I was fortunate enough to host a meetup on this book two years ago in New York City. Since then, I became pregnant with my son, worked full time, gave birth, and moved out of the city to Croton. The business of life led me to lose my previous meetup group (by the same name). Although I can no longer access any of my earlier materials, I am happy to reignite the group in my new community!
After reading Gabor Mate's, The Myth of Normal, he encourages us to practice self-inquiry on a weekly basis. Dr. Gabor Maté's book highlights the concerning increase in chronic illness and general ill health in Western countries, despite their advanced healthcare systems. The statistics are alarming: nearly 70 percent of Americans take at least one prescription drug, more than half take two, every fifth person in Canada has high blood pressure, and over 30 percent of Europeans are diagnosed with hypertension. Furthermore, adolescent mental illness is also on the rise. During this meet-up, we will discuss what is "NORMAL" when it comes to health and how our culture contributes to normalizing toxic and inessential ways of living.
We will begin our session with introductions and then engage with his self-inquiry activity together. Please bring a pen and paper.
We will then share what we feel comfortable with and discuss the following questions as a preliminary exercise, since not everyone would have read the book. Consider this a brainstorming exercise in the realm of healing and psychology.
• Why is normal a myth, and why does that matter?
• How are women society’s shock absorbers, and as a result, more susceptible to illness in our culture?
• What is addiction really all about?
• How do race and class impact health and well-being?
• What can you do before your body says NO to illness?
• What would a saner society look like?
Join me for an engaging afternoon of reflection and connection in a space free of judgment and full of exploration.
