Book Nook - Activism is Medicine

 Frank Forencich is a distinguished advocate for the human animal and a functional future. With a BA in human biology from Stanford University and over thirty years of experience in martial arts and health education, Forencich offers a unique and compelling perspective on the intersection of health, human evolution, and activism.

Activism is Medicine:
In addition to his impactful work in health education, Forencich is a co-creator of the innovative organization Activism is Medicine. This organization emphasizes the transformative power of activism as a remedy for building resilience, purpose, and overall health. It seeks to redefine activism not as a burden but as a gift that individuals can embrace for personal growth and positive societal change.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

Can you provide some insights into the central message of your book, "Activism is Medicine," and how it relates to the current climate crisis? 

The big idea is that engagement and relevance are good for our bodies, our health, and our spiritual lives. As our ecological and climate crisis intensifies, it will soon become the dominant issue of our time–in fact, the most consequential issue in the history of humanity. And while it’s possible to remain on the sidelines, disengagement is not a healthy or meaningful way to live. Participation has the potential to make us whole.

You mentioned the record-breaking heat and environmental challenges we've faced this summer. How do you see these events as indicators of a broader ecological predicament?

Extreme weather is only one symptom of our planetary emergency. What we’re now facing is sometimes described as a “polycrisis.” It’s a crisis of habitat to be sure, but it’s also a social crisis, a mental-spiritual crisis, a crisis of the human imagination, and a crisis of discourse. Ultimately, it’s a relational crisis; the inability or unwillingness of modern humans to participate in natural processes. In our attempt to stand above and outside of nature, we destroy the very thing that keeps us alive.

Your book highlights the decades of warnings from scientists about climate change. What do you believe has prevented society from taking more decisive action?

Most of us are in denial about the scope and magnitude of the crisis. It’s just easier to look the other way. Even worse, today’s stress burden has a highly negative effect in that it drives a reversion to the familiar: familiar lifestyles, ideas, and patterns that we’re accustomed to. When we’re stressed, we go back to what we know and in the modern world, that means going back to consumer culture and our familiar “man-over-nature” narrative. In moderation, reversion to the familiar is a sensible, even nurturing practice, but in today’s world, it’s driving us away from the creativity and risk-taking that we need to survive. 

You emphasize the importance of listening to scientists. How can the general public better understand and connect with the scientific findings related to climate change?

Modern media is largely to blame, as it tends to ignore or downplay the overt and increasingly dire warnings of atmospheric and biological scientists. But it’s also a failure of the scientific community itself, especially in its specialized language and conservative tone. Scientific communication is usually directed at other scientists, but the language of data is often difficult for the public to understand. More scientists need to speak out and our risk communication should be relatable, memorable, and succinct. The research is in and we have enough information to take action. 

In your book, you discuss the role of young people in addressing the climate crisis. Can you share some examples of youth-led initiatives that you find particularly inspiring?

Clearly, Greta Thunberg is the leading example. Her clarity of purpose and willingness to speak out has been extremely influential, not just for youth, but for people of all ages. We need thousands of Gretas–not just as a voice for climate activism, but for the natural world, biodiversity, and some kind of functional future. 

Activism is often seen as a stressful or time-consuming endeavor. How do you explain your perspective that activism can be a form of "medicine" for individuals and society?

Activism is (or should be) a profoundly creative endeavor, one that puts us in intimate contact with our sense of meaning and purpose. In Japan, people talk about “ikigai,” the sense of meaning that gets us out of bed in the morning–the power that animates us and moves us through challenges. A solid body of medical research shows that people with a strong sense of meaning and purpose live longer, healthier lives. When we participate in meaningful action, we’re less likely to be pulled down into the quagmire of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Climate activism often involves advocating for systemic change. How can individuals and communities effectively engage in activism to drive meaningful change?

Naturally, it all depends on your skills and resources–everyone will have a different path. Nevertheless, it all begins with having the courage to speak out and to challenge convention. Nothing is ever gained through silence. As a people, we need to focus a little less on individuals and more on the systemic conditions that drive our various afflictions in the first place.

Are there specific environmental issues or ecological trends that you believe deserve more attention in the public discourse?

The climate emergency is bearing down on us and threatens our entire civilization, even the continued existence of our species. But even if we were to somehow “solve” the problems of fossil fuels, plastics, and consumption, our dysfunctional relationship with nature remains. The philosophy of human supremacy and human exceptionalism is at the root of our crisis, but few people are willing to talk about it, much less offer an alternative view. Indigenous people understand this clearly, but their voices are often ignored. 

Could you elaborate on how engagement and activism can contribute to personal growth and resilience, as you mention in your book?

Activism is not a formula or a template; it’s a path and a journey. It’s an encounter with ambiguity and uncertainty. When we step up into action, it’s always going to be a learning opportunity. No matter what action we take, we’re going to discover something about our temperament, our skills, and our blind spots. This kind of experience is extremely valuable in coming to understanding who we are. Activism is a powerful educational process.

What steps can individuals take to integrate activism into their lives, especially if they are new to climate advocacy? Do you have any practical advice for getting started?

Pick an issue that you care about and start looking for others who share your concern. There are great people out there doing vital work on pipelines, biodiversity, water, soil, rivers, oceans, forest preservation, and human health. Get involved at whatever level you can. Remember, complaining is not activism. Join forces and speak up. It’s the silence that’s killing us. 

About the Author:
Frank Forencich is not only a skilled martial artist with black belt rankings in karate and aikido but also an explorer of human origins. His journeys to Africa to study the ancestral environment have enriched his understanding of our species' evolution. Frank has been a featured speaker at prestigious events, including the Ancestral Health Symposium, Google, the Dr. Robert D. Conn Heart Conference, the Welsh Pain Society, and the Stanford University Institute of Design.

A former columnist for Paleo Magazine, Forencich is the author of numerous books delving into health and the human predicament. As a Diplomate member at The American Institute of Stress, he brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the conversation about stress, health, and our collective well-being.