Sounds of SAND

Science and Nonduality
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Sounds of SAND

Sounds of SAND is a podcast from Science and Nonduality which contemplates and reveres the beauty, complexity, pain, and great mystery that weave the infinite cycles of existence. We explore beyond ultimate truths, binary thinking, and individual awakening while acknowledging humanity as a mere part of the intricate web of life. Episodes tap into SAND’s rich history and collaborative future by presenting talks, dialogs, interviews, readings, music, and recordings from SAND Conferences, events, and webinars weaving timeless wisdom and embodied experience. Let’s listen, learn, and share. ➡️ Find out more at scienceandnonduality.com 💌 Reach out to us at podcast@scienceandnonduality.com

  1. #103 Justice & Joy: Dr. Kamilah Majied

    5 DAYS AGO

    #103 Justice & Joy: Dr. Kamilah Majied

    Dr. Kamilah Majied, MSW, PhD, is a contemplative inclusivity and equity consultant, mental health therapist, clinical educator, researcher, and internationally engaged consultant on building inclusivity and equity using meditative practices. She is the author of Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living (Sounds True, 2024), and has authored many articles and chapters, including in the second edition of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy: “Contemplative Practices for Assessing and Eliminating Racism in Psychotherapy.” Resources: Reaching Beyond: Improvisations on Jazz, Buddhism, and a Joyful Life Wayne Shorter: The Jazz of Liberation - Tricycle Beyond White Mindfulness: Critical Perspectives on Racism, Well-being and Liberation - Routledge On the Origins of Woke - The Past Acclaimed Poet and Scholar Sonia Sanchez Delivers Stories of Opportunity and Resistance - Swarthmore College Joy That I Have - Rise Up and Sing Topics: 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Kamilah Majied 01:29 – The Path of Buddhism and Personal Growth 02:40 – Intertwining Buddhism with Social Justice 03:32 – Influence of Family and Early Spiritual Exposure 08:24 – Black Wisdom Traditions and Cultural Contributions 11:08 – Cultural Appropriation and Mindfulness 27:38 – Global Majority and Reparative Relationality 30:43 – The Power of Words and Language 35:46 – Grief, Joy, and Social Justice 52:05 – Guided Meditation and Closing Thoughts Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

    58 min
  2. #102 Poetry and Grief in Times of Genocide: Jess Semaan

    SEP 26

    #102 Poetry and Grief in Times of Genocide: Jess Semaan

    In this SAND Community Gathering (September 2024) Zaya and Maurizio sat down with Jess Semaan, poet, psychotherapist and facilitator to explore the intersection of poetry and grief in the context of genocide. They drew from her research on genocide, as well as her personal and professional experiences, Jess tended to our psycho-spiritual profound sorrow and loss in this time. By giving voice to the unspeakable and providing a means of bearing witness to the stories of those impacted by the trauma of large-scale atrocities, we are making space for individual and collective healing. Poetry helps us navigate the complex terrain of grief, injustice, and human suffering. Come and honor the resilience of communities that have endured such immense trauma. Jess Semaan is a queer Lebanese poet, psychotherapist, group facilitator and speaker. She researches, writes and speaks on subjects of healing from complex trauma, immigration, war and belonging.  Her first poetry book Child of the Moon was published by Andrews McMeel and sold over 14,000 copies. Her second book Your Therapist is Depressed Too came out in December 2023. She immigrated to the United States from Beirut. She has an MBA from Stanford and an M.A. in counseling Psychology from CIIS. She identifies as SWANA (South West Asia and North Africa), with grandparents from Syria, Palestine and Mount Lebanon and resides on Ohlone land (Oakland, California), with her partner Berk and their two cats. Topics: 00:00 – Introduction and Greetings 00:43 – Special Guest: Jess Semaan 00:56 – Reflecting on Recent Screenings 02:12 – Jess Semaan's Background and Work 03:03 – Poetry Reading: Let Gaza In 06:26 – Technical Difficulties and Reflections 07:56 – Discussing Genocide and Dehumanization 09:05 – Personal Journey and Psychological Insights 11:11 – The Complexity of Beirut 12:59 – The Psychological Impact of Diaspora 15:51 – Research on Genocide and Human Cruelty 26:46 – Poetry Reading: Is it a Massacre if it's a Palestinian? 28:51 – Healing Workshop and Collective Trauma 30:13 – Understanding My Mother's Trauma 31:51 – The Collective and Individual Psyche 34:07 – Critical Thinking and Cultural Differences 36:04 – The Role of Bystanders in Conflict 43:24 – Grieving Amidst Ongoing Conflict 51:29 – Poetry of Resistance and Grief 57:31 – Closing Reflections Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

