The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté
NotAnotherBookClub is a group that gathers monthly to chat about books and how they relate to our lives. This time, we dived into "The Myth of Normal" by Gabor Maté and Daniel Maté.
This book isn't your typical health read. It challenges the idea that diseases are just biological, urging us to consider our health more broadly, including our mental state and relationships. The authors strongly argue that despite our medical advancements, our modern society isn't great for our health—something that is felt even more acutely by those facing inequality and discrimination.
During our discussion, we veered into personal territory. We shared when we noticed that our prestigious and well-paying jobs didn't align with our well-being, and what we then did with that information - exploring different paths and trying out approaches that better matched who we are. 🌟
Returning to the book, "The Myth of Normal" isn't a light read; it feels at times somewhat closer to a psychology text, full of ideas, examples, instructions, and suggestions. I found that taking the time to delve into this material was hugely worthwhile, offering a powerful perspective on modern society that I feel many of us would benefit from hearing.
The key takeaway for me? That seemingly small acts of kindness and compassion in our everyday life can have a really meaningful effect on our collective wellbeing. Oh, and a somewhat larger challenge to agitate for broader social change towards a society that’s supportive of our individual and collective wellbeing.🌍
Admittedly, this is hardly a catchy slogan to take to the streets with in protest, but it is an aspiration for our future that I find resonant.
A big thank you to Kerry Hipkiss (ACC) for championing this book and putting it on our book club radar!
We're taking a break over the holidays, but in January, we'll be exploring "Red Pill" by Hari Kunzru. It's a bit hard to sum up, but think esoteric, surreal, and dystopian. It promises to challenge our ideas of truth and normality. Can't wait for that discussion!🗓️
https://drgabormate.com/book/the-myth-of-normal/
Podcasts: - Dr Mark Hyman's Doctor's pharmacy podcast: https://drhyman.com/blog/2022/09/14/podcast-ep599/
- Tim Ferriss show podcast: https://tim.blog/2022/09/07/dr-gabor-mate-myth-of-normal/