Exploring 'The Embodied Steward'

A conversation with Clayton Nyakana

It was a pleasure to speak with Clayton Nyakana last week about his recent paper, ‘The Embodied Steward,’ which outlines a new conception of the relationship between mind and body that I find is especially practical for cultivating health and well-being in the times we live in.

Clayton’s core idea is that we exist at the intersection of two different systems: the body, which is highly intelligent, autonomous and constantly self-regulating; and our conscious self (“Seth”, “Clayton”), the part that thinks and interfaces with the world. These two systems do different things, but they must work harmoniously if we are going to live a good life.

This distinction is especially helpful right now because the way human society is organized today actually systematically degrades the relationship between these systems. Clayton explains that if we merely act as “pilots” in our life - just doing the next task and the next task - our health, sanity and communities will inevitably suffer. Instead, we must become conscious stewards of the bodies we live in - and this model of stewardship also extends beyond ourselves to our loved ones and everyone else.

Clayton elegantly traces a continuity between the way that our inner biology self-organizes and the way human culture functions.

The paper is an impressive piece of scholarship with copious citations from important thinkers in the realms of science, sociology and philosophy, yet also firmly grounded in very relatable everyday human experiences.

In addition to this paper, Clayton has written a series of short articles based on anecdotes from his own life that give a clear illustration of the dynamics covered in his paper. To make them even more practical, each article ends with a series of questions that could be used as journal prompts or conversation starters in order for readers to use his insights to make practical changes for the better in their lives.

The Man Who Stayed Dry In The Rain
The Day I Zigzagged
Waking Up On The Floor
The AC Vent
Sufficient To The Day
The Ripple
The Slap

I’ll add that Clayton is very transparent in his writing about learning from his mistakes and does not try to preach from a position of “I’ve got this all figured out” (although he sometimes talks about a tendency to want to do that - and how it backfires!). Likewise, in our conversation, I genuinely appreciate how he speaks in plain terms. I feel his desire not to talk over people, but to communicate in a relatable way so that others can also benefit from his life lessons.

As an added bonus, Clayton’s ideas about The Embodied Steward significant overlap and resonance with my framework of the 4 Postures of Love, which came up in the second half of our dialogue. I always enjoy talking with Clayton and I hope you will enjoy this conversation too!

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Check out Clayton’s Substack Lived Quality

Upcoming Grounded Connection workshops

(If you enjoy my conversation with Clayton, these are great opportunities to explore your Embodied Steward through somatic, meditative and relational practices!)

Infinite Curiosity - Tuesday March 24, 1pm EST & Thursday, March 26, 7:30pm EST

Learning to cultivate curiosity in any situation is a powerful antidote to the disconnection that results from grasping too tightly at certainties in a world that constantly generates new surprises. Discover why curiosity breeds resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Join the workshop

The 4 Postures of Love - Tuesday April 14, 1pm EST & Thursday, April 16, 7:30pm EST

Your life is endlessly complex and always will be, but when you love better, complexity translates into beauty, continually calling you to a higher vibration. Learn 4 embodied ways to deepen clarity, connection and care.
Join the workshop