    60 min
  3. #101 Apian Wisdom: Michael Joshin Thiele

    SEP 19

    #101 Apian Wisdom: Michael Joshin Thiele

    In this episode, Michael Reiley engages in an insightful discussion with Michael Joshin Thiele, a honeybee conservationist and president of Apis Arborea. The conversation explores the intersections of cultural, spiritual, and ecological dimensions of natural honeybee life. Michael Joshin Thiele is an apiculture consultant and founder and president of Apis Arborea, a nonprofit focused on honeybee conservation through deep ecology and ecosystem-based strategies. Originally from Germany, he studied philosophy and anthropology in Berlin before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area for Zen Buddhist training. With over a decade of experience, Michael has presented his innovative beekeeping practices at institutions like Harvard and NYU, and co-founded one of the first honeybee refuges in the U.S. His work has been featured in major media and films like Rewilding Honey Bees and Queen of the Sun. https://www.apisarborea.org/ Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 01:13 – Michael Thiele's Journey with Bees 02:52 – The Spiritual Connection with Bees 03:35 – Zen Monastery Experience 04:52 – Bees and Dharma 08:37 – Language and Terminology 15:28 – Critique of Industrial Beekeeping 22:40 – Founding of Apis Arborea 27:45 – The Music of Bees 34:41 – Ethics and Apian Culture 48:11 – Apian Alchemy Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

    52 min
  4. #100 Sacred Solidarity with Palestine: Sounds of SAND Second Year

    SEP 12

    #100 Sacred Solidarity with Palestine: Sounds of SAND Second Year

    Welcome to our 100th episode of the Sounds of SAND podcast, marking two years since we launched on September 8, 2022. As SAND grows and evolves with the changing times, we aim to integrate—not abandon—our foundational themes of spiritual awakening, embodiment, consciousness, and scientific wonder, while also confronting pressing global challenges such as environmental collapse, indigenous resilience, war, and societal upheaval. In the past year, SAND released our latest film, Where Olive Trees Weep, which offers a powerful look into the lives and struggles of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. This film explores themes of loss, trauma, resilience, and the quest for justice. Alongside the film, we hosted Conversations on Palestine, a 23-part series of discussions diving deeper into the experiences and stories shared in the film. Throughout the year, the podcast shifted focus to complex conversations around intergenerational trauma, colonialism, and spiritual activism, with episodes hosted by SAND co-founders Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo, and co-host and producer, Michael Reiley. Today, we revisit some of the most powerful moments from the past year, with a special focus on the voices that have shaped our "Where Olive Trees Weep" film and series. Thank you for being part of our journey over these two incredible years. Let’s continue to engage with the profound conversations that shape our collective understanding and growth. Topics: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:03:01 – #86 SAND’s New Film on Spirituality in the Face of Injustice: Zaya & Maurizio Benazzo 00:09:31 – #92 Gaza & the Bodhisattva Path: Dr. Gabor Maté & Tara Brach 00:18:55 – #60 Spiritual Warriors: Lama Rod Owens 00:24:00 – #91 Decolonizing Healthcare: Dr. Rupa Marya 00:31:14 – #84 Grieving in Community: Mirabai Starr & Mona Haydar 00:43:10 – #94 One Human Family: Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Rev. Deborah Lee, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Pir Zia Inayat Khan 01:00:46 – #75 Love-With-Justice: Omid Safi 01:17:42 – #89 Arab Jewish Mysticism: Hadar Cohen 01:27:48 – #58 On Extinction & Enchantment: Alixa Garcia 01:36:12 – #93 Feminine Resistance in Palestine: Ashira Darwish & V Links: Watch Where Olive Trees Weep Purchase the and the full 23-video series Conversations on Palestine Learn more about the SAND Community Gatherings   Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

    1h 49m
  5. #99 Addiction & Trauma: Dr. Vimalasara (Valerie) Mason-John

    SEP 5

    #99 Addiction & Trauma: Dr. Vimalasara (Valerie) Mason-John

    Dr. Vimalasara (Valerie) Mason-John M.A. (Hon.Doc), is a founding facilitator of Compassionate Inquiry, and is the author of 10 books, including the award winning book, “Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction” and “Detox Your Heart: Meditations for Emotional Trauma”. There are 8 Step Recovery meetings held in several continents. And they are co-founder of the training program, Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR), which is delivered in both English and Spanish. They work as a public speaker in the field of Mindfulness for Addiction and Trauma. They work online and in person between Canada, USA, UK and Spain. Their new book is “First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviors” Links "First Aid Kit for the Mind" Guided meditations to go with the book Author page Vimalasara’s website Topics 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Mason-John 02:25 – Discussing the Essence of Addiction 07:15 – Exploring the Eight Step Recovery 12:14 – Intersection of Addiction and Trauma 23:38 – Managing Triggers and Breaking the Cycle 28:58 – Recognizing Triggers in Meditation 29:20 – The Importance of Breathing and Transitions 29:55 – Meditation Habits and Overcoming Resistance 30:25 – Buddhism, Karma, and Addiction 31:11 – The Concept of Rebirth in Buddhism 32:19 – The Impact of Karma and Actions 35:48 – Self-Compassion and Inner Healing 36:41 – The Four Questions for Healing 38:43 – Practices for Self-Love and Acceptance 44:54 – Upcoming Projects and Retreats 48:21 – Guided RUST Meditation Practice 55:39 – Closing Thoughts and Gratitude Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

