Feb 5, 2024
This episode dives into a rarely discussed yet vital topic - the profound impact of the lack of physical touch on our lives. Aaron Johnson, our guest, brings his unique insights and experiences to the table, offering a deep dive into how varying aspects such as culture, upbringing, and societal norms shape our understanding and access to touch.
Key Discussion Points:
Understanding the Lack of Touch: Aaron discusses the general
lack of complexity around touch in the United States, influenced by
various factors including personal backgrounds, economic status,
and education.
Impact on Mental Health: He highlights how chronic lack of touch
can lead to unbalanced nervous systems, causing dysfunctional and
even violent behavior, emphasizing the potential for healing and
improvement.
Cultural and Community Perspectives: The conversation covers how
different cultures view touch, with specific insights into the
black community. Aaron shares his experiences of growing up in a
Christian home where touch, especially among men, was limited and
often associated with strength and lack of emotion.
Personal Journey and Realizations: Aaron reflects on his journey,
noting the absence of tender platonic touch in his life and its
implications. He mentions his observations of boundary violations
in his community, particularly towards women.
The Role of Shame and Danger: Aaron dives into how shame and a
sense of danger have historically influenced attitudes towards
touch in the black community.
Navigating Relationships with Limited Touch: He discusses the
challenge of forming close relationships and gauging intimacy when
one is chronically undertouched.
Practical Steps Towards Reintroducing Touch: Aaron suggests simple
exercises like self-massage and platonic hand-holding to gently
reintroduce touch and observe its impact on the nervous
system.
Addressing the Needs of the Chronically Undertouched: He emphasizes
the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of those who
have been deprived of touch, regardless of their
background.
The Healing Power of Pets and Nature: The episode concludes with
Aaron highlighting the therapeutic effects of interaction with pets
and nature, especially in touch-deprived environments.
Conclusion:
This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of a topic that touches (pun intended) all of us in various ways. Aaron Johnson's perspective sheds light on the often overlooked importance of physical touch and its role in our emotional and mental well-being. The episode is a call to reconsider and reshape our approach to physical interaction in our daily lives.
Listen to the full episode for more in-depth insights and
personal stories from Aaron Johnson.
Links:
The CUT Project: https://www.cutproject.org
ThePBTInstitute.com https://thepbtinstitute.com