
#100 Sensual Embodiment For Social Justice — Rae Johnson
Welcome to this episode´s exploration of embodiment, pleasure, and self-expression explored through the lens of embodiment and social justice with Rae Johnson, PhD, RSW, RSMT, BCC, Social worker, Somatic movement therapist, Scholar/ activist.
Understanding Sensual Embodiment For Social Justice
Rae, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Let’s start by defining embodiment. How do you understand it?
Rae: That’s a great question. Embodiment can vary depending on the field or perspective. I draw on phenomenology, a philosophical approach that prioritizes how we feel inside our bodies as our most important source of information. Embodiment isn’t just a static state; it’s something we cultivate. It’s like learning a language—we become more literate in it the more we practice and interact with others through it.
Pleasure And The Primal Language Of The Body
I love this idea of embodiment as a language. It makes me think of it as a refinement of our primal language: the language of our bodies. Just as animals and babies communicate through body language, we can also learn to read and understand our own bodily experiences. This requires us to first connect with ourselves and then empathize with others.
The Challenge Of Disembodiment In A Productivity-Driven Culture
In our productivity-driven society, many of us experience disembodiment. We might find ourselves numbing out to cope with the demands placed on us. For example, I might eat a box of donuts almost mindlessly, not fully enjoying the experience. This disconnection from our bodies can make it hard to truly feel pleasure or even gratitude.
Rae: Exactly. Historically and culturally, we’ve been socialized to see our bodies as machines rather than as subjects. This has led to a disconnect where we see our bodies merely as tools for productivity rather than as sources of rich, embodied experience. This disconnection can result in not fully experiencing pleasure or even basic sensations.
Reclaiming Sensation And Emotion
Once we start reconnecting with our bodies, it can be overwhelming. How do we handle this newfound sensitivity without feeling overwhelmed?
Rae: It’s crucial to recognize that emotion is a physical sensation. Often, we may have a cognitive understanding of our emotions without truly feeling them. Reconnecting with our sensations can indeed be overwhelming, but it’s a necessary part of reclaiming our full humanity. We must navigate this process with care, allowing ourselves to feel both pleasure and pain while building our capacity to handle both.
Building Capacity Through Pleasure
Rae, could you share an exercise or inspiration for those beginning this journey of embodiment?
Rae: Start with sensory experiences that feel comfortable and safe. For instance, notice your breath and enjoy a few deep breaths, or pay attention to the sensation of movement as you walk. You can also engage with your senses—listen to a pleasant sound or savor a delicious smell. The goal is to build capacity for pleasure and sensation in small, manageable ways. As you become more comfortable with pleasure, you’ll build the strength needed to handle more challenging emotions.
The Power Of Choice
Ultimately, it’s about choice. We don’t need to feel everything all at once. We can choose when and how much to engage with our emotions and sensations. This choice gives us the freedom to navigate our experiences on our terms.
Final Thoughts
Pleasure is not just a luxury; it’s a fundamental part of our embodied experience. By cultivating pleasure, we strengthen our capacity to handle both joy and difficulty. This journey of reclamation is about being fully present with ourselves and others.
Overwhelmed by emotion?
Navigate sensations to embody reality on your own terms, both challenging or sensually pleasurable. Learn how here in episode #100 of The Sensual Sessions Podcast, with PhD, RSW, RSMT, BCC, Social worker, Somatic movement therapist, Scholar/ activist, Rae Johnson.
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About Rae Johnson
Rae Johnson, PhD, RSW, RSMT, BCC is a social worker, somatic movement therapist, and scholar/activist working at the intersections of embodiment and social justice. Rae’s approach to their work has been shaped by decades of frontline engagement with street youth, women in addiction recovery, psychiatric survivors, and members of the queer community. Since completing their doctoral studies at the University of Toronto, Rae has held academic positions in several somatic psychology programs, including at Naropa University and Pacifica Graduate Institute. They currently teach somatic psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies and co-direct an online certificate program in embodied social justice.
Rae’s research on the everyday embodied experiences of oppression has been articulated in numerous publications, including their books Embodied Social Justice and Embodied Activism. Committed to making their research both accessible and impactful, Rae also designs and produces collaborative community performances that engage non-academic audiences in the issues that affect members of marginalized communities. Anchored in a form of embodied narrative ethnography called ‘body stories’, these performances are designed to elicit a visceral (not just intellectual) response to the material.
Learn more at:
https://raejohnsonsomatic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rae.johnson.718
New Here?
Hola, I´m Candia Raquel!
A Mexican sensualist, scientist, artist and woman that hosts The Sensual Sessions Podcast and who enjoys contemplating trees and drinking tea.
Dedicated to helping workaholics (like you) overcome numbness and embody sensuality through somatic movement.
Sense your sensual fire to share the flame!
What´s Next
Go to The Sensual Sessions Podcast Episode #101: The Sensuality Of Speaking with Jonathan Bender
Learn more with resources on: Bodymind Philosophy Resources
Discover: The Ecstatic Breathing Practice