Unbinding the Heart: A Dose of Greek Wisdom, Generosity, and Unconditional Love [Hardcover]

Agapi Stassinopoulos (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2012

In Unbinding the Heart, author, speaker, and Huffington Post regular Agapi Stassinopoulos invites readers on an inspiring journey of inner exploration to reconnect with their true selves.

Born in Greece, a country that celebrates life, Agapi 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 everyone is born with an open heart, 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 readers with the confidence to let go of the beliefs that bind them and come to a deeper understanding of life and love.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Agapi Stassinopoulos is an authentic, genuine, and inspirational writer and speaker who knows how to connect with and move her audience. She brings out the beauty, power, and independence in all of us.”

— Deepak Chopra, author of War of the Worldviews

“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

“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 each other and 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

 

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 197 pages
• Publisher: Hay House (February 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9789381430738
• ISBN-13: 978-1401930738
• ASIN: 1401930735
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (111 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More 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.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So enjoyable, inspirational, and authentic January 30, 2012

By Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald

Format:Hardcover

After having read this wonderful book for the third time, I had to post a review! When I first opened Unbinding the Heart, I thought I would just read a chapter or two. As I finished each chapter, I kept saying telling myself "one more chapter" until I found myself staying up all night to finish the book! Usually I fall asleep with a book in my hands; this is the first time I can remember a book having the opposite effect.

What about this book kept me wanting more?

What is unique about this book is that the author, Agapi Stassinopoulos, conveys her authenticity, warmth, and vulnerability in a way that draws you in. Agapi takes you through a fascinating journey of her life in Greece and the United States. As you read the stories, you connect with Agapi's amazing heart. The book is so well written and intimate that I felt like Agapi was holding my hand through the journey of life, guiding me with real life examples that helped her find her authentic self. She gave me hope that I can find mine. Agapi doesn't shy away from sharing her deepest struggles. She comes across as a very sincere and humble person with a deeply caring heart. She also has a great sense of humor!

Some books that fall into the self-help category can be useful in that they give us principles to ponder. Often those ideas primarily affect our intellect, however, and we think these principles would be good to incorporate, and we may consider them. What sets Unbinding the Heart apart from most self-help books that I have read is that this book speaks from the heart of the author to the heart of the reader. As I was reading and simply enjoying the stories, not looking for any advice, per se, I found that I experienced several insights that allowed me to experience healing in my own life. I felt like I had received an infusion of grace that truly opened my heart.

In a culture that seems saturated with "life coaches" and "relationship experts", Agapi makes no claims to be an expert on how to live life or navigate relationships. Yet, ironically she is a true expert, a wise teacher--she actually walks the talk.

This beautiful book is also a great gift. I've given it to several people who wouldn't ever be caught reading a "self-help" or "spiritual" book. They found Agapi and her stories so enjoyable, and their hearts were touched in magnificent, unexpected ways.

I think the author is really onto something with this "unbinding the heart" concept. In a culture striving to accumulate more Facebook friends and Twitter followers, Agapi reminds us of the intimacy we need with our friends and family to really be whole.

Unbinding the Heart is such a gift. It draws you in, touches your heart, and leaves you hopeful, more inspired, and wanting to spend time on a Greek island with Agapi listening to more of her stories!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book lives up to its title January 17, 2012

By J. Rich

Format:Hardcover

Agapi Stassinopolous, sister of Huffington Post founder, Arianna Huffington, is a force of nature. Her newest book, Unbinding The Heart, more than lives up to her name, Agapi, meaning unconditional love. Like a cornucopia overflowing with goodness, Agapi is the personification of abundance. Her love of life, her passion, generosity, and authenticity literally flies off the page, lands in your lap and wraps itself around you like a big, warm hug that immediately melts your heart and lays it open.

This book is an invitation for each of us to discover who we are as we share the author's journey of self discovery, one that takes her from her home in Greece where she was born and grew up, to London where she studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, to Los Angeles in hopes of becoming an actress, and ultimately, all over the world. Her story is as much about her disappointments as her triumphs, and the valuable wisdom she learned from each.

Unbinding The Heart is ultimately a tribute to, Elli, Agapi's mother, who not only gave her the name that would define the path she traveled throughout her life, but also imbedded in her very soul, the practical wisdom and guidance that would help to keep her on that path when the way became obscured. And obscured it became, as it surely does for each one of us.

