Redesigning the Dharma

Episode 21 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Zahra Adloo, a Los Angeles-based mental health professional and psychedelic integrator who specializes in integrating Eastern philosophy with Western psychology. Zahra shares her unique approach to therapy, incorporating Reiki, trauma-informed yoga, and somatic practices to help individuals reconnect with their core identities and overcome challenges such as trauma, addiction, and anxiety. The discussion delves deeply into Zahra's personal experience with psychedelics, particularly Ayahuasca and Ibogaine, and how these experiences facilitated her healing journey and informed her professional practice. The conversation also touches on themes like non-attachment, surrender, the importance of self-awareness, and maintaining a healthy balance between productivity and personal well-being. Additionally, Zahra shares her interest in biohacking and longevity as part of a holistic approach to mental health and personal growth. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * 00:00 Introduction to Zahra Adloo * 01:56 Zahra's Psychedelic Journey * 13:17 The Transformative Power of Stillness * 27:04 Integrating Psychedelic Experiences * 34:08 Releasing The Ego & Discerning True Purpose * 40:04 Karmic Visions and Ayahuasca * 52:45 Embodying Healing As A Psychedelic Facilitator * 1:03:04 Biohacking and Plant Medicine For Longevity GUEST BIO: Zahra Adloo is a dedicated mental health professional and wellness host based in Los Angeles, specializing in helping individuals find meaning and purpose by uncovering their authentic selves. Through her unique, integrative approach, Zahra assists clients in navigating personal challenges and reconnecting with their core identities, fostering clarity, direction, hope, and healing. Her clinical work blends Eastern philosophy with Western psychology, incorporating Reiki, energy healing, trauma-informed yoga, and somatic practices. Zahra’s therapeutic focus on self-compassion and empowerment has transformed the lives of those struggling with trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, OCD, and body image issues. Zahra is also an expert in psychedelic integration, particularly in the use of Ibogaine for addiction recovery. As a Certified Psilocybin-Assisted Therapist through Fluence, she offers compassionate, informed care through every stage of the psychedelic healing process. Beyond private practice, Zahra curates transformational wellness events across Los Angeles, where she creates safe and inspiring spaces for individuals to connect deeply with themselves and each other. Her events are rooted in themes like building community, reclaiming authenticity, nervous system healing, and integrating spiritual and mental well-being. Trained at Palo Alto University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, Zahra also draws personal inspiration from yoga, hiking, creative writing, travel, and her work as a podcast host and speaker. Her passion for cross-cultural connection and holistic transformation makes her an invaluable guide for those seeking soul-aligned mental health and growth. ZAHRA’S WEBSITE [https://www.zahraadloo.com/] ZAHRA’S INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/zeeshirazi/]

Episode 20 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features an inspiring conversation with Juliana Garces, the visionary artist behind Juliana Garces Art [https://www.julianagarcesart.com/]. This episode explores the interplay between art, energy, and consciousness, and begins with a discussion on Juliana's background in meditation, yoga, and psychedelics. She shares how her cross-cultural upbringing and DMT experiences have profoundly impacted her artistic creations and the inspiration behind using specific deities like Shiva and Shakti. This episode also delves into the importance of psychedelic preparation and intention-setting when working with plant medicine, and the significance of balancing equanimity with discernment when it comes to the practice. Listeners will gain insights into Juliana’s artistic inspiration and learn how to tap into the greater cosmic creativity. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * 00:00 Introduction to Juliana Garces * 01:05 Juliana's Artistic and Spiritual Journey * 08:14 DMT and Ayahuasca Experiences * 12:56 Psychedelic Preparation and Integration * 33:20 Diving Deep into Buddhism and Meditation Practices * 41:26 Art as a Universal Language * 43:01 The Role of Psychedelics in Artistic Expression * 54:07 Integrating AI in Art Creation * 01:00:39 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects GUEST BIO: Juliana Garces is a visionary artist and spiritual seeker, whose work reflects her deep commitment to raising the collective consciousness. Her journey with art is a continuous exploration of how visual forms can transcend language and open pathways to the infinite. Grounded in her daily spiritual practices—meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and deep study of mysticism—her work reflects visions and experiences from realms that words cannot fully describe. Juliana sees herself simply as a channel for cosmic creativity, doing her best to step aside and let the visions flow through her. She doesn’t view the work as her own, but rather as something greater that she’s fortunate to be part of. By tapping into the infinite space within all of us, she hopes to create pieces that serve as gentle reminders for others to reconnect with their own eternal nature. JULIANA’S WEBSITE [https://www.julianagarcesart.com/] JULIANA ON INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/julianagarcesart/] JULIANA ON YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@julianagarcesart/]

