Book Review

The Tao of Motherhood
by Vimala McClure
Review by Jake Aryeh Marcus

Vimala McClure has long been the mother of the infant massage movement. In her seminal book on infant massage practice and in her many workshops; she has always maintained a focus on the intimacy of the mother/child relationship. This understanding, and her own study of Eastern philosophy, led her to write other books on mothering of which The Tao of Motherhood is an important one.

Article continues below

The Tao of Motherhood is a lovely book of meditations full of wisdom on 81 themes as apparently diverse as "perspective" and "courage." Yet, all 81 passages are truly interwoven when one steps back to examine how each is integral to one's life as a mother. In reading this book, one feels a sense of calm and acceptance that can often overcome the stress of living in a culture that does not share your values.

A fine example is the passage on "Security" in which McClure writes:

Your children are not you.

To try to show the world what a good
mother you are diminishes you. To try
to show the world what good children
you have diminishes them.

Heal your insecurity by holding to the truth.
The One Consciousness flows through all
without boasting.

While the book is written in the Taoist tradition, and references are made to that philosophy, it is not necessary to be a follower or have studied Taoism. The essence of McClure's writing reflects the experience of mothering, not necessarily any particular spiritual path.

The Tao of Motherhood is best read straight through the first time but then can sit on your bedside table to return to for reflection, affirmation, and peace. It is definitely a book that can lead to more conscious, secure and loving mothering.

Order The Tao of Motherhood Now!

Jake Aryeh Marcus is a lawyer, freelance writer and editor, and work-at-home mom to unschooling sons Luca, Nicky, and Aidan. Jake's writing has appeared in The Compleat Mother, The Family Life Journal, and elsewhere. Jake and her family live in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

Sponsors: