Honor Yourself: The Inner Art of Giving and Receiving

"The latest effort from author and 'practical spirituality' proponent Spadaro (co-author, Your Seven Energy Centers, with Elizabeth Clare Prophet) is a tightly woven guide to achieving inner peace with help from East and West spiritual traditions. The depressed, the alienated, and those recovering from a toxic relationship will undoubtedly appreciate the analogies from all corners of the globe; anyone suffering from self-doubt will find Spadaro's unwavering faith and enthusiasm encouraging; and the perpetually stuck will want to consult Spadaro's chapters on 'giving yourself away,' including a handy look at the idea of 'flow,' a psychological work state currently in vogue among efficiency experts. Though at times repetitive, Spadaro's nurturing, worthwhile endeavor will prove helpful to readers attuned to her perky cheerleader approach." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"Patricia Spadaro is a marvelous guide through the inner realms of the heart. I always feel uplifted by her words." --Marianne Williamson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Return to Love

"A tightly woven guide to achieving inner peace." --Publishers Weekly

"Honor Yourself is more than just food for the soul--it is true healing for the heart. Patricia Spadaro provides an honest approach to self-love that will help us overcome the mental and emotional roadblocks that have created imbalances in our lives today. Taking a cue from ancient scriptures and healing traditions, she helps us understand the daily dance of give and take that makes up life's experiences. She is a new voice to be reckoned with as a pioneer in healing." --Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D. C.N.S., New York Times bestselling author of The Fat Flush Plan and Before the Change

"In today’s downward spiraling economy, Patricia Spadaro’s book is essential reading if we are to personally survive. In searching the wisdom of our planet from the oldest truths to the most modern sayings, Patricia extinguishes the fires of myth that have held us in bondage to tension and stress....Her writing is a breath of fresh air." --Chris Prentiss, author of Zen and the Art of Happiness and Be Who You Want, Have What You Want

Honor Yourself skillfully guides us through one of the key paradoxes--and stressors--of our time: how to balance what others need with what we need, how to give and to receive. Should I sacrifice for others or give to myself? Be generous or draw boundaries? Stay in a relationship or say goodbye? Tensions like these are not only a natural part of life--they are life.

While modern society is ill-equipped to bring us back into balance, the sages of East and West are experts, and Honor Yourself explores their practical, and surprising, advice. Combining wisdom from the world’s great traditions with real-life stories and a treasury of tools, it exposes the most potent myths about giving--half-truths that prevent us from living a life filled with possibility and passion.

With candor, compassion, and a bit of humor too, Spadaro shows us how to move beyond the myths to the magic of full-hearted living so we can unleash the full power of our creative spirit and give our greatest gifts to our loved ones, our communities, and the world.

We are called to master the delicate dance of giving and receiving in virtually every area of our lives. This beautiful and profound work offers empowering and heartfelt ways to do it. It will free you to celebrate your own gifts and greatness as you explore the dynamics behind setting boundaries, being honest about unhealthy people in your life, giving with the heart rather than the head, using your feelings to stay true to yourself, honoring endings, finding your own voice, and much more.

Just as importantly, Honor Yourself will teach you the steps for staying in balance. For when you learn the steps, you can perform the dance--and that’s when the magic begins.

Part One: Fill Yourself and Honor Your Inner Needs
1 The Play of Paradox
2 Seeking Balance
3 Setting Boundaries
4 Accepting Support and Flying Solo

Part Two: Give Yourself Away and Honor Your Heart
5 Better than Bigger
6 What and When Do We Give?
7 The Magic of Flow

Part Three: Free Yourself and Honor Endings
8 Eyes Wide Open
9 Being Honest about Your Feelings
10 When the Way Comes to an End
11 Put Down the Load and Fly

Part Four: Celebrate Yourself and Honor Your Own Voice
12 Your Inborn Note
13 Walk in Your Own Shoes at Your Own Pace
14 Ever More Magnificent
15 Broadening Your Vision of the Possible
Acknowledgments
Notes

For Self-Reflection: Keys to the Balancing Act:
Watch for the Warning Signs
Seven Steps for Staying in Balance
Take the Litmus Test
Seven Steps to Setting Healthy Boundaries
Is It Time to Seek Support or Stand on Your Own?
Six Tools for Honoring Your Heart through Giving
Facing Your Feelings
Check Your Vital Signs and Honor the Feedback
Releasing Regrets
Honoring Your Own Voice
Seven Strategies to Keep Voting for Yourself