by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn
I must first say that I read this book back in 2004, so it's not quite fresh in my mind. But I still remember how much it resonated with me. Everyday Blessings is a thoughtful book about using Zen concepts and practices in raising children. Now, I'm not into Zen, and some of the ideas in the book were quite a bit over my head. (I picked it up just thinking it was about being a more thoughtful parent, not realizing at first it was about zen-based parenting). Here you'll find lots of advice on being calm, thoughtful, patient and even meditative when dealing with your children. This book is full of beautiful language and inspiring ideals. Each time I sat down to read it I came away encouraged to be a better person, a better parent, to stop and think about why I did things a certain way with my child, instead of just reacting in the moment. Everyday Blessings is kind of lacking when it comes to actually describing how to apply some of its high-minded precepts, but I found it encouraging nevertheless. Its tone reminded me a lot of Thomas Moore's Care of the Soul. It contains so many ideas and ways of being that I would like to incorporate into my own life with my husband and children.Rating: 4/5 416 pages, 1998
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Boomdeeyadda
Sounds like an interesting read. I'm about due for a parenting book, too.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite so far is 'Boundaries with Kids,' which is very practical. But high-minded stuff is good too, to lift us above the daily patterns.
I'm not commenting as much because I'm not able to do so without logging into my old blog, but I'm still reading and enjoying your posts!
I wish I'd read this back when it came out...my son was teenagerish, and I was not calm most days. I think it would've helped.
ReplyDeleteI think I need to re-read it myself. Right now my four-year-old has hit a stage that can really get on my nerves, and remembering to be calm is difficult at times.
ReplyDeleteWriter2b, glad to hear from you! I'll be looking for Boundaries with Kids, since you mentioned it.