Beauty for the Soul: This Month’s Read -The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Maté

The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Maté 

As a one-to-one hairstylist, I’m often reminded that beauty goes far deeper than what we see in the mirror. Clients share their stories with me: Moments of joy, struggles, and sometimes even their deepest challenges and secrets. It’s taught me that caring for ourselves isn’t just about great hair; it’s about tending to our whole being.

I love weaving personal growth into my world. It gives deeper meaning to the work I do and enriches me in other parts of my life as a mum, a partner, and an entrepreneur.

One resource that has really inspired me lately is The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Maté.

Why This Book Resonated With Me

In this groundbreaking work, Maté explores how the rising rates of chronic and mental illness in Western societies are not random but a direct result of a toxic culture. He suggests that what we often accept as “normal”, stress, emotional suppression, and disconnection from our authentic selves, is in fact harmful to our health.

He draws on four decades of clinical experience (wowzers), and is great at connecting individual suffering to systemic cultural pressures, advocating for trauma-informed care and a more holistic understanding of health and healing which i personally love.

Key Takeaways

  • “Normal” is a Myth: Theres something very soothing in those words. What we see as “normal” in our culture is often unhealthy and overlooks the true roots of suffering.

  • Trauma as a Root Cause: Both big traumas and smaller, chronic emotional stresses shape our health in profound ways that we may not be concious of.

  • Culture Breeds Disease: Toxic cultural systems including capitalism, racism, and misogyny, perpetuate stress and disconnection.

  • Mind-Body Connection: Emotional health and physical health are deeply intertwined. Stress, disconnection, and lack of self-expression often show up in the body.

  • A Pathway to Healing: Maté offers hope by showing how self-compassion, authenticity, and holistic practices can begin to reverse this damage.

Why I Recommend It

This isn’t a lighthearted or “woo woo” read (I will have pleanty of those books to recomend to you, dont worry) it has real grit and substance. It’s for those times when you’re questioning not just why you’re here, but how you’re existing here.

For me, this book has given language and understanding around experiences I’ve witnessed and experienced. From addiction and chronic illness to the everyday stresses of life. It doesn’t try to make things “wrong” but instead offers compassion and perspective. 

If you’d prefer something visual, Maté also features in the powerful documentary The Wisdom of Trauma, which I thought was brilliant. Both the book and the film are not easy breezy, they go deep. Id even say somewhat triggering.  But sometimes the shadows need to be brought into the light, and I feel grateful to live in a time where these conversations are possible.

Closing Thought

Just as nourishing your scalp helps your hair thrive, nourishing your inner world helps your whole being shine. This book reminded me that beauty and health aren’t just about appearances, they’re about reconnecting to our true selves and enriching our experience.

If you’re curious, you can pick up The Myth of Normal wherever you get your books, or watch The Wisdom of Trauma documentary online for a small donation. And if it’s not for you right now, that’s okay too. Sometimes we stumble across the right words at the right time.

Haircare isn’t just about the strands we style, it’s about the stories we carry, the wisdom we embrace, and the self care we show ourselves. xoxo


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