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Mar 18, 2008

Kathleen rated it:

I have an entire bookshelf of pregnancy and parenting books and this is one of the best I've read. Although I checked it out of the library, I'm going to get my own copy so I can refer back to some of my favorite chapters and give myself a dose of her words when I need them in the future.

In general, this book is a treatise on motherhood through the lens of Zen Buddhism. There are chapters on discipline, eating, the endless household chores, schedules, marriage after parenthood, forg More...

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Mar 25, 2009

Anna rated it:

This book has reminded me how important it is to let go of expectation, breathe a little deeper, and slow down in order to enjoy every moment - even the hardest ones - with an infant. And isn't that what it's all about?

1 comment like (1 person liked it)

Apr 22, 2009

Christina rated it:

This is getting me through beginning to be a mama with sanity. I've read it 4 times now, and Maya is only 4 months old. I think I'll go read it again...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Sep 25, 2009

Danielle rated it:

Momma Zen is a book I picked up on the recommendation of a friend and fellow mother and I will never be able to thank her enough for it. Miller is a mother and recently converted Buddhist Priest whose perspective will alter your own views on how to handle everyday occurrences. She shares experiences that the reader can connect to even in the event they have never had a child of their own. During my own journey through this book I have found greater peace and comfort and feel better equipped to h More...

5 comments like (1 person liked it)

Jul 19, 2009

Susan rated it:

BELOW IS A COPY OF THE EMAIL I SENT TO KAREN MILLER AFTER FINISHING HER BOOK:

Since becoming a new mom 11 months ago at the age of 39, I have experienced a tidal wave of emotions, luckily most of them positive, but occasionally....well, not so much. After having the great fortune to be able to give up my full-time job and become a stay-at-home mom, I have lost contact with most of my friends, as most of them have families and busy lives (with a demanding work schedule) as well. I have More...

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May 28, 2009

Sonya rated it:

As the book jacket promises, Momma Zen offers practical wisdom about how to simply be while navigating the joys and challenges of parenting. Miller's advice illustrates a way to be mindful as a parent, to live in the present moment whether that moment is full of joy or frustration and to give yourself permission to be human at the same time that you're trying to be the perfect parent (an impossible task!) with this new beautiful human in your care.

Momma Zen covers a period from Mill

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Feb 11, 2010

Katherine Parker rated it:

A deep gassho to Karen Maezen Miller for writing Momma Zen. I am glad to know that I am not alone in thinking these thoughts and wading through these frustrations, and she gave me gems of wisdom for the times when the child is making the present moment other than what I want.

This book is a must-read for any new mama who (thought she) was a competent, independent, go-getter in her pre-child existence. I appreciate Miller so much for saying that she believed she was one of the cool, c More...

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Dec 11, 2011

Taslim rated it:

Each time I held Karen’s book in my hands, it was like holding up a mirror that reflected my own journey. At times I wanted to hide the mirror, cover it up with a cloth, and not let the words get too deep – there was that much truth in it. There was no such luck. Karen’s honesty, humour and poetic writing kept me riveted. At the closing of the last chapter I felt lucky, grateful and humbled in my ego’s chipped away state. Karen’s gift to her readers is the ability to enjoy all of the moment More...

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Apr 27, 2010

Heather rated it:

This was a really "fun" take on parenting from a woman who didn't have children until later in life and practices Buddhism. My therapist actually suggested this book for me, since the author's take on parenting is so different that what we read in parenting books, etc.

Some nuggets of wisdom I took away:
Don't let chores define your life...look at them as opportunities to be with yourself, clearing your mind.

Your child is also your teacher. "Your ch More...

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Aug 15, 2011

Sarah rated it:

Seriously the best "how to" parenting book I've read, a beautiful dissertation on motherhood. I think this will particularly resonate with anyone who became a mother at an older age, who had to adjust from years of freedom to the overwhelming responsibility of raising a child. The book delivers exactly what the title implies it will: a more kind and peaceful way of looking at yourself and the job of parenting, a gentler and easier perspective on the moments that feel like drudgery an More...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Jul 09, 2010

Melissa rated it:

As a first time mother, this book came to me at just the right time. Part memoir, part parenting tool-kit, this book made me feel more serene after reading the first few pages.

