Sounds of SAND

Join Funie Hsu/Chhî, an Associate Professor of American Studies from a Taiwanese-American background, and Rev. Duncan Ryuken Williams, a renowned Buddhist scholar and ordained priest, for a compelling discussion on Buddhism's role in social change. They explore transforming grief into connection, especially in response to racially motivated violence affecting Asian American communities. Their insights challenge traditional Western perspectives on Buddhism, emphasizing resilience, community, and the need for inclusivity within spiritual environments.

Elizabeth Philipose, PhD, an expert in transformational arts and a guide in decolonial wellness, shares profound insights on healing societal and personal traumas. She discusses how colonialism has shaped our understanding of wellness and challenges in contemporary spiritual communities. The conversation touches on embodiment practices, the interconnection of spirituality and social justice, and how mindfulness can foster genuine change. Elizabeth invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys while promoting a holistic approach to wellness and empowerment.

Join Bayo Akomolafe, a posthumanist thinker and founder of The Emergence Network, alongside Sophie Strand, a writer blending spirituality and ecology. They dive into the concept of new gods emerging from our collective trauma and the significance of mispronunciation in shaping identity. Their discussion uncovers the resilience of nature, exploring the evolutionary adaptability of nematodes and invasive species. They emphasize relationality and the value of diversity, urging us to embrace transformation amid chaos.

Renowned civil rights scholar john a. powell, director of the Othering & Belonging Institute, shares transformative ideas on building connections across differences. He discusses how to shift the 'us versus them' mindset, using personal stories to illustrate the emotional impacts of estrangement and the healing power of community. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding historical wounds, finding hope amid challenges, and the need for empathy in conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian divide.

Linda Thai, a trauma therapist specializing in intergenerational impacts of historical trauma, and Jungwon Kim, an award-winning writer focused on human rights, share profound insights into the effects of war and trauma on identity and communities. They discuss the psychological repercussions faced by descendants of trauma survivors, the role of culturally informed healing practices, and the importance of narrative justice. Highlighting the significance of community rituals and emotional expression, the conversation emphasizes pathways for communal healing and resilience.

John J. Prendergast, a spiritual teacher and retired psychotherapist, dives deep into the art of 'Listening from Silence.' He emphasizes the transformative power of deep listening and the journey toward heartfelt writing. Exploring the significance of community in spiritual growth, John discusses the balance between individual and collective consciousness. He also addresses how we can creatively respond to suffering and cultivate inner authority in our spiritual journeys. Listeners are encouraged to embrace silence for deeper understanding and connection.

From a recent SAND Community Gathering (Feb 2025) hosted by SAND co-founders, Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo. Deep Medicine Circle (DMC), a collective of healers, farmers, artists, and storytellers, is challenging colonial structures by redefining health and wellbeing through practices that heal communities and restore connections to land. Led by Dr. Rupa Marya, Charlene Eigen-Vasquez, and Walter Riley, this visionary group is creating a holistic food and wellbeing model that nourishes both people and land, recognizing the profound interconnectedness of human health within social, environmental, and historical contexts. Dr. Rupa Marya  is a physician, activist, writer, mother, and a composer. She is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and a co-founder of the Do No Harm Coalition. Her work sits at the nexus of climate, health and racial justice. She is the co-author with Raj Patel of the book Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice. She works to decolonize food and medicine in partnership with communities in Lakhota territory at the Mni Wiconi Health Circle and in Ohlone Territory through the Deep Medicine Circle. She has toured twenty-nine countries with her band, Rupa and the April Fishes, whose music was described by the legend Gil Scott-Heron as “Liberation Music.” Charlene Eigen-Vasquez, J.D. is of Ohlone descent, from the village of Chitactac. She is dedicated to land back initiatives, land preservation, land restoration, cultural revitalization and environmental justice because she feels that these initiatives have a direct impact on physical and mental health. As a mother and grandmother, she completed a law degree so that she might better serve Indigenous communities. Today her focus is on regenerative leadership strategies, leveraging her legal skills, and mediation skills to advocate for Indigenous interests, negotiate agreements and build relational bridges. She is an acknowledged peacemaker, trained by Tribal Supreme Court Justices. Charlene is the former CEO and Director of Self-Governance for the Healing and Reconciliation Institute. Charlene also serves as Chairwoman of the Confederation of Ohlone People, Co-Chair of the Pajaro Valley Ohlone Indian Council and Board Vice President for the Santa Clara Valley Indian Health Center. Charlene was recently brought into the Planet Women’s 100 Women Pathway, a cohort designed to increase the number of diverse women leaders at the helm of the environmental movement. Walter Riley was born in 1944, number 9 of 11 children born to a farming family in Durham County, North Carolina. His family farmed until he was about 6 years old. He grew up in the Jim Crow south and in his early teens, Walter became active in the Civil Rights Movement organizing voter registration, sit-ins, jobs campaigns, and in his late teens became Field Secretary for CORE (Congress for Racial Equality), got married and became a father. He moved to the Bay Area in the 1960s where he became active in the political, social justice movements. Walter is a long-time community activist and civil rights attorney. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:47 Introducing Dr. Rupa Marya 01:46 Deep Medicine Circle and Board Members 02:36 Charlene's Introduction and Ancestral Tribute 07:33 Walter Riley's Introduction and Civil Rights Work 23:48 Connecting Food Systems and Colonial History 26:40 Healing Through Music and Cultural Awareness 27:43 Addressing Hunger and Malnutrition During COVID 28:06 Farming as a Path to Justice and Resilience 30:26 The Role of Historical Trauma in Land Restoration 30:51 Holistic Problem Solving and Cultural Stewardship 36:13 Youth and Community Engagement in Healing 41:28 The Importance of Ethnic Studies and Solidarity 43:08 Reflections on Historical Movements and Future Change 52:29 Concluding Thoughts on Healing and Unity Resources Farming is Medicine (film) Do No Harm Coalition Inflamed (Rupa Marya) Rupa and the April Fishes Boots Riley (Filmmaker and Musician)  “I’m a Virgo” (TV Series by Boots Riley)  “Sorry to Bother You” (Film by Boots Riley)  The Coup (Boots Riley’s Band) Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

In this enlightening discussion, Elisabet Sahtouris, an evolution biologist and futurist, explores the intersection of science and spirituality. She highlights the importance of indigenous wisdom in environmental understanding and critiques traditional Western scientific models. Sahtouris discusses the evolution of consciousness, showcasing how it parallels biological evolution and emphasizes the power of recycling in transformation. Her metaphor of a caterpillar to butterfly resonates through economic change, while she stresses urgent climate action for future generations.

Iya Affo, a Culturalist and Historical Trauma consultant from Bénin, shares her rich heritage and insights on healing. She highlights the often-overlooked concept of historical trauma and its effects on mental health within the BIPOC community. The discussion dives into reclaiming identity through ancestral roots and the transformative power of rituals. Iya contrasts Western trauma understanding with traditional practices while emphasizing the importance of community connections and intuitive knowledge for holistic healing. She passionately advocates for harmonizing traditional and Western medicine to foster true wellness.

Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D., a pioneer in Depth Hypnosis, combines ancient wisdom with modern psychology to tackle emotional challenges like trauma and anxiety. She delves into the powerful synergy of shamanistic practices and Buddhist psychology. The conversation highlights the importance of ancestral healing, showcasing transformative stories from intergenerational trauma. Isa also emphasizes the role of altered states of consciousness in self-discovery and the unique contribution of depth hypnosis to contemporary therapy.