AHR 32: How to Use Deep Connection and Holistic Resistance as Tools for Inclusion and Equality with Aaron Johnson

Although making up 13 percent of the population, African Americans own less than 1 percent of the rural land in the United States. 

White Americans, however, own a staggering 856 million acres, which is about 98 percent of all rural property in the United States.

Wild, right?

So it's not crazy when I say that communities of color, low-income residents and other historically marginalized groups have traditionally faced barriers to accessing nature.

That's why Ancestral Health Radio is dedicated to, and promotes, inclusivity and social justice through transitional lifeways. 

Because it's the most disadvantaged and powerless people in our societies who are most likely to be affected by rising fuel and food prices, resource shortages and extreme weather events. We want to increase the chances of all groups in society to live well, healthily and with sustainable livelihoods.

We have to accept that although much progress has been made, there is much more work that needs to be done. And most of that work begins and ends with us, as an individual.

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”— Martin Luther King, Jr.

To rise above, you must first begin to ask yourself better questions. 

To help you do this, I've invited my friend Aaron Johnson on today's episode of Ancestral Health Radio.

Aaron shares insights into how we, as white Americans, can begin to breakdown cultural barriers that blind us from seeing the truth of our privilege.

In today's episode, you'll learn...

• Why Aaron believes there are so few black people within the rewilding community,
• The first thing Aaron says you need to commit yourself to if you wish to become an ally to people of color,
• 5 questions that will help you critically examine your own relationship to blackness,
• And much, much more.

Episode Breakdown

• Aaron explains what Holistic Resistance is and why it's become the focus of his work
• Why Aaron says he didn't know he was being prepared for this kind of work for the last 20 years of his life
• Is racism different where ever you go?
• Is there a right way to integrate and think about black people versus a dangerous one?
• Why Aaron doesn't do workshops of 100-200 people
• Is rewilding a privilege?
• Why white people never ask, "Who's not here?"
• Why Aaron says he's a walking contradiction

• Aaron unpacks the difference between loving a black person, dating a black person, and actually being close to a black person

• The silent suffering and exploitation of black women in the medical community

• Why Aaron is a big advocate for one-on-one or small group coaching

• The two things Aaron wants you to remember when asking yourself questions

• What Aaron does NOT want you to do when asking yourself questions to get close to blackness

• The three different levels to each of Aaron's questions, and how to "slow it down"

• James answers Aaron's first three questions

• Why Aaron says black people have a hard time being vulnerable around white people when talking about racism

• Why Aaron believes there are so few African heritage therapists

And much, much more.