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The Tao of Motherhood
Inspirational writings adapt the ancient wisdom of Lao Tzu to assist parents with facing the challenges and joys of parenthood
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
About the author
Vimala McClure
19 books11 followersVimala Schneider McClure has been credited as one of the founders of the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM®).
Vimala’s interest in infant massage began during her travels throughout India and while working orphanages. In India, McClure had the opportunity to experience massage first hand during a time of illness. This nurturing touch helped Vimala to feel cared for, comforted and encouraged her to become healthier faster.
Vimala McClure also observed massage techniques used by Indian mothers along roadsides. When these mothers had very little in the way of material wealth, they appeared to have, and give, an abundance of nurturing love. This love was expressed through their caring touch with their child.
Vimala’s interest in infant massage began during her travels throughout India and while working orphanages. In India, McClure had the opportunity to experience massage first hand during a time of illness. This nurturing touch helped Vimala to feel cared for, comforted and encouraged her to become healthier faster.
Vimala McClure also observed massage techniques used by Indian mothers along roadsides. When these mothers had very little in the way of material wealth, they appeared to have, and give, an abundance of nurturing love. This love was expressed through their caring touch with their child.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 2, 2013
This book lives in nightstand and I read a passage every night. It is timeless wisdom!
November 5, 2019
I allowed myself the savor this sweet gift from a dear friend by reading one passage a day. It has brought such joy, peace, inspiration, and love for myself and my family. I am going to treat myself to this boom yearly.
April 15, 2012
Of all the hats we wear, motherhood has got to be both the most challenging and rewarding job that we women ever do. There’s absolutely nothing like holding your baby in your arms and falling more deeply in love than you ever thought possible. Along with the joy is the responsibility of supporting and guiding this precious child as they become the person they will be.
I think for the most part, the love and joy comes naturally. It’s the supporting and guiding that requires a delicate touch. Instinctively, we want only good things for our children so it’s sometimes hard to allow them the space they need to explore the world. Sometimes, it’s far too easy to let fear and our own insecurities get in the road.
This is the 20th anniversary of The Tao of Motherhood. It’s a book containing timeless wisdom. Reminding us that our job isn’t to mold or train a human being but to build a loving solid foundation so that they can express who they truly are. Of course, that’s often easier said than done, sometimes we need a moment or two of clarity to bring ourselves back to what’s really important.
I think for the most part, the love and joy comes naturally. It’s the supporting and guiding that requires a delicate touch. Instinctively, we want only good things for our children so it’s sometimes hard to allow them the space they need to explore the world. Sometimes, it’s far too easy to let fear and our own insecurities get in the road.
This is the 20th anniversary of The Tao of Motherhood. It’s a book containing timeless wisdom. Reminding us that our job isn’t to mold or train a human being but to build a loving solid foundation so that they can express who they truly are. Of course, that’s often easier said than done, sometimes we need a moment or two of clarity to bring ourselves back to what’s really important.
September 22, 2014
This is a precious book. Vimala's writing was so gratifying to read as a mother. We so often are so hard on ourselves and society will step up easily to blame us when things go awry with our children. As an author, researcher and an educator, I soon realized that when all (100%) of the research on attachment and bonding had been conducted only on the mothers there was only us to blame. Yet so little of the praise comes back to us.
I encourage your to buy and read this book! It rocked my mothering self esteem. I bought it for family when they had children of their own. Do come and visit my website for further information on parenting, care giving and relationships!
I encourage your to buy and read this book! It rocked my mothering self esteem. I bought it for family when they had children of their own. Do come and visit my website for further information on parenting, care giving and relationships!
January 11, 2014
I became aware of this book in my yoga classes. Our teacher would read passages to us, and I found them thought provoking enough to track down a copy.
The thoughts in this book help you put things in perspective, and find a sense of calm. I'll make sure I read from it on challenging days especially.
The thoughts in this book help you put things in perspective, and find a sense of calm. I'll make sure I read from it on challenging days especially.
October 18, 2015
Beautifully written and authentic. Vimala has given value of to the contradictions and complexities of culture and traditions of Motherhood. I wish I had read this an year ago, would have made a huge difference in my life as becoming a first time mother in dealing with various issues. A book that can lift you up any day.
December 2, 2007
Fantastic! I keep this by my bedside and read a passage every night before bed.
May 24, 2009
Incredible... This grounds me and resets my perspective, somehow telling me what I need to hear (read) most at this time.
January 6, 2016
Amazing. A must-read for any mama.
June 11, 2019
Parenting back to its roots:)
This book was recommended by my therapist. She read it when her daughter was young and actually recommended it as more of a tool for how I can view parenting. I feel like it’s more for the parent than for the child and it sheds light on how sometimes less is more and how our own intuition can be the best advice of all.
