Momfulness: Mothering with Mindfulness, Compassion, and Grace

by Denise Roy

Denise Roy combines the hard-won wisdom of a parent with the insights of meditation to create a spiritual practice that goes to the heart of everyday life: mothering with mindfulness. Through anecdotes, reflections, and specific practices, this book invites mothers to wake up and embrace their lives, discovering that they are always standing on holy ground.

Genres: Parenting, Spirituality, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. It took me almost three years to finish this book. Don't let that fool you, it was worth the time. There is a lot of wisdom in these pages so you'll want to savor it. Even the parts I didn't mark were poignant and uplifting in and of themselves. I had no idea there were so many meditations in such a compact book. My favorite is the hug meditation and I use it all the time.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually bought a copy of this book. There are so many mini-meditations and inspiring quotes I wanted to have it on hand to grab when I need gentle reminders...

The best way I can describe this book is that it was written for those of us who need "meditation in motion". Parents don't get a lot of time to focus on their own spirituality - even 10 minutes of meditation a day is a stretch. So here it is - the book that says "okay, so let's fit that need into the reality of parenting."

It's funny, heartfelt, and written by a mom for parents (it could be titled "Parent-fullness" but that would lack the clever play on words). Parents all over, of all backgrounds and faiths, will benefit from reading this fine book.

[Sabine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ik dacht aan de hand van de titel dat ik wel wat tips op zou kunnen doen door dit boek te lezen. Helaas bestaat het boek vooral uit open deuren en loze woorden en daarnaast soms prima, en soms bedroevend slechte oefeningen. Ook wordt het geloof er op een behoorlijk Amerikaanse manier voortdurend bijgesleept. Los van dat ik daar persoonlijk niet op zit te wachten, heeft het geloof in essentie niets met mindfulness te maken. Ik heb het boek halverwege weggelegd en niet uitgelezen.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

great way to take you back into what really matters in motherhood.

[Tryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a serendipitous find at the library and I ended up really liking it. Short chapters. A warm, wise, motherly voice. Nuggets of truth to inspire me. What could be nicer on an ordinary Wednesday afternoon, while I'm waiting in the car rider lane at the middle school?

Here are the titles of my favorite chapters, to give you a flavor of the contents: Generations of Bodies, Our Many Mothers, When Someone Deeply Listens to You, Mouth Yoga (about smiling), Framing the Day, the Holy Family Commutes, Walking the Night Hallways. Each is a little essay really, with an idea for a meditation at the end of the chapter. I've tried a couple of the meditations, but mostly I just like picking up the book, reading a couple of pages, and slipping into Denise Roy's peaceful way of seeing her world.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very compassionate look at mothering - compassionate to moms and kids. Short, easy to read chapters. Simple meditations that you could jot on a note card and put someplace to remind yourself to try practicing them. The author is a Christian but the book is broader than that - open to mothers of all faiths as the meditations don't specify God or Jesus. Includes anecdotes of her experiences mothering her 4 kids. Not too profound or dense or intense. Just really simple ways to bring more presence to our mothering and kindness to ourselves as moms.

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet book on appreciating ordinary parenting moments as opportunities for spiritual practice and experiencing wonder. It has several touching stories and is easy to pick up and read for 5-10 minutes while nursing.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of little gems in here to keep you sane and expansive spiritually while parenting! Great practical tips to keep me in the moment and remember I am a spirit having a human experience. My kids appreciate when I am more in that space as well! :)

[Aubri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked "Learning to Live With Plan B" section.

[Shannon Allstott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Very sweet book reminding you that every moment with your children is amazing and fleeting, and being mindful and present when you're with your children lets you truly enjoy those moments.

[Sarah Schultz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read it for the Grace mom's group. A couple of nice ideas, but nothing too inspiring...

[Kaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contains some nice ideas, but basically repeats the same idea, which is to stop and pay attention to your children. I agree, but found the repetition dull.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has some very good quote and ideas to increase spirituality.Has good activities to do with your family. It is not religious, but it is spiritual. I will read this one again.

[Kristin Melnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always have this on my 'currently reading' list because once I'm done, I start again. Love this book! Nothing profound, just great simple reminders.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many great, simple reminders, but found it a bit repetitive. I did write down a couple of the meditations. :)

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the mother looking for a little zen in her every day life.