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WELCOME!
So glad you have found yourself on this page!
If you feel a curiosity towards self healing and conscious living and you want to chat about that more with other heart centered humans, you are definitely in the right spot.
As a way to enhance and enrich the community B and I are creating around our podcast I am announcing the Sacred AF Book club.
We will meet once a month for 90 minute virtually to discuss and share the topics discussed in:
THE MYTH OF NORMAL BY DR. GABOR MATE
A 6 MONTH EXPLORATION
DATES: SEPTEMBER 21ST - FEBRUARY 15TH
This book has so many teachings and a way of invoking thoughts and feelings you may not have recognized before. Because of that, I feel like it deserves a place with others where we can share, express and reflect together.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In this revolutionary book, the admirable Dr. Gabor Maté describes how in Western countries that pride themselves on their healthcare systems, success and quality of life, chronic illness and general ill health are on the rise. "Nearly 70 percent of Americans are on at least one prescription drug; more than half take two. In Canada, every fifth person has high blood pressure. In Europe, hypertension is diagnosed in more than 30 percent of the population. And everywhere, adolescent mental illness is on the rise."
SO WHAT IS REALLY “NORMAL” WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH?
In this book, Dr. Maté shares over four decades of clinical experience, and the conslusions he has come to. Gabor has come to recognize the prevailing understanding of “normal” as false, neglecting the roles that trauma and stress, and the pressures of modern-day living, exert on our bodies and our minds at the expense of good health.
For all our expertise and technological sophistication, Western medicine often fails to treat the whole person, ignoring how today’s culture stresses the body, burdens the immune system, and undermines emotional balance. We have known this for some time now. Maté brings his refreshing perspective to the great untangling of common myths about what makes us sick, connects the dots between the maladies of individuals and the declining soundness of society—and offers a compassionate guide for health and healing.
QUESTIONS WE WILL EXPLORE:
Why is normal a myth and why does that matter?
How are women, or folks conditioned as women, society’s shock absorbers and more susceptible to illness in this culture?
What is addiction and why are most of us impacted by it?
How do race and class impact health and well-being?
What can you do before your body says NO with illness?
What are pathways to wholeness we can start acting on?
WHAT TO EXPECT:
A monthly 90 minute Zoom call to explore the book chapter by chapter and share our reflections
Access to recordings of each session
A weekly journal exercise and suggested schedule to help you absorb, digest and reflect on the material
A private group to connect with other members between sessions, share your insights + continue the discussion
ON THE CALLS:
A 90 minute container on zoom
A set of community agreements to ensure that we are creating brave spaces to be authentic and encourage vulnerability (including a commitment to confidentiality)
An accessible grounding practice to help you get settled and prepare to be present with the material
A brief highlight of the reading materials for that month
Dedicated opportunities for reflection and journaling in each session
A trauma-informed discussion
READING ASSIGNMENTS SCHEDULE
Introduction: Why Normal Is a Myth (And Why That Matters) - September 21
(introduction chapter)
Part I: Our Interconnected Nature - October 19
(chapter 1-7)
Part II: The Distortion of Human Development - November 16
(chapter 8-14)
Part III: Rethinking Abnormal: Afflictions as Adaptations - December 21
(chapter 15-18)
Part IV: The Toxicities of Our Culture - January 18
(chapter 19-24)
Part V: Pathways to Wholeness - February 15
(chapter 25-33)
(calls are the third Thursday of every month as noted above)
FAQ
WHO IS THIS BOOK CLUB FOR?
Self healers, cycle breakers, and intuitive folks. AND anyone eager to explore the book The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture with a spirit of open mindedness, compassion, curiosity and personal responsibility.
If you are interested in healing and culture, want to learn and contribute to a rich discussion with diverse perspectives and love to read, this book club is for you.
I'M NOT SURE I WILL MAKE IT TO EVERY SESSION, SHOULD I STILL SIGN UP?
Yes. Participants will receive the session recording within 48 hours, so you can listen in to the discussion and you won't miss a thing when we meet again.
IF STUFF COMES UP FOR ME IN THE DISCUSSION SESSIONS, WILL YOU PROVIDE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT OR COACHING FOR ME?
Folks are encouraged to reach out to one another and your own support network (therapist, coach, loved one, etc) between sessions if you need extra support. Given the nature of the topic of the book, journaling, yoga and self-reflection practices can be supportive. If you are in need of more and want to work with me, reach out to me directly here to arrange more support for your self-exploration.
I’D LOVE TO JOIN. ARE DISCOUNTS OR SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
Yes. To foster equity and inclusion, no one will be turned away for lack of funds. The cost of membership is a sliding scale: $11-$33 CAD monthly. If the scale is outside our financial means, I am happy to provide you access for free. To receive free access, email me at connect@healwithjas.com with your name, why you want to attend this book club, how you found out about it, what you hope to gain from this opportunity and how you hope to contribute to this community.
WHY SHOULD I READ THIS BOOK? I’VE GOT SO MANY OTHERS ON MY TO-READ LIST!
Word. With so much content out there, you might feel overwhelmed.
Here’s what Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, MD, Clinical Professor, UCLA School of Medicine, says:
"Gabor and Daniel Maté have created a magnificent resource for us all in The Myth of Normal, a powerful, in-depth, science-packed, inspiring story-filled opus that helps us see how stress within our culture shapes our well-being in all its facets. By carefully reviewing medical and mental health through a wide lens of inquiry, they challenge simplistic views of disease and disorder to offer instead a wider perspective on human flourishing that has direct implications for how we live individually, at home, and as a larger human family. A thorough and inspiring work of the heart, this book urges us to question our assumptions and think deeply about who we are and how we can live more fully and freely, harnessing the power of the mind to bring healing and wholeness into our shared lives on Earth."
DO I HAVE TO JOIN IN SEPTEMBER?
You are welcome to join at any time. You will receive access to all of the recordings. Keep in mind though that this is a discussion group and book study. So the more thoroughly you read the material and participate in the discussions, the more you will likely get from this offering. Hearing a diversity of views and perspectives - including yours - contributes to a more meaningful and robust experience for everyone.
THIS SOUNDS GREAT BUT I’VE GOT MORE QUESTIONS. CAN WE CHAT?
Yes, absolutely. You can book a call with me here or email me at connect@healwithjas.com.
WILL YOU BE OFFERING THIS AGAIN IN THE FUTURE? I’D REALLY LOVE TO JOIN.
No idea. I work intuitively and offerings only exist if they feel alive.