Collective Trauma & Systemic Healing w/ Dr. Sailesh Rao
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Collective Trauma & Systemic Healing w/ Dr. Sailesh Rao
By Brian Arbor | October 29, 2025
In this episode of Traces of Trauma, we meet with Dr. Sailesh Rao, Executive Director of Climate Healers and author of "There Is a Planet B." Dr. Rao brings a systems engineer’s perspective to the urgent issues of collective trauma and eco-anxiety, challenging the narrative that humanity is a mistake and instead offering a vision of hope: that we are evolving into the planet’s (and out own) caretakers.
Our conversation explores the connection between personal healing and global responsibility. Dr. Rao shares his personal journey from engineering to environmental activism and reveals how individual choices—like adopting healthy habits and reconnecting with nature—can spark collective change. He explores the parallels between generational trauma in families and the trauma experienced by our planet, and offers practical wisdom for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world.
Join us for a conversation that might just change the way you see yourself—and the world.
About Dr. Sailesh Rao:
Dr. Sailesh Rao is the Executive Director of Climate Healers, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing collective trauma and eco-anxiety by fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility toward the planet. Originally a systems engineer, Dr. Rao shifted his focus from electrical engineering to environmental systems, advocating for humanity’s role as a “caretaker species” of Earth. He is the author of "There Is a Planet B" and is recognized for his work in promoting holistic healing—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—at both individual and collective levels.
Most Memorable Moment:
“We have been gathering strength so that we can become the caretaker species of the planet. And now that we have understood our strength, now we can say, ‘Okay, we belong. We belong as the caretaker species of the planet.’ And so we have never been separated from nature because separation is a delusion.”
~Dr. Sailesh Rao
Key Takeaways:
Recognizing Collective Trauma and Eco-Anxiety: Dr. Rao discusses how humanity’s separation from nature has led to a collective trauma, manifesting as eco-anxiety. He reframes this narrative, suggesting that humans are not a mistake but are evolving into the planet’s caretakers.
The Power and Responsibility of Humanity: Rao emphasizes that with the collective power humanity wields comes the responsibility to heal ourselves and the planet. He draws parallels between generational trauma in families and the trauma experienced by the planet, advocating for healing at both levels.
8 Risky Behaviors & Personal Healing: Dr. Rao shares his personal journey of adopting healthy habits - tied to the 8 Risky Behaviors (that contribute to 15 different chronic conditions): Poor Diet, Lack of Exercise, Smoking, Lack of Health Screening, Poor Stress Management, Lack of Sleep, Poor Standard of Care, & Excessive Alcohol or Drug Consumption. He encourages others to find their own tailored approaches, highlighting that individual healing contributes to collective transformation.
Connect with Dr. Sailesh Rao:
Website: www.rejoicingwithoils.com [http://www.rejoicingwithoils.com]
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@climatehealer
Connect with Brian:
Website: https://tracesoftrauma.com/
Email: brian@tracesoftrauma.com
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LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/brianarbor
