How fully I recommend this book: 10/10
Lesson 1: Whenever you’re sick, injured, or unwell, ask: “What is my body saying no to?”
This can be more healing than asking for diagnoses or pills!
For example, I get sick whenever I’m taking on too much or whenever I’m in a situation/environment that’s not good for me.
Lesson 2: If you don’t say “no” when you know you want or have to, your body will say it for you.
An inability to authentically say “no,” often seen in people who are overly accommodating (i.e., putting others’ needs over their own), is a strong predictor for disease. Be mindful of this.
Lesson 3: Your life has a direct impact on your health.
We all know this intuitively!
Health does not exist in a separate world of diet, exercise, sleep, and doctors; it is in constant conversation with our whole lives, including our choices, relationships, environments, jobs, etc.
Lesson 4: The separation of body and mind is nonsense.
Our mind, emotions, choices, relationships, and all elements of our lives will always influence our bodies, and vice versa.
We are “biopsychosocial” beings per Dr. Maté, and he has research to prove these connections.
Lesson 5: Healthy anger is a positive physical experience.
It’s empowering, and it’s there to keep us free and safe by protecting our boundaries.
It is not a “negative” emotion; it’s a necessary one that need only be experienced.
It has nothing to do with hurting others or oneself.
Lesson 6: There is power in negative thinking!
Rather than thinking, “Everything is going to be okay,” it is healthier to think, “Even if things get bad, I will still be able to make the best of it.”
The former leaves us dependent on circumstance; the latter gives us freedom and inner confidence.
Lesson 7: Attachment is a non-negotiable human need.
Next time you feel “needy,” ask yourself if you may just be feeling the very-human pull toward attachment. We all need authentic relationships!
Lesson 8: Authenticity is a non-negotiable human need!
Authenticity is as vital as attachment, if not more.
If you sacrifice authenticity just to maintain an attachment (e.g., a partner, friend, job, etc.), you are likely setting yourself up for future illness.
We all need to be authentically ourselves.
Lesson 9: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are a strong predictor for illness. So: Compassion!
Our health is our responsibility, but not our fault. We do the best we can with the tools we have.
The more ACEs (e.g., neglect, abuse, domestic violence, etc.) we had, the higher our statistical chance of illness, addiction, and other issues.
So: Have compassion for others and your self.