354: The Life-Saving Act of Interrupting Lack of Touch With Aaron Johnson

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