Motherhood can feel like such a solitary experience filled with mundane tasks and challenges, Miller's words made me feel as if I were hearing from a wise friend who had pre-treaded this path before me.

I loved the simplicity of the meditation instructions and that freeing question she poses, " More...

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Dec 30, 2008

Melissa rated it:

There are books to be read, some in one sitting, some in little stolen pieces whenever you can spare a moment. And then... There are books, like Momma Zen, to be savored one morsel at a time. This is a book that reminds us of what is truly important in life. Not the day-to-day anxieties that come in droves and try bog us down, not the past that tries to chase us and entice us into dwelling in a place that no longer exists, but this moment right here, right now. Karen Maezen Miller speaks her More...

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Aug 23, 2011

Amanda rated it:

I adored this book! And the word "zen" in the title is merely a reference to the art (or meditation) of staying present. Which is, in my opinion, the most challenging aspect of motherhood. Since I read this well beyond my girls' first years, I found her wisdom flawless as she shed a human touch on the very intimate, yet universal, experiences of this extraordinary journey.

Whether you read it before or after a baby is born, it is a compelling + heartfelt + honest glimpse into More...

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May 20, 2010

Imene rated it:

Where was this book when I had Samy!! Instead of reading all those books about how you should be or what's normal or not I should have read this!

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Dec 05, 2011

Eshaneh rated it:

Miller offers much wisdom in this collection of reflections on applying Zen practices to motherhood. At times her tone approached preachiness, but her humility and honesty counterbalanced anything that remotely resembled preachiness. As an ordained Zen practitioner (in a Vietnamese Zen tradition), I resonated with many of her insights, though I imagine that I would have found this book helpful even if I was not already a Zen practitioner. Occasionally Miller used the term "Zen" to refe More...

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May 25, 2010

Shana rated it:

I can't say enough about this book. Actually, I'm still digesting it, so I can barely verbalize about it at all. I've never read an account of early parenthood that nailed everything so very accurately. I attempt to sprinkle some Buddhist philosophy throughout my life, and this book really showed me ways I can breathe and calm myself and approach my life and my parenting in new ways. I can't recommend it highly enough to mothers everywhere. It approaches nearly every major decision you will More...

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Jan 30, 2012

Deirdre rated it:

Re-reading with Mindful Mommas group. Yay!

Original Review:
The second selection for our recent roadtrip. I gave it to Mimi for her bday, and had resisted getting it for myself for over a year now. Finally gave in, and am so glad I did. While I finished 3 other books between passing snacks to the boys and entertaining Nolie, I still haven't finished this one. I found myself stopping after each chapter, needing to give it some time. I already know I'll be rereading this one. Love More...

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Nov 03, 2009

Annmarie rated it:

Well - I read it - during a rough week - so perhaps that affected my opinion of this book. I wasn't in a ZEN frame of mind so it didn't meet my expectations. I appreciate my book club letting me pick it so I could read it since I have wanted to! It was interesting to read from a Buddist point of view. I appreciated some of the points like:
- Don't yearn for the past or future. Just enjoy the now! "Here is everything and everything is here." = Don't waste a glance at what was More...

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Dec 21, 2008

Jeana rated it:

I'm not much into parenting or self-help books. I feel like I spend all day with my kids so when I get a moment to myself, I do NOT want to be reading about parenting or kids. With all that said, however, this book was given to me from my sister who happens to like self-help and I needed a slim book to pack on my flight to and from SLC/St. Louis, so I thought why not?

And I liked this one, as I usually like the parenting type of books that say -- go easy on yourself, you're doing a f More...

