This week’s reading list post is about more than just one book. It has to be, it seems.
I set out to write about just Dan Siegel’s “Neurobiology of We”; a brilliant and easy to read / listen to book about how our nervous system is designed to shape who we are through social interaction.
That one-liner summary does not do it justice and, in fact, when considering it I immediately started thinking about the other books and how the have echoed my own thoughts and theories, but also taught me so much about how we experience life and why we, as a species, are facing possibly the most challenging time in our history.
The books referenced in this post are these (click the links to buy your copy):
If you are familiar with the world of Trauma and somatic approaches for healing, these title are most likely close to top of your list…I imagine well thumbed pages and dog ears of reminder from each read, and reread.
If you are new to this world, I STRONGLY suggest reading these to rapidly build a foundational knowledge across these main themes:
1 - Our body is the vehicle of our experience and it stores our every experience in its component parts. When traumatised, these components are integrated cognitively so cognitive modalities for treatment of trauma alone do not work and have limited success…if not negative outcomes.
2 - Our bodies are telling us all the time how we are doing. Through societal expectation and conditioning through upbringing, most of us override these messages and often end up with disease and possibly premature death as a result.
3 - “Normal” life as we know it is producing generation after generation of inherently traumatised humans or, at very least, humans who are significantly less equipped to deal with how society has evolved…and continues to change. Our increasing focus on intellect - forsaking the body, technology and social media - forsaking community and human connection, individual profit and prosperity - forsaking family and wellbeing and post-industrial age scientific pharmaceuticals - forsaking age old wisdom and our innate ability to heal.
Above all, our desire for convenience and instant gratification across almost every aspect of our existence (ultra processed foods, health, fitness, gambling, pornography, gaming, dating, jobs, earning money, relationships, shopping, knowledge gathering…)
4 - It is not a quick fix, but we all possess the innate capabilities to heal and seek out healing, safe spaces; rebuilding connection with ourselves, others and community
Understanding Trauma is like tracing the thread in an intricately woven rug...there is no ONE thread...and all threads touch all other threads
A quick taster of each book
The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van Der Kolk
Summary: This book delves into the profound impact of trauma on both the mind and body. Bessel van der Kolk explores how trauma reshapes the brain, particularly areas responsible for fear, emotion, and memory. He emphasizes the limitations of traditional talk therapy and introduces innovative therapies like EMDR, yoga, and mindfulness.
Importance: It's essential for understanding the comprehensive effects of trauma and offers a deep dive into innovative treatment approaches, making it crucial for anyone looking to understand the full spectrum of trauma's impact and recovery methods.
When the Body Says No - Gabor Mate
Summary: Gabor Maté focuses on the critical link between emotional stress and physical health. He examines how chronic stress and suppressed emotions can lead to physical illness, exploring various case studies.
Importance: This book is vital for understanding the psychosomatic connection in trauma. It highlights how unaddressed emotional trauma can manifest physically, offering crucial insights for holistic healing.
The Myth of Normal - Gabor Mate
Summary: In this book, Maté challenges our perceptions of what is considered 'normal' in mental health. He explores how societal norms and pressures can contribute to mental and physical distress, advocating for a more compassionate approach to health and wellness.
Importance: It's essential for its critique of societal and medical norms regarding mental health, providing a fresh perspective on how external factors contribute to trauma and stress.
Neurobiology of We - Dan Siegel
Summary: Dan Siegel's book bridges the gap between neurobiology and interpersonal relationships. It offers insights into how our brains function in social contexts and the implications for healing and developing healthier relationships.
Importance: This book is key for understanding the neurological aspects of trauma and its effects on relationships. It's crucial for anyone interested in the science behind trauma and the potential for healing through social connections.
Healing Trauma - Peter Levine
Summary: Peter Levine introduces Somatic Experiencing, a therapy that focuses on releasing trauma through bodily sensations and experiences. He emphasizes a natural and instinctual approach to trauma recovery.
Importance: Levine's work is foundational in understanding trauma as a bodily experience and offers practical, body-centered techniques for trauma recovery, making it a must-read for holistic healing approaches.
The Revolutionary Trauma Release Process - David Berceli
Summary: This book presents a method for releasing deep muscular patterns of stress and trauma from the body. It is adaptable for individual and group settings.
Importance: Berceli's method is specific in its approach to physical release of trauma. It's essential for its practical applications in diverse settings and its effectiveness in addressing both individual and collective trauma.
Each of these books contributes uniquely to the understanding of trauma and healing, offering a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to addressing trauma from psychological, physical, and societal perspectives.
EVEN IF you are not a trauma worker or healer, social worker, talk or body therapist…I suggest reading this books. Each and every one of them WILL give you a different perspective on yourself, someone you know, society…or all of these.
A perspective that will allow healing to happen, even if it is simply because you become a little more aware of when it might be needed.
Enjoy the bedtime reading…and stay tuned for the next #readinglist post