Description
Book SynopsisThe richest, most fulfilling love of your life is yet to come!
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
The Authentic Heart is a groundbreaking, insightful, warmly written book that I highly recommend to anyone wanting more loving, joyful relationships. John Amodeo 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 warmhearted and clearheaded book is full of practical wisdom.--Gay Hendricks, Ph.D., and Kathlyn Hendricks, Ph.D., authors of Conscious Loving and The Conscious Heart
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments.
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.