    57 min
  6. #98 Glissando of Consciousness: Andrew Holecek

    AUG 29

    #98 Glissando of Consciousness: Andrew Holecek

    Andrew Holecek is a renowned author and humanitarian who teaches internationally on spirituality, meditation, lucid dreaming, and the art of dying. He has studied sleep yoga, bardo yoga, and other traditional practices with living masters in India and Nepal. Andrew’s books include Dreams of Light, Dream Yoga, and Reverse Meditation. His work has appeared in Psychology Today, Parabola, Lion’s Roar, Tricycle, Utne Reader, Buddhadharma, Light of Consciousness, and many other periodicals. He hosts the popular Edge of Mind podcast and is the founder of the Night Club community, a support platform for nocturnal meditations. Learn more at andrewholecek.com. Andrew’s new book is I’m Mindful Now What: Moving Beyond Mindfulness to Meet the Modern World. Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 01:26 – The Mindfulness Revolution 02:10 – Beyond Mindfulness: Exploring Deeper Practices 08:20 – The Importance of Integrating the Body 08:48 – The Concept of Spiritual Bypassing 09:11 – Embodiment in Meditation 18:43 – Reverse Meditations: Transforming Pain 21:55 – The Four Steps of Reverse Meditation 35:45 – The Role of Awareness and Distraction 42:23 – The Illusion of Desire and Happiness 43:12 – The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness 44:47 – Understanding True Happiness 45:39 – The Essence of Healthy Reductionism 48:24 – Introduction to Nocturnal Meditations 01:00:54 – The Ultimate Goal: Lucid Living and Dying Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

    1h 26m
  7. #47 What Shines: Parvathy Baul (Encore)

    AUG 22

    #47 What Shines: Parvathy Baul (Encore)

    Parvathy Baul is a practitioner, performer and teacher of the Baul tradition from Bengal, India. She studied closely with two of the most respected Baul Gurus of the previous generation, Sri Sanatan Das Thakur Baul and Sri Shashanko Goshai. ​According to her Guru's vision, Parvathy Maa has created Sanatan Siddhashram - as a place of learning, practicing and preserving the oral history of the Baul tradition. The poetry of Chandidas Song of the Great Soul by Parvathy Baul Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 02:27 – The Poet Chandidas 19:50 – Vibrational Transmissions 21:58 – Instruments of the Baul 30:02 – Surrender and Devotion 37:46 – Lineage of Baul Music 46:04 – Sacred Music in a Concert Setting 54:50 – One of Parvathy’s First Songs

    58 min
  8. #97 Love & The Metacrisis: Gigi Azmy

    AUG 15

    #97 Love & The Metacrisis: Gigi Azmy

    Gigi Azmy merges 28 years of spiritual insights with scientific psychological research to guide individuals toward a profound realization of love—far beyond cultural and spiritual misconceptions. A trailblazer in her field, she introduced trauma healing into spiritual awakening workshops, emphasizing the importance of not only awakening, but also healing and evolving. Gigi excels at something seemingly impossible: helping others remove the blocks that keep them from attracting their ideal conscious relationship. Her work, rooted in personal spiritual knowledge and empirical studies in relational psychology, demystifies the art of building genuine connections and self-awareness. Additionally, Gigi extends her expertise to working with intentional communities committed to sustaining enduring relational bonds. She is currently finalizing her book, Spiritual Guide: Awakening to Love, and leads the HeartSword Sangha, a free biweekly online community focused on deep relational and personal growth. Gigi holds a master's degree in business and majored in psychology and social sciences. She lives with her husband and baby twins in Hawaii. https://www.gigiazmy.com/ Topics 00:00 Introduction to Gigi Azmy and Her Work 01:24 Early Workshops and the Role of Trauma 04:21 Navigating Personal and Global Crises 11:43 The Complexity of Relationships and Spirituality 23:06 Inner Community and Divine Guidance 31:11 Navigating Opposing Ways of Thinking 34:00 Relationality and the Metacrisis Post-COVID 38:35 The Role of Individual Health in Community Success 51:39 Challenges and Dynamics in Intentional Communities 59:35 Future Visions for Community and Individual Growth Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

    1h 3m
See All (105)

4.8
out of 5
83 Ratings

About

Sounds of SAND is a podcast from Science and Nonduality which contemplates and reveres the beauty, complexity, pain, and great mystery that weave the infinite cycles of existence. We explore beyond ultimate truths, binary thinking, and individual awakening while acknowledging humanity as a mere part of the intricate web of life. Episodes tap into SAND’s rich history and collaborative future by presenting talks, dialogs, interviews, readings, music, and recordings from SAND Conferences, events, and webinars weaving timeless wisdom and embodied experience. Let’s listen, learn, and share. ➡️ Find out more at scienceandnonduality.com 💌 Reach out to us at podcast@scienceandnonduality.com

Information

  • Creator
    Science and Nonduality
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Sounds of SAND

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