This book was recommended by my therapist. She read it when her daughter was young and actually recommended it as more of a tool for how I can view parenting. I feel like it’s more for the parent than for the child and it sheds light on how sometimes less is more and how our own intuition can be the best advice of all.
June 5, 2023
Soothing book 🩷
This is one of the few books I have a physical copy of and I keep returning every year to read it. I got this two years ago when my child was born and the peace and wisdom I find it it are unmatched. A must read if you ask me.
This is one of the few books I have a physical copy of and I keep returning every year to read it. I got this two years ago when my child was born and the peace and wisdom I find it it are unmatched. A must read if you ask me.
July 23, 2017
Beautiful and heartfelt. I am inspired and even more greatly in awe of the motherhood experience. I'll read it again and again.
October 27, 2019
Common sense for the modern world of motherhood. Home truths and life lessons.
October 26, 2022
Brief little reminders to stay centered, simplify your life, and be the gentle calm your children need to grow. Good for daily meditations with which to start your day.
June 16, 2024
Excellent source of wisdom and challenging and empowering mindfulness. This will be on my night stand for the next 18+ years.
January 9, 2026
Truly beautiful, exceeded my expectations.
May 31, 2026
This is an excellent book. I love the poetry format and can see myself reading it regularly as part of a daily morning ritual. I would highly recommend this book to others.
June 12, 2026
Hermoso libro.
Read
June 14, 2026All truths recognized by the Self within, and the mother I aim toward every day. I’m going to read one a day every day forever
No need for fancy parenting guides. I fucking love Taoism
No need for fancy parenting guides. I fucking love Taoism
April 11, 2011
I wanted to share with them that they are putting in wonderful everyday lessons for all to see. It is like The Tao of Motherhood by Vimala McClure. Where it has become automatic for Vannah to provide the right foods for her children, teaching them that these are the ones they desire to eat. I am so proud when I here my grandbabes ask for water to drink, not sodas and the such. Staci is learning that she has to strive for clarity in her life. To see what motivates her and her relationships so she can share that love and wonder with her baby to be. I love the one on Serenity in The Tao of Motherhood.
The best mothering looks like no mothering.
Smothering heats up, stillness cools.
Be a still, cool stream for you child's agitation.
A serene mother rocks the universe in her arms and
All is Well.
I wanted to share with her from the Tao of Motherhood (20th Anniversary Edition). I love how this one helps one look at life with a clearer mind.
Simplicity
Keep your life simple,
and serenity will follow.
Like a small country with little
need for supersonic travel,
a simple life has little need for
tension and stress.
Give your children yourself, and
the need for things will be minimal.
I love the way this one flows. Showing that we are enough for ourselves and our children. Even before they are up and running. It is like a clear meditation to start the day.
The best mothering looks like no mothering.
Smothering heats up, stillness cools.
Be a still, cool stream for you child's agitation.
A serene mother rocks the universe in her arms and
All is Well.
I wanted to share with her from the Tao of Motherhood (20th Anniversary Edition). I love how this one helps one look at life with a clearer mind.
Simplicity
Keep your life simple,
and serenity will follow.
Like a small country with little
need for supersonic travel,
a simple life has little need for
tension and stress.
Give your children yourself, and
the need for things will be minimal.
I love the way this one flows. Showing that we are enough for ourselves and our children. Even before they are up and running. It is like a clear meditation to start the day.
May 8, 2022
"Empty Spaces
The empty spaces make wholeness.
The emptiness in a pot makes it valuable; you can fill it with food or water.
Pay attention to what isn’t.
Listen for what your child does not say.
Observe what she does not do.
Similarly, know that your child uses your empty spaces.
What you do not say resounds.
What you do not do impresses."
This is a library book, so I am unable to spend as much time with this book as I would like. It is now on my list to buy -- and a copy for my mother. I will be taking my time with this and reflecting as there is some amazing advice contained within. I wish I had had this book when my boyz were babies but, as it has come to me during this moment in time, I will go forward. This would make a invaluable gift for a mom-to-be. Happy Mother's Day to all the supermoms!!! 🥰
The empty spaces make wholeness.
The emptiness in a pot makes it valuable; you can fill it with food or water.
Pay attention to what isn’t.
Listen for what your child does not say.
Observe what she does not do.
Similarly, know that your child uses your empty spaces.
What you do not say resounds.
What you do not do impresses."
This is a library book, so I am unable to spend as much time with this book as I would like. It is now on my list to buy -- and a copy for my mother. I will be taking my time with this and reflecting as there is some amazing advice contained within. I wish I had had this book when my boyz were babies but, as it has come to me during this moment in time, I will go forward. This would make a invaluable gift for a mom-to-be. Happy Mother's Day to all the supermoms!!! 🥰
March 31, 2020
This is the best “parenting” book I’ve ever read. Full of simple, wholesome vignettes about the important things. I wish I’d read this long ago, and would recommend to all new mothers.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews