Authentic Heart (eBook)

JOHN AMODEO, Ph.D., with over twenty years of experience counseling clients, is the author of Love & Betrayal and Being Intimate. A former contributing editor for Yoga Journal, he has taught workshops and classes at Esalen Institute, the Omega Institute, the New York Open Center, and elsewhere. Dr. Amodeo has made appearances on CNN, CNBC, Donahue, and other national television and radio programs.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

THE FIRST STEP: PREPARE YOUR UNDERSTANDING: FROM YOUNG LOVE TO
MATURE LOVE.

New Beginnings.

Comparative Love 101.

THE SECOND STEP: IDENTIFY THE SHAME THAT KEEPS LOVE AWAY.

The Nature of Shame.

Your Inner Critic: The Voice of Shame.

THE THIRD STEP: SUMMON THE COURAGE TO AFFIRM THE AUTHENTIC YOU.

Getting to Authenticity.

Celebrate Your Authentic Self.

THE FOURTH STEP: RESPECT YOURSELF THROUGH BOUNDARIES.

Boundaries as a Foundation for Intimacy.

THE FIFTH STEP: PRACTICE SELF-SOOTHING AND SELF-CONNECTION.

The Softening Ingredient.

Focusing: A Path to Befriending Yourself.

Spiritual Self-Soothing.

THE SIX STEP: RESPECT OTHERS THROUGH KIND CONVERSATION.

Gentle Honesty.

Speak and Connect from Your Authentic Heart.

THE SEVENTH STEP: BUILD TRUST THROUGH A PROCESS COMMITMENT.

Being Committed to the Process.

The Key Ingredients of Trust.

THE EIGHT STEP: DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF LOVE AND SEXUALITY.

The Ingredients of Love.

A Deepening Sexuality.

Conclusion: Toward a Mature Spirituality.

References.

A Guide to Resources.

Index.

"The Authentic Heart is a sound, insightful, warmly written book
which I highly recommend to anyone wanting more loving, joyful
relationships. John Amodeo is a thoughtful and heartfelt writer,
who addresses with great clarity, wisdom, and practicality the key
steps that are necessary for building authentic, mature, loving
connections -- not only with others, but also with oneself."

--John Bradshaw, New York Times bestselling author of
Healing the Shame that Binds You

"Just what millions want to know--not only how to make love
last, but how to make lasting love new again and again. This
warm-hearted and clear-headed book is full of practical
wisdom."

--Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks, authors of Conscious Loving
and The Conscious Heart

"The Authentic Heart is a beautifully written, hope-filled
celebration of spiritually rich intimacy. If that's what you are
seeking, you must read this book."

--Judith Sherven, Ph.D. James Sniechowski, Ph.D., authors of
The New Intimacy and Opening to Love 365 Days a Year

"John Amodeo is a brilliant writer. With breathtaking clarity and
simplicity, he makes the enduring truths of conscious relationships
fully accessible to contemporary readers. His penetrating insights
illuminate the path to deep love and intimacy."

--William Collinge, Ph.D., author of Subtle Energy

"John Amodeo is the most thoughtful writer on relationships that
I know. I

recommend this book to anyone seeking insight and solutions to
relationship issues."

--Dr. Jim Dreaver, author of The Ultimate Cure and The
Way of Harmony

"Full of warmth and wisdom, this book inspires us to let go of the
illusions of youth, learn from the lessons life has taught us thus
far and begin again with a renewed sense of humility and
compassion."

--Susan Campbell, Ph.D., author of Getting Real: The 10 Truth
Skills You Need to Live an Authentic Life and From Chaos to
Confidence: Survival Strategies for the New Workplace

"The Authentic Heart offers practical, wise, and
compassionate guidance for midlife love."

--Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart and After
the Ecstasy, the Laundry