Episode 8: How Stillness, Acceptance & the Practice of Being Present Helps You Connect to Your Children with Maezen Miller

In today’s show, Episode 8, we’re talking with Karen Maezen Miller.   Not only is Maezen a wife and a mother, she is also a Zen Buddhist priest at the Hazy Moon Zen Center in Los Angeles, California.  Maezen has written three books and several anthologies about spirituality in everyday life. She leads retreats around the country and we’re honored she’s with us today to share her valuable insights on motherhood from a Zen Buddhist perspective.  Maezen became a mother at 42 years old and prefers to call the transition into motherhood more of a “catastrophe” and she explains why in today’s episode.  She also impresses how important it is to be very clear about your life, and what is actually happening, at each moment in time. Without doing so, she feels you can never truly be open to the answers life provides, understand the energy you project onto those around you, or be able to handle situations that don’t go your way without becoming depressed.  Maezen uses this philosophy when parenting her own child, and admits that it’s easier said than done, in order to not make herself the center of her daughter’s life.    We also speak with Maezen about a few passages we absolutely love from two of her books; including why fatigue is a gift and why she believes doing laundry is a perfect representation of life itself.  Lastly, Maezen uses her expertise to offer tips for those looking to start meditating.  Maezen’s ability to step into herself and take full responsibility for her thoughts and feelings will inspire you to look at your own life and see where you can practice quieting your mind and opening your heart. We adore Maezen and think you will as well.  To learn more about Maezen, visit her website HERE.   Join our Mindful Mama Movement Facebook group to connect with like-minded women from around the world!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/MindfulMamaMovement/