Healing

S2 EP67. Lindsay Sukornyk: How To Love Others Without Needing Them to Change (2024 Release Edition)

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.

S2 EP 66. Raj Jana: Lessons From Sitting In Silence For 10 Days (2024 Release Edition)

As we close out 2024, we’re revisiting this powerful episode where Raj shares about his experience completing a 10-day silent meditation retreat. His insights on stillness and presence feel particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world.

Key Takeaways:

  • The critical distinction between “doing” and “being” – exploring how our modern lifestyle pushes us to fill every moment with activity, making it harder than ever to simply exist in stillness.
  • The transformative power of confronting our inner world – how removing external distractions reveals the patterns, beliefs, and attachments that shape our daily experiences.
  • The practice of expanding awareness – learning to step back from our thoughts and witness the mind’s activities from a place of compassionate observation.
  • Embracing uncertainty and flow – moving beyond the need to control outcomes and finding peace in life’s natural unfolding, especially relevant in our increasingly unpredictable world.
  • The power of perspective shifts – understanding how our mental frameworks shape our reality and why expanding our viewpoint is essential for personal growth.
  • Finding strength in solitude – discovering the difference between being alone and feeling lonely, particularly meaningful in our hyper-connected digital age.
  • The importance of integrating stillness practices into daily life – why making space for silence and reflection remains crucial for navigating the complexities of 2024 and beyond.

In a world that seems to move faster with each passing year, the courage to slow down and embrace stillness becomes increasingly valuable. Through Raj’s experience, we see how creating space for silence can lead to profound insights and a deeper connection with our authentic selves. His journey shows us that beneath the constant noise of modern life lies an opportunity to discover who we truly are.

Whether you’re considering your first meditation retreat or simply seeking ways to incorporate more mindful moments into your daily routine, this episode offers valuable insights for the journey inward. As we reflect on 2024, Raj’s experience reminds us that sometimes the greatest growth comes not from doing more, but from the simple act of being present with what is.

Tools/resources mentioned in this episode:

Vipassana meditation
Satsangs (spiritual discourses and Q&A)
Plant medicines/psychedelics
Journaling
Book recommendation: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl

Connect with Raj:

Newsletter – Sign up here: https://www.rajjana.com/staygrounded/
Website: https://www.rajjana.com/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/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.

 

S2 EP65: Dr John Churchill: Healing the Ancestral Nervous System

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.

S2 EP64: Raj Jana: Courage As The Ultimate Spiritual Practice

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.

S2 EP63: Will Rezin: Natural Ways to Heal Trauma

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:

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.

S2 EP54: Raj Jana and Natalie Adele: A Spiritual Journey Through Burning Man

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.