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Unbinding the Heart: A Dose of Greek Wisdom, Generosity, and Unconditional Love
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.
197 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2012
32 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Agapi Stassinopoulos
19 books72 followersAGAPI STASSINOPOULOS is a best-selling author and speaker who inspires audiences around the world. In her previous book, Unbinding the Heart: A Dose of Greek Wisdom, Generosity, and Unconditional Love, she shares the wisdom from her life’s adventures and experiences. In her new book, Wake Up to the Joy of You: 52 Meditations and Practices for a Calmer, Happier Life, she takes readers on a journey and inspires them to let go of what doesn’t work and instead create the lives they really want. Agapi was trained in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and then moved on to receive her master’s degree in psychology from the University of Santa Monica. Her previous books on the Greek archetypes, Gods and Goddesses in Love and Conversations with the Goddesses, were turned into PBS specials. She is currently conducting workshops for Thrive Global, a company founded by her sister, Arianna Huffington, to help change the way we work and live. She divides her time between New York and Los Angeles and was born and raised in Athens, Greece.
FIND HER online at www.WakeUptotheJoyofYou.com
FIND HER online at www.WakeUptotheJoyofYou.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 20, 2017
Finally finished. She doesn't break any ground, but she does have some good reminders here and there. The problem is she's so enamored of herself and her wisdom and she has such an insatiable need for attention that you're tired just reading about her; she must be exhausting to be around.
March 19, 2012
It is very seldom that I read a book and think "Everyone I know would both enjoy and benefit from this work." Agapi Stassinopoulos' "Unbinding the Heart" is just such a book.
Stassinopoulos shares 32 short stories and one poem in this book, which is actually a memoir of sorts. She talks about a number of life lessons she learned from her Greek family (in particular her mother) and, along the way, shares ideas about reconnecting with one's true self. So many people have found that their true desires have been subsumed by familial or societal expectations that they are put on the shelf. Stassinopoulos shares simple ways to change that (while still earning a living, of course).
I found the stories thought-provoking and well-written. There were times that I laughed and yes, times that I cried or came very close to doing so. Reading Stassinopoulos' book felt like having a conversation with a wise friend.
Highly recommended.
Stassinopoulos shares 32 short stories and one poem in this book, which is actually a memoir of sorts. She talks about a number of life lessons she learned from her Greek family (in particular her mother) and, along the way, shares ideas about reconnecting with one's true self. So many people have found that their true desires have been subsumed by familial or societal expectations that they are put on the shelf. Stassinopoulos shares simple ways to change that (while still earning a living, of course).
I found the stories thought-provoking and well-written. There were times that I laughed and yes, times that I cried or came very close to doing so. Reading Stassinopoulos' book felt like having a conversation with a wise friend.
Highly recommended.
February 3, 2012
What a wonderful, thought provoking book. I completely enjoyed this novel. As other readers have expressed, I couldn't put it down. I lost myself while reading.
Unbinding the Heart is a perfect title. We could all use a little unbinding at times.
This is the book you should give to friends as a gift. Everyone has stress in their lives, especially with today's economy and problems. We can all learn from Agapi's
words and experiences.
Be good to yourself, while getting this for friends, don't forget to get a copy for yourself. Sit down with a cup of tea and read the Greek wisdom within these pages!
Even if you are not a fan of 'spiritual/self help' books, you WILL enjoy this book and take something away with you.
Unbinding the Heart is a perfect title. We could all use a little unbinding at times.
This is the book you should give to friends as a gift. Everyone has stress in their lives, especially with today's economy and problems. We can all learn from Agapi's
words and experiences.
Be good to yourself, while getting this for friends, don't forget to get a copy for yourself. Sit down with a cup of tea and read the Greek wisdom within these pages!
Even if you are not a fan of 'spiritual/self help' books, you WILL enjoy this book and take something away with you.
May 2, 2016
In a beautifully subtle way, Agapi teaches without teaching, as she shares stories and memories of her Greek upbringing and how the lessons her mother so gorgeously lived impacted and informed the way she now interprets the world around her.
