Tapping the Power Within: A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women

by Iyanla Vanzant

The revised and expanded 20th-anniversary edition of Iyanla Vanzant ’s first published work offers a powerful path to self-empowerment through the revitalization of one’s spiritual and ancestral roots. Written with Iyanla’s signature healing stories, this classic guide to uniting the will with the spirit teaches that only you have the power to make a change for the better. With chapters on basic breathing and meditation techniques, setting up a home altar, connecting with ancestors and guardian spirits, and the extraordinary power of forgiveness, this book is a perfect companion on the way toward the real you. Known for teaching by principle and example, this exclusive edition also contains Iyanla’s special “What I Know Now” commentaries and an original CD. These tools will challenge you to stop struggling and start recognizing that it is possible to reconcile your humanity with your divinity. Whether you are a beginner on the path or a veteran in need of refreshment, Iyanla’s prescriptions can support your growth from the comfort of spiritual adolescence to the wisdom of spiritual maturity. You no longer need to settle for the way things are . . . you can open up to the way things can be— if you dare to tap the power within!

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Feminism

285 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1992

About the author

In Peace From Broken Pieces New York Times best-selling author Iyanla Vanzant she recounts the last decade of her life and the spiritual lessons learnedfrom the price of success during her meteoric rise as a TV celebrity on Oprah, the Iyanla TV show (produced by Barbara Walters), to the dissolution of her marriage and her daughters 15 months of illness and death on Christmas day. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Iyanla shares why everything we need to learn is reflected in our relationships and the strength and wisdom she has gained by supporting others in their journeys to make sense out of the puzzle pieces of their lives.
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Reviews

[Aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to establish structured spiritual practices. It almost felt like I was reading an instruction manual on harnessing my faith and centering myself. Definitely a good read - especially if you are exploring ways to approach ritual & religion outside the structure of a church or temple

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. I was especially interested to find out why this book was specifically addressed to black women. I found that for the most part it's for all women. I was captured by each chapter and really didn't want to put it down but paced myself so that I could take it all in. I am going to go back to the chapter on forgiveness and do what she suggests. It can't hurt. Fabulous job on this one. Highly recommend as she has great insight and stories that we all can learn and take away from.

[Toni Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life.

[Catherine Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical reminder of how we all live a spiritual life every day.

This book was written by Iyanla Vanzant, who is a Yoruba priestess and an ordained minister in Christian New Thought. I found the book very easy to read, and her tone was informal and inspirational. She is basically a human just like the rest of us, who has had unique experiences throughout her life that have shaped her spiritual beliefs and general attitude. The book was helpful in making me realize that my own spiritual journey runs alongside my daily life, and on many occasions interconnects with it. I came away with renewed determination and vigour, and I admire Vanzant for her frank accounts of life in describing how other people can learn to help themselves to be happier and more fulfilled.

[Sharon]

This a book to read for personal development and it is also a workbook, with techniques and exercises to apply to your own life, so you have to apply the ideas and then go back to the book and reread the specific chapter to see if you have understood the principles. It is abook to which I will refer often in a hope to master the changes I want to make in my life. I recommend it!

[Valerie Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book! Written poignantly, with a forthright voice from one of my favorite authors. Honest, bold, well written, it's a beautiful book. (This is the new version...20th year anniversary edition.)

[Zafirah Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is for all women.

[Amy Sullivan wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

She has now updated this book and it now for all women! Wonderful book, would like to reread soon.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever ails you starts and ends with you. It's a hard pill to swallow, but taking it requires one to look at oneself and examine why you are in the situation you are in? I also enjoyed the CD that comes wtih the book, and the book referred me to Byron Katie's "Loving What Is", because I love Katie's car analogy on what to do with your grown children. Sorry folks, I can't give it away: you have to read the bookS (capitol "S" intended) and enjoy the point yourselves! Happy reading and self-reflection/discovery!

[Rebecca]

I just saw her on Tavis Smiley last night. I read "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up" about 10 years ago (a gift from a friend -- I finished most of it I think...) and would enjoy reading her again. Or maybe this is just like "The Secret," which was FLYING off the shelves when I worked at a big name chain bookstore in Indy. :)

[Evette Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The process of healing and loving ourselves from the painful past experiences we have had as Black women and as hue-man beings.