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Feb 12, 2012

Cindy rated it:

This is my favorite parenting book yet. Miller puts exactly the right words to feelings I have but can't describe on my own, and validates so much of what I think and do and worry over. I'm glad I waited until my daughter turned one to read it. I needed more experience with motherhood's unpredictability and uncertainty to get as much out of it, and I needed to be far from my totally-overwhelmed-I-will-never-be-able-to-do-this phase (or at least be between such phases).

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Jan 06, 2010

Ghine rated it:

Over all, I enjoyed this book. It was a slow start for me but that is likely because my youngest children are 3 year old twins and the early parts of this book discuss those early, early days of parenthood - infancy. The mid to latter part of the book not only addressed the 'toddler' stages but also looked more at Karen's faith and the marriage of her faith and parenting. With a 7 year old and 3 year old twins, I'm looking to find common ground with my faith and parenthood! With that said, I More...

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Jan 01, 2012

Myndi rated it:

There were parts of this book that I really related to. The first few chapters had me in tears because I so intensely identified with what she was saying. However, somewhere along the way, there was a disconnect for me. Perhaps it was a little idealistic for me. As the mother of four, I know that when you have your first, you establish certain rules for yourself that you will not break, rules about food, rules about television, how many times a day you'll read to your child, but you lighten up o More...

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May 11, 2011

Cindy rated it:

I read this a long time ago, when our second was new. I remember that I loved it, but life being what it was at the time, and not at all Zen-like, I lost the book. I have seen it posted on some blogs lately, and that reminded me I've been meaning to find a copy and re-read it. Also, the author has a new book out, "Hand Wash Cold", that I'm adding to my list of books to read.

Having reread it, I would highly, highly recommend it to anyone who is finding it hard to cope with More...

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Jan 16, 2012

Dez rated it:

This was a really nice read. The overall message to me seemed to be "go with the flow, stay in the present, and don't force yourself or ideals on your child." There was another part that talked about how you should take a breath and assess the situation before you act. To practice self-restraint and give yourself room to breathe and think calmly before dealing. Wonderful advice that I'm working on putting into practice.

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Sep 14, 2009

Tracy rated it:

After I finished this I ordered copies for all of my friends that recently became mothers. While I was hoping for something with a little more advice/guidance for dealing with teenagers the overall messages here are very good and helpful, esp for those with young children/babies.

3 comments like

Jan 21, 2012

Jessica rated it:

Wish I could give Momma Zen 3.5 stars. While in its entirety I wouldn't say "what a profound book", there were indeed profound pieces (e.g., The reality of saying bye-bye, The grass grows by itself). It's more of a compendium of lessons that can be referenced in any order.

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Mar 08, 2011

Dayna marked it as to-read

I'm not yet a mother and may not be for a few more years, but I read a piece by Karen Maezen Miller in a magazine the other day and I really enjoyed it, so I'm adding this book to remind myself that I want to read it in the future.

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Jun 23, 2009

Latisha rated it:

A must read for any mother. I found it especially helpful as a new mom without my own mother to call and cry on. Simple words of wisdom in easy relatable mom-speak with a Zen twist. Required reading for any parent.

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Oct 21, 2008

Candace rated it:

I laughed. I cried. I changed.

I'm so glad I picked up this book. It was truly inspiring and thought-provoking. It reaffirmed for me several of my parenting ideas and practices and it really made me think about how I approach being a parent - and a person.

I honestly think this book is one of those that has the potential to change your thoughts and your life.

Karen Maezen Miller has a beautiful "voice" ... she is so easy to identify with as she takes yo More...

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Dec 17, 2009

Rachael rated it:

Good Book. Loved this quote:

You don't have to wait for happiness, because there's no time but now to be happy. You don't have to go somewhere else, because there's no place but here to find it. You don't have to do something else, because there's nothing more to it. You don't have to get something else, because everything you already have is enough. You just have to be happy. ...

When you drop your expectations, lose your selfishness, forget your grievances, give up your w More...

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