveal how courage isn’t just about taking bold actions, but about being willing to feel the emotions we most want to avoid.

Key Takeaways:

• Every moment presents a choice between courage and comfort – growth happens when we consistently choose courage
• True courage often means letting go rather than holding on tighter to our desired outcomes
• Fear can serve as a compass – the things we’re most afraid of often point to our greatest opportunities for growth
• The path of awakening requires us to feel the emotions we’re most afraid of feeling, as this liberates us from their hold
• Our relationship with uncertainty and death underlies many of our fears around taking courageous action
• Courage requires both trust and self-compassion as we navigate the unknown
• Success often comes when we release our attachment to specific timelines and trust in divine timing
• The longest journey is from the head to the heart – courage helps bridge this gap
• Real growth happens when we engage with life rather than trying to control it
• The paradox of courage: when we fully accept our worst fears, we become free to receive what we truly want

Whether you’re facing a career transition, relationship challenges, or simply feeling called to live more authentically, this episode offers profound insights into harnessing courage as a transformative force in your life. Raj and Alex’s vulnerable sharing about their own journeys with courage – from entrepreneurial challenges to relationship fears – provides both practical wisdom and spiritual depth for anyone looking to break free from the limitations of fear and step into a more liberated way of being. If you’re ready to explore how courage can serve as a catalyst for your own awakening, this episode is an essential listen.

Tools/resources mentioned in this episode:

“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield
“One Last Talk” by Philip McKernan

Connect with Raj:

Newsletter – Sign up here: https://www.rajjana.com/staygrounded/
Website: https://www.rajjana.com/
Instagram: @raj_jana
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBP
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_jana

Legal Disclaimer: The information and opinions discussed in this podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only. The host and guests are not medical or mental health professionals, and their advice should not be a substitute for seeking professional help. Any action taken based on the information presented is strictly at your own risk. The podcast host and their guests shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by information shared in this podcast. Consult your physician before making any changes to your mental health treatment or lifestyle.

Will Rezin, founder of Trauma and Somatics, has trained over 400 practitioners worldwide in natural, somatic approaches to healing trauma. With deep expertise in nervous system regulation and attachment theory, Will integrates cutting-edge neuroscience with ancient wisdom traditions to create comprehensive frameworks for human flourishing & transformation. His work draws from pioneers like Peter Levine, Dr. Steven Porges, and Bessel van der Kolk.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

• Why trauma isn’t what happened to you – it’s what happens inside of you in response
• The surprising truth about catharsis and why it might not lead to healing
• How your body stores memories you can’t consciously recall (and what to do about it)
• The overlooked difference between pain and suffering that changes everything
• Why moving at “Earth Speed” might be the key to healing
• The biological imperative we’re ignoring in modern society
• How shame creates a feedback loop – and how to break free
• Why integration happens automatically when you’re not trying to force it
• The simple daily practice that can transform your relationship with yourself
• What science is finally proving about ancient wisdom

This episode offers a revolutionary framework for understanding trauma and human development that bridges ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience. Whether you’re a practitioner looking to expand your toolkit or someone seeking personal transformation, Will provides practical insights for working with your nervous system and returning to natural aliveness. His approach offers hope that we can move beyond simply managing symptoms to actually resolving trauma at its root – not through forcing change, but through gentle awareness practices that allow our natural capacity for healing to emerge.

Tools/resources mentioned in this episode:

• FREE “Meet Your Nervous System” Journal
• FREE Guided Meditation for Body Awareness
• Trauma and Somatics 3-month practitioner training program
•  Use code: LIBER8 for $500 off the training
• Attachment and Somatics course 
• Use code: LIBER8 for $500 off the training

Connect with Will:

Website: https://willrezin.com/
Instagram: @willrezin

Connect with Raj:

Website: https://www.rajjana.com/
Instagram: @raj_jana
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBP
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_jana

Legal Disclaimer: The information and opinions discussed in this podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only. The host and guests are not medical or mental health professionals, and their advice should not be a substitute for seeking professional help. Any action taken based on the information presented is strictly at your own risk. The podcast host and their guests shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by information shared in this podcast. Consult your physician before making any changes to your mental health treatment or lifestyle.

n this episode of Stay Grounded, Raj and his partner Natalie take us on a transformative journey through their experience at Burning Man. This annual event in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert is far more than just a festival – it’s a temporary city built on principles of radical self-expression, communal effort, and gifting. For one week, tens of thousands of participants create art, share experiences, and push the boundaries of their comfort zones in a unique environment that challenges societal norms and personal limitations.

Key insights from Raj and Natalie’s Burning Man adventure:

• The power of intention-setting in manifesting synchronistic experiences
• How radical self-reliance paradoxically fosters deep community connection
• The unexpected wisdom found in getting lost during a dust storm
• Why play and childlike wonder can be profound tools for personal growth
• The transformative potential of gifting without expectation of return
• How Burning Man serves as a “maturation ceremony” for many participants
• The delicate balance between sacred rituals and profane celebrations
• The challenge and reward of truly allowing oneself to receive
• Why preparing for Burning Man can be as enlightening as the event itself
• How the playa becomes a mirror, reflecting one’s deepest essence

The biggest takeaway from this episode is the profound personal growth that comes from releasing control and embracing the unknown. Raj and Natalie’s experiences highlight how surrendering to the unpredictable nature of Burning Man – and by extension, life itself – opens doors to transformation, deeper connection, and a more authentic way of being. Their journey teaches us that true surrender isn’t about giving up, but about opening up to the magic and potential of each moment.

Connect with Natalie:

Instagram: @thenatalieadele

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SatNamSociety

 

Connect with Raj:

Website: https://www.rajjana.com/
Instagram: @raj_jana
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBP
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_jana

Legal Disclaimer: The information and opinions discussed in this podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only. The host and guests are not medical or mental health professionals, and their advice should not be a substitute for seeking professional help. Any action taken based on the information presented is strictly at your own risk. The podcast host and their guests shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by information shared in this podcast. Consult your physician before making any changes to your mental health treatment or lifestyle.