Momfulness

November 27, 2006
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.

March 1, 2007
Roy, a retreat leader and the author of "My Monastery Is a Minivan", has written a charming book of insights and suggested practices for mothers at all stages of mothering. Her outlook is unabashedly spiritualshe looks for moments of grace and meditation in a mother's lifebut her sound counsel helps parents to cultivate patience, resilience, flexibility, and gratitude in dealing with children. Many mothers (and fathers, too) should find her book both entertaining and uplifting. For most collections.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.