We're finally wrapping up our book, Buddhism for Mother's of Young Children, today! Although I have truly loved this book, I'm not so crazy about the way I handled book club - one book just dragged on way too long. So some changes will be made but I think it will all be for the best in the end. In the meantime, lets wrap up the last three chapters, all of which I really enjoyed because I felt they were filled with concrete ways to implement the author's ideas. CHAPTER 8: CAN I CHANGE MY … [Read more...]
Book Club: Week 6
First off, a big mea culpa for dropping the ball on our virtual book club. So sorry guys! I could fib and say I was saving this chapter for this month but the truth is things got crazy the last few months and stuff like writing my own book got in the way of reading anything else. Nevertheless, we're back on board now and I'm thinking of picking up every other week again. How does that schedule work for you all? This week's chapter is so appropriate for POYEL, it's eerie. Today in our … [Read more...]
Book Club: Week Five
I'll be honest, the beginning of chapter 6 of Buddhism for Mothers of Young Children – Becoming a Mindful Parent scared me a bit - uh oh, there's a lot about meditation and even "dukkha" here. Is this finally going to be the part in the book where things get just a little too New Age-y for me? But I pushed through it and I'm so glad I did because this chapter, more than any other, taught me some very applicable lessons. In it, the author encourages us to stop worrying (and lamenting) so much … [Read more...]
Book Club: Week Four
After a small hiatus, our virtual book club is back and today we're discussing my favorite chapters yet of Buddhism for Mothers of Young Children - Becoming a Mindful Parent. Examining who our children are (as well as who they're not) and exploring the question of "Is this All"? Both topics drove home for me the importance of letting our children become their own person and defining ourselves outside of our roles as mothers. Additionally, the question of "Is this all?" is especially salient on … [Read more...]
Book Club: Week Three
This chapter of Buddhism for Mothers of Young Children - Becoming a Mindful Parent, is all about how we define ourselves and, specifically, how that definition is challenged when we become mothers. One of the the things the author focuses on is our constant self-evaluation of personal performance. I love how the she reminds us that by "always judging our worth, we block the possibility of joy in our daily life" and that we essentially need to "get out of our own way" to be more happy. … [Read more...]
Book Club: Week Two
If you're new to MPMK's book club, we're meeting every other Tuesday to discuss a chapter from Buddhism for Mother's of Young Children - Becoming a Mindful Parent. You can join us at any time, get your copy here and catch up with our chapter 1 discussion here. We'd love to have you. The take home message of this chapter is without a doubt that happiness comes from within (aka inner peace) and cannot be achieved through external means. To that end, the author encourages us to stop … [Read more...]
Book Club: Week One
Today's the day we start our read along of Buddhism for Mother's of Young Children - Becoming a Mindful Parent. I'm so excited to see what you guys thought of the first chapter. Initially we were going to cover the first two chapters but... I ended up having too much to say about chapter one (surprise, surprise!). Also, MPMK contributor Kim has generously agreed to chime in with her thoughts as well. So let's jump in! Chapter 1 - Where Am I? "Our presence is one of the … [Read more...]
Read Along: Buddhism for Mothers of Young Children – Becoming a Mindful Parent
UPDATE: So glad you guys are excited about this. We covered the first chapter here. But it's not too late to get your copy and join us! Recently my husband and I had the chance to slip away to Washington DC for a long weekend without the kids. It was part work and part fun and we had a great time. This is going to sound a bit odd, but one of the things I enjoyed most was the plane ride. I know, who enjoys a six hour plane ride? A mom with a good book - that's who. And that book … [Read more...]