Stay Grounded with Raj Jana

As we close out 2024, we're revisiting this powerful episode where Raj shares 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 meditationSatsangs (spiritual discourses and Q&A)Plant medicines/psychedelicsJournalingBook recommendation: "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor FranklConnect with Raj:Newsletter – Sign up here: https://www.rajjana.com/staygrounded/Website: http://www.rajjana.com/Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/raj_janaiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBPYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@raj_janaLegal 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 traumaThe three foundational layers of human development that shape everything from self-trust to spiritual connectionHow your nervous system inherited patterns from your ancestors (and what to do about it)The overlooked connection between childhood attachment and adult spiritual experiencesWhy therapy alone might not be enough - and the missing piece in modern psychological healingThe revolutionary practice that can help you internalize positive experiences (hint: it's not meditation)What AI and technological advancement might mean for collective trauma healingThe surprising truth about "victim consciousness" and its relationship to developmental stagesHow understanding human development could transform democracy and leadershipWhy the "spiritual bypass" might be keeping you from true awakeningThis 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 psychologyKen Wilber's developmental frameworksAttunement exercisesSomatic experiencing techniquesPsychodynamic healing approachesConnect with John:Website: https://www.planetarydharma.com/Instagram:@PlanetaryDharmaEmail:hello@planetarydharma.comConnect with Raj:Instagram: @raj_janaiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBPYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_janaLegal 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 courageTrue courage often means letting go rather than holding on tighter to our desired outcomesFear can serve as a compass - the things we're most afraid of often point to our greatest opportunities for growthThe path of awakening requires us to feel the emotions we're most afraid of feeling, as this liberates us from their holdOur relationship with uncertainty and death underlies many of our fears around taking courageous actionCourage requires both trust and self-compassion as we navigate the unknownSuccess often comes when we release our attachment to specific timelines and trust in divine timingThe longest journey is from the head to the heart - courage helps bridge this gapReal growth happens when we engage with life rather than trying to control itThe paradox of courage: when we fully accept our worst fears, we become free to receive what we truly wantWhether 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: http://www.rajjana.com/Instagram: @raj_janaiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBPYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_janaLegal 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 responseThe surprising truth about catharsis and why it might not lead to healingHow your body stores memories you can't consciously recall (and what to do about it)The overlooked difference between pain and suffering that changes everythingWhy moving at "Earth Speed" might be the key to healingThe biological imperative we're ignoring in modern societyHow shame creates a feedback loop - and how to break freeWhy integration happens automatically when you're not trying to force itThe simple daily practice that can transform your relationship with yourselfWhat science is finally proving about ancient wisdomThis 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" JournalFREE Guided Meditation for Body AwarenessTrauma and Somatics 3-month practitioner training program Use code: LIBER8 for $500 off the trainingAttachment and Somatics course Use code: LIBER8 for $500 off the trainingConnect with Will:Website: https://willrezin.com/Instagram: @willrezinConnect with Raj:Newsletter – Sign up here: https://www.rajjana.com/staygrounded/Instagram: @raj_janaLegal 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.

Natalie Adele is a transformational guide and embodiment mentor who has spent the last five years helping women reconnect with their innate feminine wisdom and power. Through her unique approach combining somatic practices, energetic work, and ancient wisdom traditions, she guides women back to their authentic expression of leadership. Moving beyond traditional paradigms of feminine power that often mimic masculine structures, Natalie challenges our modern understanding of feminine leadership and offers women a pathway back to a natural state of power.Key Topics & Takeaways:• Discover why the most powerful woman in the room might be the most relaxed one - and what this reveals about true feminine leadership• The surprising truth about "security vs. safety" and how this distinction changes everything about how we show up in the world• Why digital clutter might be blocking your feminine power (and the ritual Natalie uses to clear it)• The "garden metaphor" that completely reframes how we think about feminine development and growth• What "Soul Yum" is and why it might be the missing ingredient in your leadership journey• The counterintuitive approach to feminine leadership that has nothing to do with "leaning in" or traditional power structures• Why the feminine wound of "everyone for themselves" might be holding you back, and how to heal it• The three energy centers that form the foundation of feminine power (hint: they're not what you might expect)• A radical new way to think about sisterhood and its role in feminine awakeningThis isn't just another discussion about women in leadership - it's a deep dive into what becomes possible when we strip away societal conditioning and return to our innate feminine wisdom. Whether you're a woman feeling disconnected from your feminine essence, someone curious about authentic leadership, or anyone interested in understanding the true nature of feminine power, this episode offers profound insights that go far beyond traditional leadership paradigms. Natalie's approach isn't about adding more to your plate - it's about remembering what you've always known but perhaps forgotten. Don't miss this opportunity to explore what feminine leadership really means in its most sacred and authentic form.Connect with Natalie:DM "Yum" to Natalie on IG, and she’ll add you to the list to be the first to hear about upcoming applications for Soul YUM, a highly curated, deeply intentional 5-month group mentorship program that guides women. Applications open this holiday season!https://www.instagram.com/thenatalieadele/profilecard/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SatNamSocietyhttps://tr.ee/jzm7juB1uF👆🏼My Sadhana: Cultivating a Daily practice guide to learn tools, rituals, and insights for starting a daily practice from homeLegal 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 illuminating episode of Stay Grounded, Raj Jana and Alex explore the transformative power of relationships as vehicles for spiritual awakening and personal growth. Rather than viewing relationships solely as sources of happiness, they discuss how relationships serve as mirrors that reflect our deepest wounds, beliefs, and patterns - offering unprecedented opportunities for healing and evolution.Key Takeaways:Relationships are not meant to make us happy, but to help us grow - happiness is a byproduct of doing the inner workWhere there is a trigger in relationship, there is an opportunity for deep healing and self-discoveryThe quality of our relationships is directly influenced by our beliefs and programming around love, much of which comes from our parents and cultural conditioningIt's easier to blame others or leave relationships than to take radical ownership of our patterns and do the inner workTrue lasting love requires dismantling unhealthy beliefs about "happily ever after" and embracing relationship as a journey of mutual growthBoth partners need to be willing to look at themselves and take ownership of their patterns for the relationship to reach its highest potentialTime spent in a relationship isn't necessarily a measure of success - a 9-year relationship could be 1 year repeated 9 times without growthWhen we do our inner work and heal our wounds, we create space for more authentic and fulfilling connectionsSocial media often shows the highlight reel of relationships while hiding the mountain of inner work required to maintain themThe path to extraordinary love requires courage to examine ourselves honestly and lean into difficult conversationsWhether you're currently in a relationship, healing from heartbreak, or seeking deeper connection, this episode offers profound insights into using relationships as catalysts for awakening. Raj and Alex's vulnerable sharing and practical wisdom illuminate how we can transform our relationship challenges into opportunities for profound personal evolution. If you're ready to move beyond surface-level connections and experience the transformative power of conscious relationships, this episode is your invitation to begin that journey.Connect with Raj:Newsletter – Sign up here: https://www.rajjana.com/staygrounded/Website: http://www.rajjana.com/Instagram: @raj_janaiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBPYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_janaLegal 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.