I've been away from this space for a week because I have been so busy reading Sarah Napthali's 'Buddhism for Mothers - A Calm Approach To Caring For Yourself And Your Children.' It was recommended by a good friend of mine and I bought it that same day.
Her book has taken my breath away.
It's shaken up my world (forever I think)
It's started me on a journey reflecting on how using Buddhist practices in my day to day life as a mother can hugely benefit my family around me, helping me be more loving, patient, accepting.
In a practical way it teaches ways of achieving calm, how to remain calm even when you begin to feel impatient. If you're beginning to feel angry with you child, don't suppress it or express it, simply notice it and feel the effect that particular emotion is having on your body. Don't give that negative emotion too much power. By practicing the Buddhist principle of impermanence, you know that these feelings will change and flow into a different emotion. It will pass. Nothing stays the same.
It is one of the best books on motherhood I have ever read.
The book seems to speak the truth. It makes me wonder, why didn't I think this before? Already know this truth?
This is the one book I could not be without and I will go back to time and time again. I know that over time Buddhist teachings will make me the best parent possible to my children, through calmness, gentleness and mindfulness. It has, quite simply, changed my life.