Episode 19 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is an enlightening conversation with Spring Washam, the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys [https://www.lotusvinejourneys.com/]. Adrian and Spring catch up and discuss the evolution of Lotus Vine Journeys and its 10-year-long history of ayahuasca retreats blended with a Buddhist framework. Spring shares her insights on the ever-changing nature of spiritual practices, the ethical considerations in shamanic traditions, and the deep healing she’s undertaken over the decade. The discussion touches upon the importance of preparation and integration in plant medicine journeys, ethical tensions in traditional settings, and the benefits of incorporating sacred plant teachings with non-dual Buddhist principles. They also explore the possibility of sustainable practices with alternative plants like peganam harmala and the broader implications of psychedelics in shifting global consciousness. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * 00:00 Introducing Spring Washam * 04:30 Integrating Dharma and Plant Medicine * 14:31 Ethics and Evolution in Plant Medicine Practices * 21:13 The Role of the Maestro and Direct Connection * 33:47 Honoring Ayahuasca Traditions While Embracing Change * 38:10 Integrating Buddhism into Ayahuasca Ceremonies * 44:53 The Importance of Psychedelic Preparation * 52:45 Sustainability and Accessibility of Plant Medicines GUEST BIO: Considered a pioneer in bringing mindfulness-based meditation practices to diverse communities; Spring Washam is a well-known teacher, healer, and visionary leader based in Oakland, California. She is the author of A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage and Wisdom in Any Moment and The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Awakening from the Underground. Spring is one of the founding teachers at the East Bay Meditation Center, an organization that offers Buddhist teachings with attention to social action and multiculturalism. She is a member of the teacher’s council at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, offering teachings on Buddhist philosophy, Insight meditation and loving-kindness practices. Spring is also the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys, a one-of-a-kind organization that blends indigenous healing practices with Buddhist wisdom for transformative retreats in South America. She has practiced and studied Buddhist philosophy in both the Theravada and Tibetan schools of Buddhism since 1999. Spring is also a shamanic practitioner and has studied indigenous healing practices since 2008. Spring’s workshops, interviews, and writing can be found in mainstream media worldwide. SPRING’S WEBSITE [https://www.springwasham.com/] SPRING ON INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/springwasham/] LOTUS VINE JOURNEYS WEBSITE [https://www.lotusvinejourneys.com/] LOTUS VINE JOURNEYS ON INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/lotusvinejourneys/]