[Katherine Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

i learned about the blessing of the head and so many great things now she as her 20th anniversary edition out on shelves

[Sananaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book didn't teach me how to meditate, but I did find it empowering. I had to try some other methods to feel like I understood meditation. Now, my favorite form is practicing Tai Chi.

[Shalonda Williams-Lynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many of us are unaware that we possess power within us. In this book, through her personal views, Iyanla shows us how to know it is there and how to "activate" it.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Motivational & Inspirational.

[Nzinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book saved my Life is what you make it. At 17 years old set me on fire. Must read.

[Indigo Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES read

[Odetta]

I need to buy this book (this was a library loan) There are pieces that I want to keep returning to and read over with my growth. I truly enjoyed this read!

[Kate Rog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this last summer and absolutely LOVED IT! So much truth inside.

[Scented Pages]

Words cannot describe how happy i am to have read this book!!! It put order to what i was feeling/ thinking spiritually.Gave me a blueprint of what to do spiritually. Not only that but it answered many questions i have been asking myself for months now. It calmed my confusion on matters like God blessing us, and answering our prayers.I love how she understands the plight of a lot of black women spiritually in feeling "i am a black women and feel a STRONG PULL toward African spirituality but i also have been raised and taught to believe in Christ.Is it possible that the two go hand in hand and if so HOW?" One of the main points i was able to take away from Tapping The Power Within is the importance of ritual. Having a little order and consistency in your days and ur spiritual life. I wrote out my ritual in my journal: MORNING RITUAL: exercise spiritual bath with epsom salts essential oils and incense. Anointing and blessing myself during these spiritual baths. Just relaxing and releasing EVENING RITUAL: -observing my evening tidy up -cooking -bathing the kids and making sure she gets her spiritual bath -pouring libations w/poots -blessing/anointing/praying with Poots -watching productive television ( like a spiritual dvd , or something funny like Ellen to raise the Vibrations) NIGHT TIME RITUAL (i am at work) -journaling -prayer/affirmations -mediation -spiritual/educational video -reading as much as possible In my spiritual journey I have been looking for more opportunities lately to be of service and to give more of myself and my resources. This book was a eye opener and a life changer for me.

[C.]

Tapping the Power Within is not what I expected. The book is not Iyanla's normal Inspirational or feel-good nonfiction. I hoped she would cover some EFT tapping, prayers, and inspirational messages. Instead, she provided everything else. She talks about her search for mystic answers, using crystals, financial and professional loss, family troubles, suicide attempts, psychotic breaks, her brother’s drug use and death, her anger, meditation in front of mirrors with candles and waiting for images to appear, and seeing spirits with her mediation teacher. This is the first book from Iyanla that I couldn't finish. I made it to 4.5 hours, and I can see this is not for me. It is not settling into a comfortable read and I do not like the course she lays out for the reader.

[Edie Schumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for starting a spiritual practice

I have followed Iyanla for many years, before she was on Oprah even. This is the anniversary edition of her first book which I hadn’t read. I have personally struggled putting in place a spiritual practice but this book lays out the many ways and the reasons why of having one. Iyanla is a great teacher, using stories of her own experiences for greater understanding. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

[Erin Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago, and often return to it from time to time. Definitely something you should purchase and keep. Now that books are downloadable, this is definitely something to keep in your collection.

[marion jennette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Another brilliant read, really interesting book, Iyanla talks openly about her life. I always enjoy her honesty when she writes, inspirational and some good tools to support you on a spiritual journey.

[Selina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Read

This book allowed me to learn about Ms. Vanzant and also opened my mind up about my own spirituality. It took me longer to read than I expected but overall was a good read.

[janet campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blessed me

Enjoyed it greatly.
Caused me to "do the work" for personal growth and development. Will re-read several times, due to its amazing content

[Margaret Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and Enlightening

There is a lot of good information and guidance from the beginning to the end. I enjoyed reading this book and learned a lot.

[Rotosca Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!!!!!

[Leslie]

I love Iyanla Vanzant...she's another one who is an inspiration!