Sounds of SAND

Ashira Darwish & V discuss feminine resistance in Palestine, highlighting stories of sumud against occupation. They explore challenges faced by women in conflict zones, deconstruct 'samud', emphasize global solidarity through song and dance, and dream of a free Palestine. The conversation reflects admiration and solidarity among Palestinians for a united, peaceful future.

Gabor Maté and Tara Brach delve into the Gaza crisis through the lens of the Bodhisattva path, emphasizing compassion and solidarity in the face of suffering. They challenge spiritual leaders' silence on political issues, encouraging active solidarity with the Palestinian people. The conversation explores inner resilience, speaking truth, navigating love amidst conflict, and the importance of compassionate action for healing from trauma.

Dr. Rupa Marya discusses her work at the intersection of medicine, health, land, and justice. She explains the concept of deep medicine, which looks at the health impacts of colonialism and colonial capitalism and emphasizes the need to address the root causes of illness.Dr. Rupa Marya is a physician, activist, writer, and composer at UC, San Francisco. Her work intersects climate, health, and racial justice. As founder of the Deep Medicine Circle and co-founder of the Do No Harm Coalition, she's committed to healing colonialism's wounds and addressing disease through structural change. Recognized with the Women Leaders in Medicine Award, Dr. Marya was a reviewer for the AMA's plan to embed racial justice. Governor Newsom appointed her to the Healthy California for All Commission to advance universal healthcare. Also a musician, she's toured 29 countries with her band, creating what Gil Scott-Heron called "Liberation Music”. Together with Raj Patel, she co-authored the international bestseller, Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice. Links and Resources: RupaMarya.org Deep Medicine Circle Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice by Raj Patel & Rupa Marya “Discourse on Colonialism” by Aimé Césaire “The Deep Medicine of Rehumanizing Palestinians” by Dr. Rupa Marya & Ghassan Abu-Sitta  Where Olive Trees Weep (film) Where Olive Trees Weep - Conversations on Palestine “Work for Peace” by GIl Scott Heron   Topics: 00:00 - Introduction 02:01 - Meeting Dr. Marya 06:31 - Shallow vs Deep Medicine 11:58 - Balancing Deep Medicine and Immediate Health Crises 15:28 - Essential & Integrative of Medicine 19:48 - Media Narratives Around Health 25:32 - Colonialism & Healthcare 30:51 - Dehumanization 36:16 - The Power Mind Virus 40:19 - Imagining What’s Possible 44:16 - Narratives Supporting Genocide 50:46 - Heaviness, Hopefulness & Listening 53:37 - Protest Music in the Era of Big Media 56:01 - Closing Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

Visionaries delve into Muslim spirituality and liberation, discussing resilience in the Palestinian struggle, parallels with South Africa's apartheid, symbolism of fire and alif, and the importance of movement, brotherhood, and sadaqah in spiritual practices. The conversation ends with a heartfelt prayer for peace and solidarity.

Hadar Cohen explores Arab Jewish mysticism, colonialism's impact, and envisions a secular, multi-religious Palestine. She discusses the complexities of Arab Jewish identity, the weaponization of trauma, and the intersection of science and spirituality. Hadar also talks about her Jewish Mysticism School, focusing on experiencing God directly and the practice of tikkun for healing.

Today, June 6, 2024, we’re celebrating the release of SAND’s new film Where Olive Trees Weep. And to celebrate the launch of the film, we welcome you to Donate and Watch the film by visiting WhereOliveTreesWeep.com. Donating to watch the film will also enroll you in a 21-day online event called “The World People’s Premiere” which happening online from June 6-27 with conversations, music, poetry, and . And you can donate to watch the film and sign up to watch all the conversations with speakers such as, Ashira Darwish (star of the film), Dr. Gabor Maté, Angela Davis, V, Daniel Foor, Dareer Tatour, Ilan Pappé, Michael McBride, Mona Haydar, Norman Finkelstein, Pir Zia Inyat Khan, Neta Golan, Tara Brach, and directors of the film, Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo. Whom we also interview on episode #86 if you want to hear more of the story and vision on the film. The film gives background to the current crisis in Israel/Palestine and brings to light the lives of people we met on our 2022 journey in the occupied West Bank. Their universally human stories speak of intergenerational pain, trauma and resilience.  We hope they touch your heart, stir compassion and understanding, and give rise to a pursuit for justice. For without justice, peace remains an empty slogan. Cinema can be a powerful force for change.  Our aim is, beyond mere education, to truly move hearts and minds and inspire audiences to echo the calls for freedom, equality and dignity that have gone unanswered for far too long. The film is our modest contribution towards our dream for an end to the occupation in Palestine, the attainment of equal rights and fair treatment for Palestinian people, and the spreading of healing for all intergenerational cycles of trauma in the region. https://whereolivetreesweep.com/

Guest Haneen Sabbah, a Palestinian Falahi woman, shares the vibrant history and culture of Gaza through drumbeats, meditations, and stories. She explores the deep ties between land and people, resilience in face of challenges, and envisions a thriving and free Gaza. The podcast delves into mystical traditions, personal narratives, and advocates for nonviolent resistance. It ends with a call for unity, gratitude, and storytelling in Gaza.

  In this episode with filmmakers, producers, and founders of Science & Nonduality (SAND) Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo discuss their new film, Where Olive Trees Weep, which explores the impact of colonialism and intergenerational trauma on indigenous cultures, particularly in the occupied West Bank and Palestine. The film serves as a call to action for spiritual activism and aims to amplify the voices of those affected by oppression and injustice. The 21-day release of the film is accompanied by conversations, music, and poetry to provide a more holistic experience for viewers entitled World People's Premiere June 6–27, 2024.    Their aim is, beyond mere education, to truly move hearts and minds and inspire audiences to echo the calls for freedom, equality and dignity that have gone unanswered for far too long. This film hopes to inspire a dream for an end to the occupation in Palestine, the attainment of equal rights and fair treatment for Palestinian people, and the spreading of healing for all intergenerational cycles of trauma in the region.   Visit WhereOliveTreesWeep.com for more information, to join the premiere, and to share in the vision.   Zaya Ralitza Benazzo is a producer and a film director born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria. She is the co-founder of the nonprofit organization SAND. She has produced and directed several award-winning documentaries including The Wisdom of Trauma, The Art of Life, Rays of the Absolute, America's Chemical Angels, and Wings and Strings.   Maurizio Benazzo grew up in Genova, Italy. At an early age he began actively traveling the spiritual path, exploring the practices of Zen Buddhism, Transcendental Meditation, Yogic philosophy, Catholicism and Philosophy. He has experience in all aspects of production both in front of and behind the camera, including acting, directing, cinematography, and distribution.   Topics   00:00 - Introduction 03:58 - The Path towards the Olive Trees 08:42 - History with Spiritual Activism 13:14 - The Reality in the West Bank 23:19 - Keeping Inspired During the Painful Moments 26:35 - Hopes for the Film 32:15 - The People’s Premiere Event 37:06 - Shadows of Modern Spirituality in the Face of Injustice  

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.