Buddhism for Mothers
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
In my past (pre-kid life) life, I managed a bookstore. I was always boggled when customers said to me, “oh, I love to read, but I don’t have the time to.” My answer was always, “you just have to make the time.”
So I decided to take my own advice, and start making the time to read. Rather than flipping mindlessly through magazines in my few spare moments, I now take the opportunity to read a page or two. Since The Girl is now sleeping in her own room, I am able to read in bed in the evenings, and what a wonderful pleasure it is. It helps me unwind, and after escaping from my own thoughts for a bit, it makes it so much easier for me to fall asleep.
I recently finished Buddhism For Mothers: A Calm Approach for Caring for Yourself and Your Children by Sarah Napthali. To say that this book changed my life would be an enormous understatement. At the very least, it has made me stop and pause in the many frustrating moments that a mother constantly faces and think to myself, “what does this moment require of me?” I know this sounds like such a no-brainer, but I find that as a mother, I am frequently on autopilot and not really thinking clearly and with intention. So now I try. It has made such a difference for my well being, my happiness, and I think the happiness of those around me.
What more could you ask for?
Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without. –Buddha
No. 1 — August 12th, 2009 at 8:16 am
This book is my mothering Bible. It changed my life too, giving me not only tools to survive motherhood, but also serving as a spring board for spiritual growth. I’m currently reading Napthali’s second book, Buddhism for Mothers of Young Children: Becoming a Mindful Parent.
No. 2 — August 12th, 2009 at 10:17 am
i love this book! i think i need to re-read it. soon! i read it when i was preggo with bella so it is def time for a refresher course – fo’ sure. for daily e-mails, short and sweet but very helpful info, check out:
http://www.enjoyparenting.com/dailygroove
you can sign up for the daily e-mails, which have been great reminders of mindful parenting and seem to always fit into what is going on in my life with the kids.
No. 3 — August 13th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
this is the first i’ve heard of this book. it sounds absolutely wonderful!!!
congrats to you for making space for reading!!!
No. 4 — August 14th, 2009 at 7:58 am
yes, yes, yes, and YES. The book, Buddhism for Mothers of Young Children is also a wonderful follow-up in which Sarah imparts both her wisdom and honesty, and that of several others she finds inspiring. Sometimes the simple stuff is just what we need to hear to help return us to the present, wonderful moment.