Are you struggling with loneliness or feeling disconnected from yourself and others? In this transformative episode, we sit down with Dr. Shiv Dawson, South Africa's first integrative psychiatrist, to explore the neurobiology of loneliness, the power of shadow work, and the role of the root chakra in grounding us to the earth.

Discover how self-connection and emotional healing can help you move from isolation to empowerment. Dr. Dawson shares practical grounding practices, insights into holistic healing, and spiritual perspectives to help you reconnect with yourself and others.

Join us as we unpack the difference between loneliness and solitude, the importance of inner work, and why meaningful human connection is key to mental and spiritual well-being.

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (02:01) - Exploring the Epidemic of Loneliness
• (03:00) - The Toxicity of Loneliness
• (05:14) - Loneliness, Social Isolation & Solitude
• (08:54) - Understanding Loneliness from a Nuerobiological Perspective
• (11:37) - Loneliness is Contagious
• (13:11) - Loneliness and Disconnection
• (14:51) - The Role of Self-Connection and Spirituality
• (18:59) - Loneliness and Depression
• (26:06) - Spiritual Perspective on Loneliness
• (31:41) - Navigating Relationships and Personal Boundaries
• (38:10) - Loneliness, Addiction and Rejection
• (41:29) - Embracing Solitude and Shadow Work
• (46:21) - Exploring Shadow-Work
• (52:15) - Exploring Self Rejection
• (54:31) - Embracing Solitude and Inner Dialogue
• (59:55) - Loneliness and Negative Thoughts
• (01:08:34) - Shiv's Journey to Holistic Practice
• (01:16:54) - Acknowledging Loneliness
• (01:19:56) - Shiv's Current Work
• (01:25:13) - Spiritual Bypassing
• (01:29:51) - David Whyte's Poem

Dr. Shiv Dawson's bio:
Name: Dr. Shiv Dawson
Transformational Psychiatrist

About: Siobhan, or Dr Shiv, is a Transformational Psychiatrist who inspires leaders, communities of influence and impact-driven individuals.
She supports them to heal gracefully and evolve into their next level of success through functional medicine, biohacking optimisation, and spiritual evolution.
With 20 years of experience, Dr Shiv pursues mental wellness and vitality for her clients, bridging the gap between science and mysticism.
Her vision is for humanity to achieve a purposeful and enlightened way of living.

Credentials:
MBChB (Medical Degree UCT)
MRCPsych (Psychiatry Specialisation London)
Internship Training Oxford Deanery
Integrative Medicine Diploma (Cape Town 2014)
Functional Medicine AFMCP ( Cape Town 2014)
Functional Medicine (Institute Functional Medicine USA);
Personal Performance Certificate in Life Coaching (Coaching Academy London 2008)
Advanced Diploma in Hypnotherapy Austin Technique London 2003
Member of IMMH www.immh.org
Member of SASIM www.integrativemedicine.co.za
Member of Inategy Ascension Business school www.leighjane.woodgate.com
Entheogenic (psychedelic) facilitation. Initiation with Cathy Coyle.
Breathwork & sound healing

Click here to view the episode transcript.

In Part 1 of this 2 part series on Alt|Life, Sadaf Vahedna sits down with Alan Rosenberg to uncover the powerful connections between modern farming practices and their physical and spiritual impact on our lives. Together, they dive into how industrialized agriculture has moved away from traditional, ecologically harmonious methods, leading to nutrient-depleted soils and foods. From the role of chemical inputs like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) to the degradation of soil health, Alan shares how profit-driven practices have distanced us from nature’s original balance.

Tune in to learn how we can all play a role in nurturing a more sustainable future by embracing mindful consumption and connecting with nature’s cycles!

Join us as we explore in Part 1 of this series:

• Origins of Chemical Fertilization
• Tracing the historical shift from traditional farming to chemical-heavy practices.
• Consequences of Synthetic Fertilizers
• Exploring how synthetic fertilizers have affected soil health and human well-being.
• Glyphosate and GMO Crops
• Understanding the rise of glyphosate, GMOs, and their far-reaching impacts.
• Regenerative and Biodynamic Agriculture
• Discovering holistic methods that prioritize health, soil, and interconnectedness.
• Agricultural Evolution and Organic Practices
• The journey from industrialized to more natural farming practices.
• Evolution of Agricultural “Brands”
• How different philosophies and approaches have shaped the world of farming.
• Plato’s Allegory of the Cave in Modern Context
• Seeing how societal views on agriculture mirror Plato’s allegory of perception and reality.
• Seventh Generation Principle
• Acting with future generations in mind and why this matters in farming.
• A Shift in Consciousness in Agriculture
• Changing the mindset around food production and its impact on human health.

Subscribe to Alt|Life and join us in building a more conscious world, one step at a time!

Alan Rosenberg’s bio:

Alan Rosenberg, with over 50 years in agriculture across four countries, is a leading advocate for sustainable farming, specializing in soil health, fertility, and agroecology. Educated at Glen Agriculture College in South Africa and trained in Biodynamic Farming at Emerson College in the UK, Alan has earned multiple certifications, including Permaculture Design and Holistic Resource Management.

He has held influential roles in South Africa's organic agriculture sector, shaping national policies through positions with the Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Southern Africa and the South African Organic Sector Organization. Alan is also an accomplished author, with notable works like *Organic Agriculture: A Handbook* and *Agroecology: The Promise of Future Flourish*. He continues to drive innovation as the founder of Lindros Whole Earth Consultants, developing agroecological systems and initiatives like the ROAM Mindfulness-based Learning™ Program.

Residing in South Africa, Alan is a passionate educator, consultant, and family man, dedicated to a resilient, sustainable agricultural future.

• (00:00) - INTRO
• (00:50) - The Loss of Life in Soil and Food
• (02:43) - The Crisis in Global Health and Soil Degradation
• (07:19) - The Role of Microorganisms
• (14:43) - The Origins of Fertilizer
• (19:48) - The Dangers of Herbicides and Pesticides
• (22:47) - Beyond Organic: A Higher Philosophy of Food
• (28:34) - Are We Feeding Our Souls or Just Our Stomachs?
• (30:29) - The Spiritual Aspects of Farming
• (34:58) - Breaking Free From Empty Nutrition
• (46:19) - Outro
• (46:29) - Stay Tuned for Part 2

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Instagram: @altlifeZA

Tiktok: @altlife.podcast

Alan Rosenberg Link:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-rosenberg-7233a91/?originalSubdomain=za

Production Credits:

Produced by Sadaf Vahedna
Podcast Manager and Marketing: AVC Studio | Sarah Jane Ponce Asok
Video Editing: Simbarashe Nyahwa