My first year as a mom was spectacular. I was calm. I was ready for anything. Sure, there were struggles. Breastfeeding was not easy and it took many weeks of physical pain to get through but I always felt ON and I just felt right. The first year (or years) with my second child was not at all similar to that experience. We were out of sync and I never seemed to be able to shut down that voice in my head that was constantly on, wondering why my baby wouldn’t sleep, why he never seemed happy, and why I seemed to be unable to accomplish anything. (You can read a little more about my experience here.) Even now, that my son is 2 and a half, I still feel like the “over thinking” I let myself fall into has too much room in my life. When I was offered an opportunity to review Mindful Motherhood, I jumped at it with excitement but definitely some level of skepticism.
It isn’t often that you read a book that will provide you with the motivation to change and the tools with which to do so. Mindful Motherhood is one book that delivers on both. As defined by the author, Cassandra Vieten, mindful motherhood “is being present, in your body, and connected with your baby no matter what is happening.” It isn’t a naturally easy thing for most people to do but Vieten makes it a very obtainable goal. Her ability to link the practice of mindfulness with the experiences of moms makes the book an easy and inspiring read. Chapters are short enough to be read while nursing or during naptimes and include small exercises. She makes it clear that this isn’t one more item on mom’s endless to do list. Mindful practice can help moms open their awareness so that they take note of their thoughts, sensations, and feelings, instead of becoming mired in the experience itself.
Mindful Motherhood is perfect for a new mother but also is very applicable to moms of children older than a year. I found myself practicing the exercises and appreciating the ways that mindfulness could help me to be more observant and more in the present. I only wish I had the book before the birth of my second son.
If you’d like to learn more about being a mindful mother or need a special baby shower gift, you can purchase a copy of Mindful Motherhood at Amazon.com
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey thanks that was a great read, im trying to get a hold of something like that for my soon to be wife, Thanks again
.-= Baby Rockers´s last blog ..Harley davidson baby rocker =-.
Thanks for this – there are a few books out there that speak to mindfulness in parenting, and I was wondering which one to go for. Your reviews are wonderful, I can tell you put stacks of effort into your reviews. I follow you on Twitter, but have not read your review blog – my first visit. Awesome…
@Michelle – Thank you so much. The exercises have been very helpful. I can already see a difference in how I handle tough mommy situations. I’m excited to have another opportunity to review more books from New Harbinger, including another book on mindfulness.
.-= Chris´s last blog ..Keep Your Lips Shiny with Twist & Pout =-.