The Problems with "Natural" Wellness with Alan Levinovitz
Mar 27, 2023
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Guest Alan Levinovitz discusses the problems with framing eating and wellness practices as "natural," the parallels between gun culture and wellness culture, and the balance between empathizing with harmful wellness practices and calling out misinformation. They also explore the connection between physical and psychological issues and the challenges of explaining medical conditions. The chapter ends with information on where to find more from the guest.
Framing wellness practices as 'natural' can be problematic and misleading.
There are parallels between wellness culture and gun culture that should be recognized and examined.
A nuanced approach is necessary when discussing the connection between physical and psychological issues in wellness practices.
Deep dives
The Appeal of Naturalness in Wellness Culture
The podcast episode explores the idea of naturalness in wellness culture and its appeal as an empowering epistemology. The guest, Alan Levinovitz, highlights the problematic aspect of framing certain practices as 'natural' and the parallels between wellness culture and gun culture. He emphasizes the need for nuance when discussing the connection between physical and psychological issues. The conversation delves into the trade-offs individuals face in finding solutions to their suffering and the importance of cultivating a healthy relationship with ambiguity.
The Complexities of Explaining Suffering
The episode discusses the challenges of explaining suffering and the desire for clear explanations in response to physical and psychological issues. It addresses the tension between psychological and physiological explanations and the limitations of both. The guest underscores the importance of acknowledging the trade-offs and the unique experiences individuals have in grappling with their suffering.
Examining Rituals and Mystics
The conversation provides insights on incorporating rituals and exploring mystical texts from various religious and spiritual traditions to cultivate comfort with ambiguity. The guest suggests introducing chance into decision-making processes as a ritual to embrace uncertainty. The importance of reading religious or spiritual works that celebrate ambiguity is also highlighted.
Navigating Complexity and Uncertainty
The episode concludes by discussing the need to reevaluate simplistic heuristics in a post-pandemic world and to embrace the complexities of decision-making. It emphasizes the significance of developing resilience and adaptability through embracing ambiguity, and highlights the potential benefits of seeking wisdom from mystics and engaging with rituals.
Reflections on Wellness Culture and Empowerment Epistemology
The podcast episode critically examines wellness culture, highlighting the drawbacks of empowerment epistemology and the dangers of framing certain practices as natural. It urges a nuanced approach to understanding the root causes of suffering while expressing empathy for individuals seeking empowerment and control through wellness practices. The conversation calls for a greater appreciation of complexity, trade-offs, and an acceptance of ambiguity in navigating the complexities of individual and societal well-being.
Alan Levinovitz, religious-studies scholar and author of Natural and The Gluten Lie, joins us to discuss the problems with framing eating and wellness practices as “natural,” the weird parallels between gun culture and wellness culture, the tricky balance between empathizing with why people are driven to harmful wellness practices and being clear in calling out misinformation, the need for nuance when discussing the connection between physical and psychological issues, and more.
If you like this conversation, subscribe to hear lots more like it! You can also sign up to get it in your inbox each week (with a full transcript) at rethinkingwellness.substack.com.
Pre-order Christy's upcoming book, The Wellness Trap, for its April 25 release, and get access to an exclusive webinar discussing the book by submitting your proof of purchase at christyharrison.com/bookbonus.