First, I would like to start with a short overview of this book. The Hendricks' outline three keys to spirit-centered relationships: 1) presencing wonder 2) presencing spirit and 3) spirit-centered listening. The first key was a new idea for me-to turn a worry, fear or other negative thought into a positive wonder. When I have remembered to try this, it does help lift the the negative energy and replace it with a sense of hope, or positive energy.
The second key, presencing spirit, is essentially to stay focused on the present in a relationship-rather than dwelling on the past or jumping ahead to the future. A part of that is being able to sit with your own emotions. To feel your feelings without judging them, pushing them away, or trying to fix them. The Hendricks' explain how to feel your overall spiritual essence and they outline a process for beginning to become more aware of this, even in the midst of other emotions such as hunger, anger, and the like.
In the third key, they identify the role the ego can take when listening and how listening from your spiritual-center helps to reduce conflict. For those who are familiar with what others term, "active listening" the practice is essentially the same, except for the focus on being able to bring forth another person's spiritual-center by using your spiritual-center to listen to them. This is also the goal of presencing spirit-to become aware of your own feelings so that when you are speaking to others you are able to become aware of their feelings.
This is a short and useful book. Part two provides more specific details for actually learning and practicing the second and third keys. The included CD has tracks on these as well, for those that prefer to do the exercises without turning back and forth from the book. The last few chapters include a chapter for singles, ending jealously, how communication affects intimacy, and knowing when to leave a troubled relationship.
Overall, this book is very accessible. It included practical ways in which to move from reading about a concept to beginning to put that concept into practice. It encourages honesty and beginning the process of loving and accepting yourself in the midst of an array of emotions. This is a good read for people seeking to bring more spiritual practices into their life and relationships.