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133rd out of 415 books
—
479 voters
Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life
by
Karen Maezen Miller (Goodreads Author)
It’s easy to think that meaning, fulfillment, and bliss are �out there,” somewhere outside of our daily routine. But in this playful yet profound reflection on awareness, the compelling voice of a contemporary woman reveals the happiness at the bottom of the laundry basket, the love in the kitchen sink, and the peace possible in one’s own backyard. Follow Karen Maezen Mill...more
Paperback, 200 pages
Published
April 13th 2010
by New World Library
(first published 2010)
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I was finished. I told myself I wasn't going to read any more find your true purpose in life, happiness is down this path, live in the now, this is the last diet book you'll ever need, dream it...achieve it, be your best self, you are what you think, unclutter your life, fit more activitites into less time, law of attraction or follow your bliss books.
I was ready to give up and simply accept who and where I was. And wouldn't you know it, hand wash cold dropped into my life. The subtitle is: care...more
I was ready to give up and simply accept who and where I was. And wouldn't you know it, hand wash cold dropped into my life. The subtitle is: care...more
I loved this book. On its back cover, Elissa Elliott is quoted: "Hand Wash Cold is Eat, Pray, Love without all the scurrying from something..." I think that's very well said. This book made more sense to me than any other alternative spirituality/philosophy of life book I've ever read. It is so honest and so simple. Miller has a lovely critique of "the law of attraction," while still noting that where we place our attention matters--what we give attention to thrives. I don't know that I'll need...more
"Karen Maezen Miller's Hand Wash Cold celebrates "the inexpressible beauty that comes tucked inside an ordinary life." Hand Wash Cold conveys its deep wisdom with a patient, deceptively gentle voice. Miller's book is easy to read, conversationally written, approachable, and yet it is immensely powerful. Where Kenison speaks often, and lovingly, about her sons, tracing their growth as much as her own, Miller's focuses on her own personal transition from a business career to a quieter life as a Ze...more
Hand Wash Cold felt uneven to me - but I suspect that's because I got a great deal more out of the second and third sections of the book than the first, so think of the last part fondly and the first part less so. Miller's strategy - of showing how loving kindness and other Buddhist principles - are as much a matter of everyday application as doing the laundry or the dishes is a great one. Where she and I depart ways is in how Buddhist we are - she is a Zen priest, and I'm fumbling around at the...more
I've read Karen's other book, Momma Zen, and enjoyed it tremendously (particularly given that I had just had a baby!) So, when I saw that she had a new book out, I ran to get it as well. Again, it is simply a gem of a book. I just found that I can relate to so many different aspects of the book, and appreciate the wise, kind and gentle ways in which she speaks about life. Over the past 1 1/2 years, I've quit working outside of the home, which is not a common choice where I live. So many are work...more
Nora sent this my way last week with a note saying, "You might not be ready for this right now" or something along those lines, which of course piqued my interest and made me start reading it that very day.
I think that what I liked most about this book was it's take on "ordinariness", and how it's gotten an unduly bad rap. I also liked her take on miserableness and "...how the actions and thoughts we choose directly control our present life, and that all of us everywhere live miserable lives of...more
I think that what I liked most about this book was it's take on "ordinariness", and how it's gotten an unduly bad rap. I also liked her take on miserableness and "...how the actions and thoughts we choose directly control our present life, and that all of us everywhere live miserable lives of...more
My treat for the drive to Boise. Loved Momma Zen and looking forward to this.
ETA: Finished, though it's in the car & I wish I had it to quote correctly. Best thing I've read in ages. Thank you, self, for the gift, Thank you, Karen Maezen Miller for writing it, and thank you Brian for doing all the driving so I could read it in one long stretch.
You know when it feels like everything you come across is conspiring to tell you the same message? I feel like Brene Brown, Katrina Katison and Karen...more
ETA: Finished, though it's in the car & I wish I had it to quote correctly. Best thing I've read in ages. Thank you, self, for the gift, Thank you, Karen Maezen Miller for writing it, and thank you Brian for doing all the driving so I could read it in one long stretch.
You know when it feels like everything you come across is conspiring to tell you the same message? I feel like Brene Brown, Katrina Katison and Karen...more
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As a native new yorker who lives in manhattan, ive dealt with panic disorder for the last 30 yrs....my variant form causes me to blackout. I cant really tolerate meds, although ive been on very low doses which have helped. Ive done so many of the therapies that priscilla mentions but still struggle...i use to travel the world and in the last few yrs cant seem to do that anymore....i deal with anxiety daily....mostly the fear of blacking out which has happened many times...most recently after san...more
Here is the main thing I learned from this book: from now on, if even one reviewer mentions even the most remote comparison to “Eat, Pray, Love” about a book I’m thinking of reading, I should know to just put the book down and back away.
