The Power of Heart: When and How to Get Out of Your Brain

by Amy Bloch

Amy Bloch, accomplished psychiatrist, busy and fully in control of her professional and family life, was dealt what she thought was a devastating, insurmountable set-back when her daughter Emily was born with a severe brain malformation. Amy tried desperately to “fix” Emily and exhausted herself in her efforts to deal with the “problem” using her intellect, going at it brain-first, the way we tend to approach any challenge in our society. Emily, by default, lives completely She simply doesn’t have the capabilities to approach life brain-first. The Power of Heart is the distillation of what Emily taught Amy―applicable to anyone’s life. While the brain is amazing, powerful, and also quite useful, it does come with limitations. And there’s some stuff the brain just doesn’t know, which is where the heart comes in. Tapping into the heart helps your brain perform better―and makes you stronger and smarter than you will ever be trusting only the brain. The heart will allow you to live with uncertainty; find strength, resilience, courage, and persistence in tough times; know your true self; manage emotions; and cast off self-criticism and doubt. Amy’s message of living heart-first, in conjunction with the brain, is presented in deeply thoughtful, life-affirming, inspiring, practical, and accessible chapters that will resonate with listeners of all ages and walks of life who are in search of coping strategies and self-improvement.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Philosophy

Audio CD

Published November 5, 2019

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways.

The title of this book really says it all. I entered this giveaway right after being told that it's likely my son has some sort of neurodivergence and I was feeling really helpless and hopeless. The premise--mom and psychiatrist who finds out her daughter has brain damage at birth and has difficulty coping, but cope she does!--really resonated with me, but I was blown away by how GOOD this is. It's well-written, it's simple, it's honest, and it really has good advice. It's a self-help book, I suppose, but it never feels hokey and it never preaches. Though the answers are simple, there is grace here--to fail, to need time, to learn, to grow, to succeed, to doubt--in short to be human and also to be in heart. I feel like this is honestly life advice to take with you and it really is universal. Highly recommend.

[Cindy Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and truly brought me back to living in my heart instead of in my mind. It takes inspiration from the author's brain-damaged child on how to live in the heart and free yourself away from shoulds and judgements, to be your most authentic self, and to pursue your truths. In a society where the brain is highly valued, we sometimes forget that what is precious is to be able to look and experience the world through the lenses of a child.

[Judi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A moving tribute to a daughter who lives life completely in heart, more so because she’s rather incapable of living in brain.

For the duration while reading, panels from the comic ‘The Awkward Yeti’ paraded through my mind (prime characters are Heart and Brain).

If you have a Buddhist practice, much of the advice will sound rather familiar.

Received as a goodreads ARC giveaway.

[Peter Swanberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, perceptive book with many suggestions on how to get out of your head, and into your heart. She lists many brain 'tells', (mainly fear-based emotions), and she shares personal stories that go along with them. Then, she gives ideas for how to move into your heart, and live a love-centric existence.

Highly recommended.

[Jena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed thinking about my daily life from a new perspective, am I constantly living in brain and not considering heart? Gives me a lot to think about and how I can make small daily changes to not sweat the small stuff and enjoy life more on a regular basis, leading with my heart even when brain wants to take over.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irelly enjoyed this book. Very powerful messages to learn to cope with life challenges. Excellent quick read with solid heartfelt tidies of those that have risen above life’s challenges by putting heart first. Highly recommend this book. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

[Astrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator kept me engaged. This is a book for everyone, especially in today’s topsy-turvy world. The content felt a little preachy at times, but the message is clear.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes. Just all of this- yes!

[Dr Philip HUI]

A great book. I understand how to use the power of heart now!

[Kasey]

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book as a giveaway recipient. I am excited to read it and will update my thoughts on this book soon!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Dr Blochs own ability to transcend difficulty and her ability and willingness to give so freely of her experience to help others. I loved this book. Many psychiatrists for whatever reason come off as distant and detached (perhaps for their own self protection). I can certainly understand why this would happen. Dealing daily with a population of depressed or mentally I’ll people can be challenging if not grueling. Dr Bloch has a special brand of empathy and generosity of spirit. If you are dealing of trauma of any sort I highly recommend this book.