This book made me laugh; it made me cry. I heard the voice of my own inner critic echoed through Agapi's voice as she shares her struggle to find authentic self- expression, and the courage to love and accept her self. In finding her way through and beyond her fear, Agapi illuminates the path for others who dare to know who they are.

This is the story of a real woman, with all her imperfections and insecurities, with the same kinds of issues and concerns that plague most women, and she makes no attempt to hide them. Agapi invites us to break the ties that bind the heart by going into the most difficult places within, for that is where we'll find the very love, self-acceptance and forgiveness we seek.

Every woman who ever thought she didn't deserve to have her dreams turn out, who ever wanted to give up on herself or perhaps never even begin, will discover a gem within these pages that helps to light the way and open a door to expanded self-awareness.

Agapi's story allows us to see our own greatness, feel the heat of our own passion, and rediscover the dreams we left behind long ago. Unbinding The Heart rekindled an old dream of my own to visit Greece before I die. After finishing the book, I knew I had to go. As I'll be celebrating my 70th birthday this year, I've chosen to celebrate it in Greece with my family and a few close friends. I am thrilled!

Be sure to read this book, it is a blessing. I can truly say that it helped my heart become unbound in ways for which I am beyond grateful. I now see my own path more clearly.

My sincere thanks to Agapi for writing this book and to the synchronicity of events that brought it to my attention. As she writes in her book, this is how we can expect life to occur when we are free and open to receive life's abundance.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Straight from the Heart January 21, 2012

By nitsa VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

Prior to reviewing this book, I wanted to get some background on the author Agapi Stassinopoulos. I was surprised to find out that she is the sister of Arianna Huffington. Agapi, at the age of 18 was inspired to start an acting career, moving to London to study at the Royal Academy of Arts. She then moved to the United States pursue acting and eventually obtained a Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. The reasoning for my research of the author is being that I am of Greek descent I wanted to find out who she was and what inspired her to write such an insightful book. Based on her mother's simple lessons that author has broken up the book into 32 chapters and ending with the poem "Itahaka" by C.P. Cavafy.
Each story includes her mother' s wisdom and sayings. Both Arianna and Agapi had different talents but their mother treated them as such and did not compare nor insinuate why one sister was a better dancer than the other.
The stories include Greek customs and traditions such as being surrounded by family and friends. Agapi shows that in your time of need they will be there to help. She provides a funny story when the they were getting ready to go to the theater and the mother locked her handbag in the apartment with the tickets and money along with her keys in the bag. While her daughters were worried as to how to get to the theater, what to do without any tickets, the mother relied on the help of friends and even the fire department to make the evening enjoyable. The lesson here was to stop worrying and enjoy the present moment. Everything will be alright and it was. We need to stop thinking about the negative and tun it around to a positive experience in order to enjoy life.
Forgiveness plays an intricate part in the book also. Agapi's mom instigated in her girls that you must forgive yourself first in order to forgive others. Stop living in the past in order to move forward.
Reading these stories, I couldn't help but bring my own Greek mother up in my mind and all the lessons she taught me while growing up. I am thankful that she is still with me and only a phone call away. Just like Agapi I also have sister who is younger than me. Yes we are both different in our ways and our Mom treated us as such. In one story by Agapi she tells the reader how one sister was a better dancer than the other but her mother did not compare but in her own way encouraged her daughters to strive for their dreams as individuals and not try to emulate the other sister. Again this brought up memories of my upbringing. I found it fascinating that Agapi's mother indulge to provide intellectual discussions to her daughters and involve them in yoga at a time in Greece where women were expected to not go to a higher education and but to marry young and start a family. Agapi's mom had her daughters read thought provoking authors and prepare them for great achievements.

There are many self help books on the market and I find many of them to just be repetitive and boring in nature. This book was funny, inspiring and helped me cast out negative thoughts. It gave me hope that things will eventually work out not by some miracle but by me alone. It is true that we are own worse enemy. We are too hard on ourselves. We dwell too much on the past and do not see what the future holds. I now look at past mistakes as a lesson learned and nor longer beat myself up about it.

Agapi's mom was a smart woman, speaking three languages and very literate. She was an amazing mother who gave great confidence to her daughters. She never once put them down. She encouraged on the positive instead of pondering on the negative. This is a gift that I am taking and using it on my children to help them succeed both emotionally and physically.

This book made me feel better about myself and showed me what I can do to be a better person. For those who would like an easy and fun read with a lesson to take away I would recommend this book. By taking one step at a time we can be happier