65: Dr John Churchill: Healing the Ancestral Nervous System

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 awakening This 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 psychology Ken Wilber's developmental frameworks Attunement exercises Somatic experiencing techniques Psychodynamic healing approaches Connect with John: Website: https://www.planetarydharma.com/ Instagram:@PlanetaryDharma Email:hello@planetarydharma.com Connect with Raj: Instagram: @raj_jana iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBP YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_jana Legal 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.