Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for Ordinary Life by Karen Maezen Miller was the single most significant impetus for my personal journey of self-discovery. In 2010 I boldly claimed that I would find myself. At the time it was abundantly clear that I had spent the previous decade building my life, so I vowed that the next should be all about living my life. Until I read this book though I didn’t really have sense of what that meant. r Through a thoughtful discussion of the beauty of the everyday, Karen managed to ignite my first understanding that life is best lived now.
Buddhism for Mothers by Sarah Napthali came at just the right junction, when my mind was ripe with the awareness of where I needed to go but was looking for a framework to root the journey. It’s a practical introduction to Buddhism that speaks directly to mothers and lays the foundation for mindful parenting that is both realistic and empowering.
Though I was skeptical when I first picked up Gretchen Rubin’s the The Happiness Project, secretly I hoped she would offer some nugget of wisdom and unlock a key to my own happiness. I never expected how much I would appreciate that she would decidedly not provide the key. What she did though was offer me the inspiration I needed to uncover it myself. From Gretchen I learned that sometimes when you are trying to do it all, you are really doing nothing. Her words taught me about moving toward a life that, despite all the pressures, was firmly rooted from a strong sense of self.
Happy reading! I hope you find them as helpful as I did.
Christine LaRocque is a communications professional and mom to two boys. She blogs at Coffees & Commutes, where she reflects on life as a full-time working mom.
7 Comments
This is great, Christine. I haven’t read any of these books and I really appreciate the recommendations.
Each offers something very special and important! I’m sure you’ll love them.
Great list, Christine. I would also add “The Blue Jay’s Dance” by Erdrich to the list, especially for first time moms or moms with new babies. When I read it this summer, after having my second, every word just sang to me. It’s so lyrical and so soothing – gorgeous, gorgeous book. I highly recommend it.
I’ve seen you mention it! I think must read it.
Great list – sounds like you might like my all-time favorite “Everyday Blessings:The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting” by Myla and Jon Kabat-zinn.
I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of Hand Wash Cold. I hope to read the Happiness Project soon. It’s on my list. At Mazen’s request, I’m reading Momma Zen. She told me I should read it because I was in he process of giving birth to a new life. Smart cookie, that Maezen…
Momma Zen is very good! I’m sure you’ll love it.