Transform Loneliness to Greatness: Healing Through Shadow Work, Solitude, and Connection w/ Dr. Shiv Dawson
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.
Follow us on:
Instagram: @altlifeZA
Tiktok: @altlife.podcast
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
- (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
Follow us on:
Instagram: @altlifeZA
Tiktok: @altlife.podcast
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
Creators and Guests
Host
Sadaf Vahedna
Sadaf Vahedna has been an entrepreneur since the age of 21, turning around a business in multi-million dollar debt, and later founding a tech business and worked in the entrepreneurship development space. Despite her many successes, Sadaf realized her constant quest for overachievement didn’t soothe her soul the way connection did. Over the past three years, she’s embarked on a spiritual journey that reshaped her understanding of the world. Alt|Life is part of this discovery, offering listeners insights into personal growth, emotional intelligence, and transformational practices. Through the podcast, Sadaf invites others to explore how one can achieve the fulfillment they deserve and live the life of their dreams by expanding their perspective on what's possible
Designer
Sarah-Jane Asok
Sarah-Jane Ponce Asok is Alt|Life's podcast manager and guides the production process alongside Sadaf while also working with Sadaf to ensure the marketing for the podcast is done right. Sarah Jane Ponce Asok is a visionary entrepreneur and community advocate. As the co-founder and driving force behind AVC Studio, she has spearheaded the production of over 3,000 episodes, the successful launch of more than 70 podcasts, and the creation of 100+ shows in just 12 years. AVC Studio is more than just a digital marketing firm; it’s a mission-driven initiative tackling high unemployment rates by hiring and transforming local out-of-school youth into high-caliber leaders. Under Sarah’s leadership, AVC Studio has attracted notable clients, including BossBabe, with over 3 million Instagram followers; Fat Burning Man, with 7 million podcast downloads; and former WNBA President Lisa Borders. Her expertise has also driven the impressive growth of a podcast from 10,000 to 250,000 downloads per month.
Editor
Simbarashe Nyahwa
Simbarashe Nyahwa is a filmmaker and media analyst with over four years of experience in the TV and Film Industry. Specializing in producing and post-production, he has honed his expertise across various roles, including content curation, editing, and production management. Simbarashe holds a professional certificate in Film and Television Production from Multichoice Talent Factory and a B.A (Hons) in Media and Cultural Studies from Great Zimbabwe University. He is currently pursuing an M.A. in Film and Television Studies at the University of Cape Town. Throughout his career, Simbarashe has worked on numerous film and TV productions, most notably as an EPK producer for Chisara Series (2021). He has also contributed his skills as a VFX supervisor, line producer, and assistant editor for projects across various platforms, for the Multichoice Talent Factory. Simbarashe is passionate about the intersection of media, culture, and storytelling, continuously pushing the boundaries of film production in Africa. His commitment to his craft has earned him recognition in programs such as the One World Media Fellowship and the ‘Future of Film’ Africa initiative.