Momfulness: Mothering with Mindfulness, Compassion, and Grace [Paperback]

Denise Roy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 26, 2007

Denise Roy combines the hard-won wisdom of a parent with the insights of meditation to create a spiritual practice that goes to the heart of everyday life: mothering with mindfulness. Through anecdotes, reflections, and specific practices, this book invites mothers to wake up and embrace their lives, discovering that they are always standing on holy ground.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Roy combines her experience as a marriage and family therapist, a spiritual director, and a mother of five in this delightful book of meditations, a sequel to My Monastery Is a Minivan. Roy defines momfulness as "the spiritual practice of cultivating a mindful, compassionate, mothering presence," and outlines six spiritual lessons: developing true presence, practicing embodiment, paying attention, cultivating deep compassion, recognizing the sacred in all things and understanding the value of community. Each meditation begins with a quote, from the likes of Anne Lamott and Annie Dillard to Thich Nhat Hanh and Teresa of Avila; each includes a reflective piece—an essay, observation, or story—and each ends with a suggested practice. Roy's anecdotes are fresh and her storytelling colorful and imaginative. Some of her talent is lost, however, in the banal activities at the end of each meditation. For example, her entertaining tale of cooking lobsters with large rubber bands on their claws fizzles when readers get to the related activity suggestion of sharing family memories. She writes best when she draws from her vast reservoir of stories and refrains from preaching. Roy's varied experiences as a psychotherapist, a spiritual director, a foster mother and a biological mother ground her spirituality in an engaging book for moms of all faiths. (Mar.)
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Review

"...delightful book...engaging." (Publishers Weekly, November 27, 2006)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (February 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787981974
• ISBN-13: 978-0787981976
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #122,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my all-time favorite books, March 16, 2007

By 

L. Perkins "a reader" (Cali, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Momfulness: Mothering with Mindfulness, Compassion, and Grace (Paperback)

"Momfulness" is one of the best books I've ever read. As the subtitle indicates, it is about "mothering with mindfulness, compassion, and grace." And yet it is about so much more. "Momfulness" is a treasure trove of stories, meditations, practices, and wisdom that relate not only to mothering, but also to our relationships with ourselves, our communities, and the world.

Roy describes Momfulness as a spiritual practice, and her book makes reference to a variety of spiritual traditions. I find her approach so open-minded and inclusive that I think it will speak to people of all faiths--or no faith. If you believe in grace or sacredness--or if you're even open to the possibility of such things--I think this book will greatly enrich your life.

"Momfulness" includes six spiritual practices, with several chapters devoted to each. The chapters include stories, reflections, and suggested activities and meditations. Roy is a master storyteller (as you'll know if you've read "My Monastery Is a Minivan"), and I found the stories in this book to be fascinating--sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, always compelling. I found Roy's reflections to be full of insight and wisdom, without ever being preachy. The suggested activities and meditations offer a wealth of ideas for putting Momfulness into practice, and cover a wide range of topics (such as forgiving yourself, recognizing grace, deep listening, and loving touch).

Here are the six spiritual practices, along with what I consider to be a highlight of each: "Presence" includes finding wonder in seemingly ordinary moments. "Attention" includes noticing "with kindness" what is happening within ourselves and our children. "Compassion" includes practicing "unconditional friendliness" toward ourselves. "Embodiment" includes "blessing" ourselves and our families through daily activities like bathing. "The Sacred in All Things" includes opening to "the great love and grace that holds us all." And "Community" includes drawing "the circle of our family" wide enough to include all children, all people, all beings.

"Momfulness" is beautifully written and a delight to read. (I read it in one sitting.) I consider "Momfulness" to be a must-read not only for mothers, but also for others who have a connection with children (fathers, grandparents, teachers, etc.)--and for everyone else who wants to live life with more mindfulness, compassion, and grace.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!, March 30, 2007

By 

Mary Jo Williams (Arvada, CO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Momfulness: Mothering with Mindfulness, Compassion, and Grace (Paperback)

This book is wonderful! I can pick it up and flip to any page and find inspiration in what I am doing as a mom. I have had the opportunity to meet Denise Roy and know that this book is real. She is an amazing author, mother, and spiritual director. This would make a great gift for mother's day for friends or yourself!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nurturing book for moms., December 23, 2008

By 

H. S. Kito (Pasadena, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Momfulness: Mothering with Mindfulness, Compassion, and Grace (Paperback)

This is the best parenting book I have read recently. Instead of thinking what you are doing wrong, with this book you can affirm and nurture love and compassion you have inside and grow from there.

The book is very healing and inspiring. Her "mothering" does not mean just to my own children. We tend to draw a line that "this is my family and my kids and it is OK if we are OK. I don't care about others". Or we think, "I can not even take care of my life and family as I think I should." She shows us some ways to calm down and inspires us to extend our mothering presence and love. she also tells us we can be more inclusive. In the process we can be a part of a bigger community and receive a lot back from the richer relationship and connection. Each of us does not need to muddle through this life alone.

Do you remember that your baby taught you how much love and compassion you have to offer? In the same way, you may find yourself empower to do what you did not imagine and more nurturing presence to all around you.