Just finished another book by Gabor Mate. Been a fan for a while. If you aren’t familiar with him, he’s a Vancouver physician and author specializing in addiction (and its underlying cause – PAIN).
Right up my alley in terms of my SHIFT-IT work … hard core addictions aren’t the issue in my coaching practice, but soft core ones can be problematic. Things that we use to numb ourselves from our pain (in my client base, the pain of not living one’s creativity and authenticity). Thankfully those coping mechanisms and the underlying pain can be used to my client’s advantage – motivating them to define and finally make their SHIFT!
His book, “Realm of the Hungry Ghosts” (such a good title!), is the one on addiction. I also appreciated his “Hold Onto Your Kids” (co-written with another favorite of mine, attachment researcher Dr. Gordon Neufield).
I can’t wait for his new one “The Therapeutic Use of Ayahuasca” (Amazonian vine that promotes self awareness and actualization). In my opinion it’s a travesty that the Canadian government shut down his pioneering work (using ayahuasca with drug addicts from Vancouver’s downtown East Side). At least his book detailing his experiences will add to the growing literature from the healing professions on this fascinating topic.
The book I just finished (propelled by my interest in BodyTalk) is the national bestseller “When The Body Says No”, subtitle is “The Cost of Hidden Stress”. A holocaust survivor himself, most of his work subtly and also directly deals with the role of early adversity in people’s lives … particularly in lives where addiction and disease have manifested.
This book delves into the mind-body connection on illness and health and the role that stress and one’s individual emotional makeup play in an array of common diseases (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, irritable bowel, multiple sclerosis). Also appreciate his ‘Seven A’s of Healing: principles of healing and the prevention of illness from hidden stress. A must read for those doing process work with individuals and/or for our own empowerment.
Such an inspiring author … a real hero and example of living your life authentically. And doing important work of service too! All while owning and sharing his own humanity too. Thanks for what you do Dr. Mate! You rock!
The SHIFT-IT Coach & Interactive-Visuals Mentor