I listened to the audio version read by Agapi and it's beautiful to hear the stories with the author's own inflections.
I listened to the audio version read by Agapi and it's beautiful to hear the stories with the author's own inflections.
July 23, 2017
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. This book is life changing!
August 7, 2015
I got this at a women's conference and thought for sure it would be a flip through and donate--but then somewhere around the middle it took a turn for the (somewhat) profound. Or, given the amount of time it took me to read this, she just happened to catch me at a less cynical time.
Her book is a series of short parables, taken from her own life, with maxims either directly in the chapter title or at the end. Sometimes they're in both places. The beginning is more autobiographical, and when you approach it that way it lets you strip away your skepticism and enjoy the beauty of her story.
Stassinopoulos has a talent for making the mundane dramatic and tying the events in her already remarkable life to the cosmic. I'm not saying I'm going to move to another continent and feel emotions down to my soul. Yet, she makes these things seem like part of the richest, most vibrant tapestry of life which we too could experience.
Sure, her life and mine are WILDLY different, but the biggest takeaway for me is really the power of her storytelling. Stassinpoulos connects all of her experiences and clearly demonstrates their power. I'm a little less sold on her attempts to tell me I can achieve the same in my life.
Her book is a series of short parables, taken from her own life, with maxims either directly in the chapter title or at the end. Sometimes they're in both places. The beginning is more autobiographical, and when you approach it that way it lets you strip away your skepticism and enjoy the beauty of her story.
Stassinopoulos has a talent for making the mundane dramatic and tying the events in her already remarkable life to the cosmic. I'm not saying I'm going to move to another continent and feel emotions down to my soul. Yet, she makes these things seem like part of the richest, most vibrant tapestry of life which we too could experience.
Sure, her life and mine are WILDLY different, but the biggest takeaway for me is really the power of her storytelling. Stassinpoulos connects all of her experiences and clearly demonstrates their power. I'm a little less sold on her attempts to tell me I can achieve the same in my life.
November 17, 2014
“Unbinding the Heart” was a mix of getting to know about Agapi Stassinopoulos and compelling ways to overcome life’s challenges. This book has many of Agapi’s experiences told in such a way that it inspires and motivates the reader to foster a better understanding of what life is all about.
Beautifully written, this book is one that reads fast and is hard to put down. The reader will enjoy traveling with the author from Greece, London, California, and New York as Agapi goes through her life lessons. The book evokes many levels of emotion from happiness to forgiveness and all in between. Connecting with the author in many of the situations that occurs makes this book great for anyone to check out. There is a message for all within this read.
This book shares many memories and experiences with Agapi’s mother, Elli. Throughout the book you see how Elli’s loving nature and complete support of her daughters helped shape them into the beautiful women they are today.
Beautifully written, this book is one that reads fast and is hard to put down. The reader will enjoy traveling with the author from Greece, London, California, and New York as Agapi goes through her life lessons. The book evokes many levels of emotion from happiness to forgiveness and all in between. Connecting with the author in many of the situations that occurs makes this book great for anyone to check out. There is a message for all within this read.
This book shares many memories and experiences with Agapi’s mother, Elli. Throughout the book you see how Elli’s loving nature and complete support of her daughters helped shape them into the beautiful women they are today.
July 11, 2018
The purchase of this book was very instant for me. I am happy the decision I made and would recommend this book. This book has incidents, stories and an exposure to the Greek culture which was enticing for me to read. I completely enjoyed reading the book because it was an opportunity I felt forgotten to reconnect the wires to oneself.
Reading this book has been completely easing, relaxing. I always enjoyed especially on my weekends with some coffee I felt was being part of the talks incidents, a cultural exchange of experiences stress-free.
I am not a fan of spiritual and self-help books, but this one was a good one to read and treasure this copy on my shelf.
Reading this book has been completely easing, relaxing. I always enjoyed especially on my weekends with some coffee I felt was being part of the talks incidents, a cultural exchange of experiences stress-free.
I am not a fan of spiritual and self-help books, but this one was a good one to read and treasure this copy on my shelf.
