Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood

"Momma Zen" is a book to come back to again and again. I dip into it whenever I am having a difficult day, or just seeking inspiration during a quiet moment. Usually I gobble books cover-to-cover, but Karen Maezen Miller's work is wonderful when savored in small bites. "Momma Zen" reads like a series of thougthtful discussions with a wise friend. Motherhood is full of uncertainty, reversals, and discovery. "Momma Zen" is a wonderful companion on this journey. Whether you are an expectant first-time mother or the a seasoned Mom, this book has something for you. I recognize myself in every chapter. We live in an era where an avalanche of advice books can feel overwhelming. "Momma Zen" takes a different approach by connecting with the heart of motherhood--the enduring, essential challenges, lessons and blessings that we encounter in relationship with our children. Karen Maezen Miller's work is a true gift to give yourself or a friend.

I'm a Dad, not really a full-on Zen guy, but I do have a healthy appreciation for Zen. I can honestly say that whether or not you're into Zen, or are a Mom or a Dad, this book is wonderful. The writing is superb, lyrical and flows like a fresh spring stream, bubbling, laughing, and crying all the way. If you are a parent you'll like it even more; this is not a preachy book, or some strange mystical women's book. This is a great book about life and love and it's a special treat to read. Even for a Guy.

There are so many wonderful things to say about "Momma Zen". I dogeared the pages that I wanted to refer back to and realized that there are enough pearls of wisdom to string a necklace. Therefore, I decided to let you find your own pearls. The delight in having discovered something is much more magical than having it handed to you. At the end of the first chapter the author writes, "These words thus flow from my heart to yours, from one other mother to one other mother or mother-to-be. I know. I understand. Me too." And she does know! Momma Zen touched me deeply. I laughed and I cried and experienced moments of realization so profound that I heard myself exclaim, "YES!" When I closed the book I felt at one with motherhood, at one with my baby, at one with my self. I felt present. I felt peaceful. Momma Zen is not a parenting book. It is a book about motherhood, about being a mother. It's a book about being.

When it's a book written by a Zen Priest who's also a mom. Not to say that this little gem of a book doesn't offer pithy, useful advice drawn from Miller's own experience. It's just that I'm not a mom and I loved it too! Hey, we all have a cranky two year old in our lives at one time or another - whether we're feeding it strained carrots or married to it. The book can be enjoyed on many levels. It can be a fast and pleasurable read. Or you can savor it. Or keep it on your shelf and dip into it over the years for an inspirational refresher. Miller is brutally and laugh out loud honest. At times you have to just put down the book and ask aloud "Did she realize that strangers were going to read this?" "Momma Zen" is deeply personal and experiential yet exudes timeless wisdom for all our lives today. Essentially, Miller is writing about herself. Her battles with her own ego and exhaustion, her unwillingness to let go her own child-raising agenda when faced with a reality that won't play ball, her need to merge with her child and her need to separate. As a student of Zen what else would she write about, anyway, but her own personal experience? She also sprinkles wonderful Zen quotes and fragments of koans throughout the book. I'm recommending this book to anyone who wants to look at their own life, the people in it and the actions they take. Some people may be surprised to get a child-rearing book recommendation from me but they'll thank me later.

This book is a beautiful meditation on life. I wish I had it when my son was younger, but it doesn't matter, it's universal. It is a primer on Zen Buddhism and one of the best I've ever read. And it is a primer on motherhood that is revealing and comforting in ways unimagined. It truly flows with such ease and beauty that you won't put it down until the end. It also includes a wonderful chapter on tending your marriage after childbirth that is incredibly apt and meaningful. I highly recommend this book to all mothers and fathers, and to any person seeking inner peace. You'll find the way here.