Like that book, this one started with more than we (or I) care to know about all the men in her life. At least the first 20 or so pages of it, with more later.
Like that story, money was apparently not a problem, as, among other things, she travelled alone to Ita...more
Like that book, this one started with more than we (or I) care to know about all the men in her life. At least the first 20 or so pages of it, with more later.
Like that story, money was apparently not a problem, as, among other things, she travelled alone to Ita...more
Hand Wash Cold is completely unlike any other spirituality/self help book I’ve ever read. These days, most of these books look to manifesting abundance or finding your life purpose. In both cases, bigger, better, and more seem to be the measuring sticks: more money, a bigger house, a successful business, a better relationship, etc.
Hand Wash Cold looks to the everyday. Finding peace in whatever your life happens to be right now. No judgments. Being mindful while you undertake the daily chores. M...more
Hand Wash Cold looks to the everyday. Finding peace in whatever your life happens to be right now. No judgments. Being mindful while you undertake the daily chores. M...more
One doesn't need to be interested in Zen Buddhism to find the wisdom in this book. Based on the author's ups and downs, failed relationships, broken hearts and motherhood, the pearls of wisdom in this book inspire one to pay attention to our ordinary lives as they are happening right now and how to avoid the pitfalls of always living for the future. The time to pay attention to our kids and the time to use the good china is always now!
Some quotes I found meaningful in this book include:
"Your l...more
Some quotes I found meaningful in this book include:
"Your l...more
This book was so inspiring and affirming, as I knew it would be having read (a few years ago) Momma Zen, also by Karen Maezen Miller. The author's words are always eloquent and her message clearly understood. She shows us how to appreciate that we are living life, a full life, just by taking care of the everyday chores like laundry, the dishes and tending the garden. We do not need more than any of this. The message is rooted in Zen concepts. Her own life examples, and the raw and bold truth of...more
You don't see me give many 5's...this book is brilliant, creative, down-to-earth, real - something EVERYONE at ANY stage of life needs and can relate to. I began the book on a mountain trip last weekend and read parts of it to my hostess/friend...thinking it would be perfect for her - and as I read I thought, "This would really be great for her daughter."
One read is not enough. I've earmarked so many pages - and Miller has a great reference index in the back by topic....I'll be using this in blo...more
One read is not enough. I've earmarked so many pages - and Miller has a great reference index in the back by topic....I'll be using this in blo...more
Hand Wash Cold delivers the same gentle and honest wisdom we came to expect from Miller through her now classic, Momma Zen.
It is intimate, but delicate; beautifully written, but simply told; wise, but unpretentious; detailed, but tasteful. As might be expected from a Zen priest, her story carries with it the flavor of Buddhist wisdom, but never, as the Zen expression goes, does she "stink the place up with it." The hard-won lessons and timeless insights are seamlessly braided into her own candid...more
It is intimate, but delicate; beautifully written, but simply told; wise, but unpretentious; detailed, but tasteful. As might be expected from a Zen priest, her story carries with it the flavor of Buddhist wisdom, but never, as the Zen expression goes, does she "stink the place up with it." The hard-won lessons and timeless insights are seamlessly braided into her own candid...more
I love the premise of this book -- that the path to happiness lies in being fully present in each moment, whether that moment is doing laundry, cleaning dishes, or raking leaves. Since I am not working outside the home, I hoped this book would bring some fresh insights into the happiness that can come from simply being at home. Unfortunately, it was a little disappointing. The writing style was a bit formulaic at times, and while I have a much better sense of the authors life, it didn't offer mu...more
For a book with the word "Instructions" right in the title/sub-title, you'd think it'd have a lot of instructions. Not so. This was a well written, lyrical biography which served as the base for her insights and "instructions." I guess if you like the free-floating memoirs flowing with spirituality, this will really rock it for you. Eh. Not really my type of book.
But, it WAS well written. Her insights were beautiful. It was interesting to read (even if it wasn't my type of book), and so I would...more
But, it WAS well written. Her insights were beautiful. It was interesting to read (even if it wasn't my type of book), and so I would...more
Reading Mrs. Miller's books, I find myself frequently nodding in agreement, laughing and even shedding a much needed tear.
She has a way of sharing the parts of her life to which we all can relate with such honesty and translating it into a perspective that makes you feel at ease with yourself.
If you are a Buddhist, you will identify greatly with her profound words and the way she incorporates Buddhism into her every day life. If you are not, you will still benefit from an appreciate this book...more
She has a way of sharing the parts of her life to which we all can relate with such honesty and translating it into a perspective that makes you feel at ease with yourself.
If you are a Buddhist, you will identify greatly with her profound words and the way she incorporates Buddhism into her every day life. If you are not, you will still benefit from an appreciate this book...more
Over the past few weeks, I have noticed a trend developing. I don't get much, er, allow myself to get enough reading done during the week. So I end up saving all 200+, 300+ or even some 400+ page books to devour all day every Saturday (and sometimes into Sunday). Now, this is not a problem if:
a) The book is totally awesome.
b) I can get through it quickly (especially if I am not digging the book).
c) I want to make plans to do something other than reading.
This occurrence of the weekend reading sla...more
a) The book is totally awesome.
b) I can get through it quickly (especially if I am not digging the book).
c) I want to make plans to do something other than reading.
This occurrence of the weekend reading sla...more
Momma Zen saved my sanity when I was a new mother and this book could save your sanity when you realize that the dirty dishes and annoying husband and pile of laundry are not going to automatically disappear- ever. I love her lesson that your life is what is in front of you. Not what is to come and not what has happened, but this right now, whatever it is. However messy and boring. Take care of it. When something else comes, take care of it. Hard advice to follow, what with our mids constantly f...more
This is my second time reading this book and I am quite sure it will not be my last. I love how this book focuses on the ordinary life...our every day moments.
It reminds me...that my life is taking place right now... not in some future dream. My life is in how I feed my dog, peel the skin off peaches to make smoothies, dance around my kitchen, blog this book review.
more...http://www.cynthiasblog.com/20...
It reminds me...that my life is taking place right now... not in some future dream. My life is in how I feed my dog, peel the skin off peaches to make smoothies, dance around my kitchen, blog this book review.
more...http://www.cynthiasblog.com/20...
No, thank you. This book fell victim to my Fifty Page Rule and was reminiscent of Eat, Pray, Love. I didn't hugely care for that book either. I don't relate to the character, and I just felt like she tried REALLY hard to relate everything to laundry, just to be able to write a book about herself. "How can I make a new, kitschy concept for a book that has been written a bunch of times already, so that it will sell to a bunch of women with $15?" It sounds harsh, yes. Unless someone tells me that I...more
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I was hoping for something a little different when I grabbed this book, something more directed to Motherhood and Buddhist practice...but I assume her first book was more like that! Momma Zen, it is just that none of the book stores around me had it in stock so I tried this one! I still really liked it a lot, and would recommend it to anyone who needs the reminder of presence in their lives!
Definitely made me think, and some of the items I think I will read and re-read. Although I don't normally read books like these, I found her descriptions of ordinary life to be so poetic and thoughtful. Trying to enjoy life right now, rather than some fictional, imagined, future is something that I found timely and applicable to my own life today.
A very easy read which lets you finish it in 1-2 sittings. I enjoyed it, but felt like I was reading Eat, Pray, Love. This book is also divided in three parts, has a bad marriage that ends in divorce, lost soul, trip to Italy, overseas romance, Buddhism, and a new beginning...need I say more. Other than that, it gently reminds you to forget thyself and focus on the now. Also, good tips on parenting and relationships.
I grabbed this off the library shelves while browsing the nonfic section. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying the book! It's one of those books I could probably read again after a year or five years or ten years and notice something new and learn from more and more with every read. Very good book, I definitely recommend it.
An enjoyable read about seeing the value in the everyday moments of our lives. The author uses laundry, dishes, and gardening as philosophical methods for living a fulfilled life. While perhaps simplistic (the author seems to have the finances required to live in a lovely house with a huge zen garden while working as a homemaker and that just isn't possible for many people) it was a fast read and often uplifting.
This book is exactly what I need, every time I pick it up to re-read or just drop in for a few pages. Somehow it soothes my soul without ever being drippy or preachy or even abstract. I love learning about myself from other people's stories and Karen Maezen Miller gives me a gist on every single page of hers.
Just a great book. I finished this one at the end of the year and had to stew on it for a bit before I wrote a review - which turned out to be kind of a mistake because I feel like I need to reread it to get more insight into what I found here. That said - this is a great book if you are ready to start facing some of the uglier parts of yourself and your life and doing the work it needs to change those things, or accept them. I'm not Buddhist, I'm very much a beginner at meditation (and for that...more
I enjoyed the book. There are good tokens here and there. A little too many personal anecdotes at times, but the story telling was decent and the author was very pragmatic in her approach to Zen buddhism. I look forward to reading more of her work and perhaps studying with her one day.
Still mulling this book over. Lots of food for thought and aha moments here. Scheduling periods of silence into my life sounds great right now... - Mandy, Adult Services
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I call myself an errant wife, delinquent mother, reluctant dog walker, expert laundress and stationmaster of the full catastrophe. I'm also a Zen Buddhist priest at the Hazy Moon Zen Center in Los Angeles. Don't let that last part disturb you too much. I'm not the kind of priest you have pictured in your mind. I'm the kind of priest that looks a lot like you do, doing the same kinds of things you...more
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“Happiness is simple. Everything we do to find it is complicated.”
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12 people liked it
“Every bit of life comes with instructions, when we are attentive enough to notice.”
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6 people liked it
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