Episode 18 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is the second part of a two-part conversation with Todd Norian, the founder of Ashaya Yoga® [https://www.ashayayoga.com/]. The conversation centers on Tantra Yoga and how it offers a nondual and joyous framework for understanding life. The episode picks up with Todd sharing his journey of integrating body, mind, and heart through Tantra Yoga. This opens the discussion on topics such as the metaphysics of Shaiva Shakta Tantra, concerns within traditional guru culture, how Tantra supports emotional agility, and the importance of courage and compassion when sitting with discomfort. The dialogue wraps up with an introduction into Ashaya Yoga, and is an insightful episode on navigating spiritual teachings while emphasizing personal growth and emotional understanding. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * 00:00 Introducing Todd Norian * 02:58 The Metaphysics Of Tantra Yoga * 09:10 Transcendence and Immanence in Tantra * 16:24 Navigating Teacher-Student Relationships * 26:58 Using Tantra Yoga To Explore And Accept Emotions * 45:51 The Three C's of Emotional Agility GUEST BIO: Todd Norian, E-RYT 500, YACEP, internationally acclaimed yoga teacher, founder of Ashaya Yoga, author of Tantra Yoga: Journey to Unbreakable Wholeness, A Memoir [https://www.ashayayoga.com/book], musician, acharya in Blue Throat Yoga, and a Kripalu Legacy Faculty, teaches classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings both live in-person and online, for students and teachers all over the world. A student of yoga since 1980, Todd brings a depth of inner strength, devotion, vulnerability, and an unapologetic sense of humor to everything he does. Todd seeks to awaken others to their inherent potential for healing and joy by integrating the body, mind, and heart through Ashaya Yoga and meditation. In 2012, Todd founded Ashaya Yoga®, an alignment-based, heart-centered practice which uses the five elements and the teachings from the Nondual Tantra tradition to build strength and flexibility while giving students access to a universe of power within. He is a guest teacher at many renowned spiritual centers and conferences including Kripalu Center, Omega Institute, Esalen, and the Toronto Yoga Show. As a classically trained jazz musician, Todd created several music albums for yoga and relaxation, including the world-renowned Bija: Soothing Music and Mantras for Yoga and Meditation. [https://www.ashayayoga.com/store/music] ASHAYA YOGA [https://www.ashayayoga.com/] ASHAYA YOGA ON INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/ashayayoga/] ASHAYA YOGA ON FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/AshayaYoga/]

Episode 17 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is the first part of a two-part conversation with Todd Norian, the founder of Ashaya Yoga® [https://www.ashayayoga.com/]. The conversation centers on Tantra Yoga and how it offers a nondual and joyous framework for understanding life. Todd begins the discussion by debunking some misconceptions of Tantra and then dives deeper into some of the core tenets of the practice, including its view on suffering, the balance between transcendence and embodiment, and the value of embracing life's full spectrum of experiences and emotions. This episode highlights a more integrated approach to the householder path and encourages listeners to view life, including its challenges, as part of their awakening journey. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * 00:00 Introducing Todd Norian * 03:03 Defining Tantra Yoga and Clearing Up Misconceptions * 12:10 The Balance Between Transcendence and Immanence * 17:56 Questioning Perfection and the Guru Tradition * 23:46 Embracing The Discomfort of Challenging Emotions Like Loneliness and Grief * 33:39 Three Guiding Questions For Spiritual Awakening and Empowerment Through Tantra GUEST BIO: Todd Norian, E-RYT 500, YACEP, internationally acclaimed yoga teacher, founder of Ashaya Yoga, author of Tantra Yoga: Journey to Unbreakable Wholeness, A Memoir [https://www.ashayayoga.com/book], musician, acharya in Blue Throat Yoga, and a Kripalu Legacy Faculty, teaches classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings both live in-person and online, for students and teachers all over the world. A student of yoga since 1980, Todd brings a depth of inner strength, devotion, vulnerability, and an unapologetic sense of humor to everything he does. Todd seeks to awaken others to their inherent potential for healing and joy by integrating the body, mind, and heart through Ashaya Yoga and meditation. In 2012, Todd founded Ashaya Yoga®, an alignment-based, heart-centered practice which uses the five elements and the teachings from the Nondual Tantra tradition to build strength and flexibility while giving students access to a universe of power within. He is a guest teacher at many renowned spiritual centers and conferences including Kripalu Center, Omega Institute, Esalen, and the Toronto Yoga Show. As a classically trained jazz musician, Todd created several music albums for yoga and relaxation, including the world-renowned Bija: Soothing Music and Mantras for Yoga and Meditation. [https://www.ashayayoga.com/store/music] ASHAYA YOGA [https://www.ashayayoga.com/] ASHAYA YOGA ON INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/ashayayoga/] ASHAYA YOGA ON FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/AshayaYoga/]