Unbinding the Heart - by Agapi Stassinopoulos (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Unbinding the Heart invites us on an inspiring journey of inner exploration to reconnect with our true selves. Born in Greece, a country that celebrates life, Agapi Stassinopoulos learned the essential truths of happiness through the examples of wisdom, caring, playfulness, and generosity she saw all around her, starting with her own mother. She came to realize that we are all born with open hearts, but that we quickly learn to put conditions on our happiness--comparing ourselves to others, casting judgment, doubting ourselves, allowing fear or entitlement or self-righteousness to take hold--and slowly our hearts begin to close. We isolate ourselves, feeling alone, disconnected, and unheard; and in doing so, we immobilize our spirit, stifle our authentic expression, and cut off our joy. As she went on, Agapi, like so many of us, came under the soul-constricting influences of the larger world. In her struggle to find her place and her voice, trying to balance the acting career she dreamed of with the spiritual life she longed for, she discovered a path that was uniquely hers. Unbinding the Heart shows how she found her way home to herself. In 32 personal, heartfelt stories full of insight and humor, Agapi takes us from her mother's bountiful kitchen, where the seeds of fearless living were planted, to the London classical stage, to an epiphany on a New York City bus--and inspires us with the confidence to let go of the beliefs that bind us and come to a deeper understanding of life and love.

Review Quotes

"Besides being a loving sister, Agapi has an innate wisdom and a gift for communicating it to her readers. The insight and passion that she brings to Unbinding the Heart, and the lessons it holds for bringing freedom and grace into our lives, make it a must-read book."
-- Arianna Huffington, president and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post Media Group

"I laughed, I cried, I got a craving for hummus . . . read this book, it's smashing."
-- Tracey Ullman

"A joyous, loving, generous romp!"
-- Seth Godin, author of Poke the Box

"Agapi shares her heart with us through her personal stories, full of hope and possibilities, and inspires us to open our own hearts to more loving for ourselves and others."
-- Donna Karan, founder of Urban Zen

"Unbinding the Heart is like a sumptuous Greek feast. It is a place filled with family, friends, and lovers, offering sustenance for the mind and spirit. Agapi's colorful stories are full of spiritual depth and personal insight which will nourish the soul of her readers."
-- Lisa Oz, author of Us

"Agapi's book is a life changer one that triggers us to find the richness in our hearts and share it with others."
-- Blake Mycoskie, founder and chief shoe giver of TOMS

"Unbinding the Heart, with its beautiful prose, comes at a perfect time, reminding us that even if life's grip becomes cold, we have the resources to heal ourselves. The book is as warm as any hearth in any loving home. It is a call to the remembrance of love's power."
-- Anna Deavere Smith, actress and playwright

"Agapi's book is like a warm hug that inspires you to live as authentically and openly as possible."
-- Marlo Thomas, actress and best-selling author of Growing Up Laughing

"This book dives into the center of Agapi's heart and shares pearls of wisdom of how to keep one's heart open and fluid, which has a direct relationship to the health of your physical heart. You'll gain such value and wisdom in reading this book."
-- Dr. Dean Ornish, author of The Spectrum and Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease

"The power of Agapi's message, grounded in her mother's wisdom, transcends simple advice to others. She has the rare ability not only to write such wisdom, but to magically convey it, person to person. I am in awe and gratitude."
-- Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Reinventing Medicine, Healing Words, and One Mind

About the Author

Agapi Stassinopoulos was born and raised in Athens, Greece. At age 18, she entered the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and afterward became a member of the Young Vic. She moved to the United States to do film and television, and later attended the University of Santa Monica, where she completed her Master's in Psychology. While her sister, Arianna Huffington, was doing research for her book about Greek mythology, Agapi's love for the gods and goddesses was ignited and led to two books of her own - 'Conversations with the Goddesses' and 'Gods and Goddesses in Love - ' as well as a one-woman show and a PBS special. She also coproduced and cohosted a documentary called 'Quest for the Gods, ' shot on location in Greece. Agapi has been invited to speak at various international events and global conferences, and has also spoken about health and well-being for The Spirit of Women organization, which represents hundreds of hospitals around the country. An inspiring teacher, Agapi conducts seminars worldwide for both men and women, empowering them to recognize their individual gifts and create the lives they want. She is a frequent blogger for 'The Huffington Post.'