Embodying the Goddess - by Cynthia Abulafia (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Discover your own inner goddess.

Cynthia Abulafia introduces a map of the complete spiritual process rooted in history, spiritual traditions, and modern science, by recalling the radically inclusive divine feminine principles of curiosity and reverence.

Spiritual traditions and religions often ask seekers to transcend something: the body, the mind, the human experience? Spirituality has for centuries, if not millennia, focused on moving beyond the human body and life. But embodiment matters, and is crucial. Many spiritual seekers have been offered an incomplete map of the spiritual process with a goal from "salvation" to "samadhi." Abulafia calls this the transcendence bias: when a tradition teaches us to go up and out but forgets to tell us how to come back into the body.

Embodying the Goddess is about turning back in and toward the body, mind, and intuitive field, and finding spiritual recognition in the individual- limitations and all. The Goddess path is one where the spiritual practice is firmly experienced in life.

Review Quotes

"Cynthia Abulafia has lived with many forms of the Goddess throughout her life. In this book, she offers questions, stories and guidance inviting others along the path she has found. As a mother, yogini, teacher, and spouse--and most of all, a human being--she writes with kindness, humor, wisdom, and compassion for integrating transcendence and every day immanent life. Truly a valuable friend to have along the way!" --Hallie Austen Iglehart, author of The Heart of the Goddess

"This book invites a deep renewal of acquaintance with oneself. Through engaging philosophical principles, parables, and familiar, concrete examples, it celebrates ways of knowing the Goddess who already resides within us." --Dr. Emily Lord-Kambitsch, professor, Mythological Studies Program, Pacifica Graduate Institute

"Embodying the Goddess is a transformative journey into the universal goddess that resides in us all. This book beautifully reminds us to live from the heart--and of our innate strength, intuition, and connection to the sacred feminine." --Julia Rockwell, author of Mothering Earth: The Busy Family's Guide to Saving the Planet

"A beautiful book about the feminine approach to nondual awakening, which men interested in this subject will love too. Two things stand out in terms of realizing the goal of true inner freedom; first, we are either moving toward compulsion, with all its limitations, or open-hearted reverence; and second, curiosity is the most essential trait in self-inquiry, because it leads us to our true nature--peaceful, loving, and free!" --Jim Dreaver, non-duality teacher and author of End Your Story, Begin Your Life

"Cynthia's book is a lucid and powerful guide for those seeking the highest form of success: living a beautiful and just life. As a scholar of ancient traditions and a yogi, the author combines both academic rigor and embodied intuition to guide us closer to the truth of what it means to be alive at this moment in time. Being in her presence, reading these words, is in itself a profound form of healing, for ourselves and the planet." --Flavia Maia, PhD, Obama scholar, Dalai Lama Fellow, activist and founder of Filha do Sol, a woman led environmental initiative on the frontlines of climate change in Brazil

"Embodying the Goddess is a profound exploration of the divine feminine and a call to action for our personal and collective healing. A beacon for those seeking to understand the divine as a living presence within their own body, mind, heart, and everyday actions. Abulafia's deep reverence for the Goddess path, informed by her own experiences and extensive studies, makes this book an essential read and roadmap for anyone yearning to deepen their spiritual practice and embody the divine in every aspect of their lives." --Richard Miller, PhD, founder, iRest Institute and author of Yoga Nidra: The iRest Meditative Practice for Deep Relaxation and Healing

"What I find remarkable about Embodying the Goddess is Cynthia's combination of deep scholarly rigor and her exploration of the spiritual human experience. In a time when Yoga practices have become commodified, Cynthia's willingness to engage deeply with ancient texts and nuanced ideas is refreshing. She explores the complexities of embodiment, offering a rich intellectual framework, yet encourages the reader to move beyond words and into personal, lived experience--where the true depth, challenge, and vulnerability of this journey lies. These are tricky concepts to capture, but worth moving towards and examining nonetheless." --Kaita Mrazek, author, founder of The Listening Movement (TheListeningMovement.com)

About the Author

Abulafia is part of a tantric shakta lineage. She has spent most of her adult life studying the goddess figure in archeology, religion, and psychology. She is also currently in the master's program on Yogic Studies at Naropa University. Already she has the highest teaching credentials in yoga, including 500 E-RYT, YACEP, C-IAYT (Yoga Therapy) and others. She has taught yoga, yoga therapy, and trauma informed movement for over 20 years, and is a lead teacher trainer at Yoga Soup in Santa Barbara. She holds a master's degree in nutrition (MSNE). She lives in Santa Barbara, CA.