An interesting look at early motherhood and the challenges of staying present even while you lose yourself. ( )

I read this as a preview to giving it to my daughter. The first part of the book was pleasant but I didn't relate to it much. Has it been that long since I had a young child? Or was I that different? By the middle of this short book, I started underlining parts I wanted to go back to, words of wisdom, apt phrases to remind me of how to live.
Miller points out that raising a child who has compassion, self-respect, and creativity requires that we pay attention to fostering these in ourselves. Then she shows us how she uses ordinary situations with her daughter as her own reminder to live that way.
By all means, get this book. While spending your time reading may not be zen (living your life in the present, tending to the work that comes to you), the brief essays can get us back on track.

I treasure this book and am so thankful that I found it. As a mother of two young children, this is exactly the sort of insight and inspiration I am looking for. Read this if mindful, rather than mindless, mothering is your aspiration. ( )

Momma Zen is a book I picked up on the recommendation of a friend and fellow mother and I will never be able to thank her enough for it. Miller is a mother and recently converted Buddhist Priest whose perspective will alter your own views on how to handle everyday occurrences. She shares experiences that the reader can connect to even in the event they have never had a child of their own. During my own journey through this book I have found greater peace and comfort and feel better equipped to handle the challenges that come my way.Every mother or future mother I know will be receiving a copy of this book. I can hardly begin to explain how inept you feel as a new mother (even the second time around) and Miller helped me to know that I am not alone in my feelings. She shares experiences that make you laugh out loud, but in almost every chapter I also found myself crying. From the actual experience of having a child to caring for and loving my own, I finally have begun to understand that I am not alone.This is a book that I would also recommend to anyone seeking more peace in their own lives. Miller discusses how she handled the loss of her mother and how it affected the way she cared for those around her. Her writing and explanation of this one experience is beautiful beyond words. If you are interested in learning more about meditation I would read this book, because she offers advice even to those with only a few minutes to spare. There is even a "When you need a little help" section in the back of the book referencing each chapter with a subject to refer to, brilliant.Momma Zen is a beautiful book that breathes new life into its readers. I give it a 10 out of 10. I plan on rereading it over and over again as I grow older to see how my perspective changes. ( )