The Tao of Motherhood (Family & Childcare) [Paperback]

Vimala McClure (Author)

Book Description

Series: Family & Childcare | Publication Date: March 24, 1997

The Tao Te Ching, the classic work of ancient Chinese wisdom, has inspired and guided millions of people over more than a hundred generations. Twenty years ago, Vimala McClure, a mother and teacher of meditation and yoga, was inspired to meditate with each of the concise, profound teachings of the Tao Te Ching and capture its spirit and wisdom in words specifically directed to an audience close to her heart — mothers.

The result, a new classic based on an old one, has encouraged and uplifted mothers for nearly a generation. Even the busiest of mothers can dip into this gentle, comforting book and find wonderful inspiration and guidance.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Tao of Motherhood is ideal for mothers who long to blend their spirituality into parenting. This collection of brief essays draws upon the ancient teachings of Lao Tzu, reminding mothers of the fundamental truths that prevail when every other piece of parenting advice fails. Because the passages are brief, the book is accessible at any harried moment. It is also applicable to every stage of motherhood--from tending to infants to the mothering of adult children; for example, in the passage on "Paradox," author Vimala McClure writes, "There is nothing more receptive and flowing than water, yet there is nothing better for polishing the stone. A mother's nature is paradox. Your strength is in your gentleness. Your authority is in receptivity. Your power is in letting go."

Review

Apply the wisdom of Lao Tzu to child-rearing practices and you have a comforting time-tested companion to motherhood. Numbered vignettes are perfect for brief daily inspiration and reading: ". . . If you are kind, you can act with courage to support and protect your children. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: New World Library; 2nd edition (March 24, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577310144
• ISBN-13: 978-1577310143
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #943,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful inspiration for today's busy mothers., December 23, 1998

By 

Luana Rubin ([e-mail]) (Boulder, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tao of Motherhood (Family & Childcare) (Paperback)

I carried this book in my store "Vortex", in the East Village of NYC in the late 80's. It had a big impact on me as I explored spiritual aspects of birth and parenting. Many books have come in and out of my life since then, but I always remembered the gentle words of quiet wisdom Vimala had to share. I recently had the good fortune of meeting Vimala in person, and immediately remembered this beautiful book. I have 2 copies now: one from my old store that I loan out, and a new copy that my mother gave me a few months before I met Vimala. I loan the first copy out to mothers who are caught up in the frenetic pace of today's busy, stressed - out world. It is a quiet place to retreat to. Thank you Vimala! -Luana

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy read w/ usable solutions to the hard job of parenting!, November 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tao of Motherhood (Family & Childcare) (Paperback)

This book was given to me after the birth of my 3rd child over seven years ago. Amazing how much I had to learn about being a parent, and what a patient teacher Vimala can be. Without guilt she enables you to make changes in the type of parenting you've learned and supports you in teaching yourself to parent if you feel unprepared. Written for easy access, as a soon to be mother of five, I always have a moment(that's all it really takes) to reread a passage and regroup my parenting skills.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vimala reminds us of the spirituality in parenting, December 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tao of Motherhood (Family & Childcare) (Paperback)

This beautifully written book has been a comfort to me during the trying times of parenting a young child. Her words are gentle and touch the inner core of who I am trying to be as a good parent. I have found strength when I was at my lowest and yet she reminds me that we are in this world but not of this world. With her guidance I have been able to put aside the demands and comparisons society places on me as a parent and to focus on what truly matters. I have given this book to my friends and I plan on passing it on to others that are looking for a spiritual connection to their children.