Read
March 16, 2012One sitting, 2 hours total. Done. Agapi has a way with words, that makes you say that's me, that's me. You will love her story, her mom's words of wisdom will stay with you forever. Unbinding your heart, what does that mean? Read this book, you will be touched forever.
"Take care of your capital" --- so many other brilliant words of wisdom in this book. What an excellent gift for all the women in your life.
Make sure you go online and check out Agapi's website, thesevengoddesses.com --
Fantastically brilliant!
"Take care of your capital" --- so many other brilliant words of wisdom in this book. What an excellent gift for all the women in your life.
Make sure you go online and check out Agapi's website, thesevengoddesses.com --
Fantastically brilliant!
September 19, 2017
Yeah so either I'm super cynical, or just not into self-help books, or both, but I found the author's voice SUPER ANNOYING!! I thought it'd be this great book with uplifting advice, quotes and yummy Greek recipes thrown in. I've spent some time in Greece, and it's one of my favorite places. A place to relax, learn and eat, but I felt the author(based in the US) skimmed over difficult processes and tied up loose ends too easily. Glad I read it, but don't know how much of the advice I'll take into my daily life.
May 9, 2012
Reading this is like having a hot chocolate with your best friend. She is such a gorgeous story teller, and beautifully authentic. I didn't want this book to end. I feel like I have a new friend, and when I meet her one day I know I'll hug her inappropriately and she will love it. Enjoy this truly fabulous book.
May 19, 2012
Wow .. This book is like a warm hug. It inspires you, moves you makes you think and mostly makes you feel like you want to live. Agapi shares her stories that is somewhat connects with all of us in someway or another. This book will make you want to love yourself and people around you. It is a great book.
It is such well written book that i cam up to a point that i never wanted it to end.
It is such well written book that i cam up to a point that i never wanted it to end.
Read
April 5, 2014A series of short stories, each with its own message to share. I highlighted lots of passages that provide great insights on how to live life in the moment. I had the pleasure of listening to Agapi in person. What a beautiful, outgoing lady
February 14, 2017
This is a lovely compilation of life lessons shared in the form of charming short stories from the author's life. It's a nice mix of memoir, insight, and inspiration with a handful of Greek goddesses sprinkled on top.
November 20, 2012
A must read
May 13, 2012
This review can be found on Amazon.com as part of the Vine program or my book blog www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
June 11, 2013
Fabulous story of the Pursuit of Happiness, done the right way!
August 1, 2013
AMAZING!!!
December 10, 2013
Nice book about how to really live. Nice, feel-good book!
October 14, 2014
A wonderful book. Tremendously powerful in a light way. Love is present in every line.
January 21, 2016
Wonderful short chapters. Wise messages
September 10, 2021
Wow. I decided to read this on a trip to the Greek Cycladic islands. I’m solo traveling and picked this book because I felt called to connect to my heritage through Greek wisdom. Agapi’s love is powerful and you feel it through the book. Someone in a different review said they imagine she’s exhausting, whereas I feel the opposite. If I met her, I’d imagine she’d be easy to open up to, and make you feel loved and valid.
Going through a pivotal time in my life, I feel like I got the lessons from the book that I was after, and reading it throughout my trip was all the more special. I will be recommending it to friends and family.
Going through a pivotal time in my life, I feel like I got the lessons from the book that I was after, and reading it throughout my trip was all the more special. I will be recommending it to friends and family.
July 3, 2025
relentlessly positive which I appreciate, and extremely confident in herself. however she only talks of the positive and lucky and amazing things that happened in her life which edges on bragging. it would have much more depth to also discuss some hardships in life even if small. if I'm being honest if this book was written by a man I would have never gotten through it, but it is much more rare to read a book by a female author who is so unabashedly confident. it's a quick and super easy read and I enjoyed it enough to finish.
September 23, 2018
Wonderful book !
October 11, 2018
This is definitely a book worth giving! It’s lighthearted with practical wisdom from Agapi’s upbringing and life experiences. Little jewels of wisdom from her unique perspective.
January 15, 2023
Self absorb, nothing to learn from this book, all points super sugarcoated
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews