Doctor Gabor Maté is better known as “The Trauma Doctor.” His specialty areas include addiction, stress, and childhood development. He has authored books and created a psychotherapeutic approach to trauma therapy known as Compassionate Inquiry. He offers the world a unique perspective through his many years of work as a doctor. His experience makes the doctor a great source of general life advice.
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee interviewed Dr. Gabor Maté on his “Feel Better Live More” podcast. During their conversation, the doctor offered advice about living a better life if you ever got a do-over.
Using an analogy from “Winnie the Pooh” and the 100-acre wood, he begins with a refresher, recalling the end of the book where Christopher Robin has to go to school and say goodbye to all the Pooh friends. Switching to his experience in medical school and later in his medical practice, he realizes he was driven. He wishes he hadn’t worked so hard and had taken more time to enjoy life.
After saying he would do things differently, he recalls the book again. “Whatever they do or wherever they go in the Enchanted Forest, a little boy and his bear will always be playing together.” He remembers that phrase because it brings tears to his eyes.
The doctor continued, getting to the meat of his life advice. When people sacrifice their playfulness and joyfulness, they miss out. He blames the origin of this behavior trait on childhood trauma, adding that play and joy are essential. He ends by saying we should all keep playing in the Enchanted Forest.
Slide down that slide. Grab a swing and see how high you can go. Share this with friends and enjoy life!
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