I stumbled across Betsy Henry, aka Zen Mama on TwitterMoms and just had to find out all about her and her philosophy of life. Check it out!Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a wife of 23 years, a mother to three teenage sons, a daughter of wonderful parents, an aunt to 6 nieces and nephews and a sister to three siblings! I am a preschool teacher. And finally, what I’ve always wanted to be ... a writer!
I am a wife of 23 years, a mother to three teenage sons, a daughter of wonderful parents, an aunt to 6 nieces and nephews and a sister to three siblings! I am a preschool teacher. And finally, what I’ve always wanted to be ... a writer!
Could you tell us about your philosophy in life and with your kids?
With Kids:
~Accepting children as individuals
~Keeping anger at bay
~Unconditional Love and compassion
~Humor
~Keeping anger at bay
~Unconditional Love and compassion
~Humor
In Life:
~Doing what you love first
~Being as positive as possible
When did you start with Zen?
I’ve always been interested in many different philosophies. I like to find the best in all religions. I conceived the “Zen Mama” concept when I was going through the challenging time with my children a few years ago. I kept joking around that I was becoming a “Zen Mama” so I could let go of the controlling and angry feelings I was feeling towards my teenage sons. As I wrote the book I really researched Zen and Buddhism. I only just touched the surface in my book. It’s really more of an introduction for people like me who are just beginning the journey.
~Doing what you love first
~Being as positive as possible
When did you start with Zen?
I’ve always been interested in many different philosophies. I like to find the best in all religions. I conceived the “Zen Mama” concept when I was going through the challenging time with my children a few years ago. I kept joking around that I was becoming a “Zen Mama” so I could let go of the controlling and angry feelings I was feeling towards my teenage sons. As I wrote the book I really researched Zen and Buddhism. I only just touched the surface in my book. It’s really more of an introduction for people like me who are just beginning the journey.
Tell us about your book - 
HOW TO BE A ZEN MAMA is a book with 13 chapters on how to stop worrying, let go and get closer to your kids. Each chapter has a zen story that reflects the chapter. The Zen Stories are about a young mother studying under a Zen Mama Master. Zen Buddhists learn in life by studying lessons with a master. However, the master will always tell his/her students that they are not really a Zen master, but a student just like them. The Zen Master has just traveled down the road a little way longer than the students.
HOW TO BE A ZEN MAMA is a book with 13 chapters on how to stop worrying, let go and get closer to your kids. Each chapter has a zen story that reflects the chapter. The Zen Stories are about a young mother studying under a Zen Mama Master. Zen Buddhists learn in life by studying lessons with a master. However, the master will always tell his/her students that they are not really a Zen master, but a student just like them. The Zen Master has just traveled down the road a little way longer than the students.How has the response been so far?
The response has been wonderful! The book is available on Amazon, through my website and independent bookstores throughout Colorado.
The response has been wonderful! The book is available on Amazon, through my website and independent bookstores throughout Colorado.
You have a companion web site/blog? Explain how it all works together
At first I started the website as a place to find information about the book or to buy the book. Then I had so many ideas that went with the book but didn’t quite fit in the final draft. So these ideas have become my blog posts.
At first I started the website as a place to find information about the book or to buy the book. Then I had so many ideas that went with the book but didn’t quite fit in the final draft. So these ideas have become my blog posts.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I’m working on a second book. I’m compiling many of my blog posts plus some other work into a sort of Zen Mama diary. And, I will continue to blog and teach Zen Mama workshops. It’s a second job for me and I love it!
I’m working on a second book. I’m compiling many of my blog posts plus some other work into a sort of Zen Mama diary. And, I will continue to blog and teach Zen Mama workshops. It’s a second job for me and I love it!
Check out 'Zen Mama' at; http://www.zen-mama.com/
Posts
7 comments:
What a wonderful, positive attitude!
We have had our house on the market for over a year and we need to let go of the tension of "need to have it sold". What will be, will be, as Betsy advises.
I look forward to reading that second book, "Diary of a Zen-Mama".
Ted
Thanks for stopping by and the wonderful comment :)
I am following from follow friday and wanted to say hello! Stop by and visit and even follow if you like:)
Jennette
http://www.smartandtrendymoms.com/
Good Afternoon! Nice to meet you! Popping in to be your newest Follower! Hooray! Swing by my blog and follow me too - when you get a chance.
Bridgette Groschen
Groschen Goblins
www.groschengoblins.com
I think I need a bit more zen in my life.
Now following from FF. Have a wonderful weekend :)
http://blommi.com
That's such an awesome philosophy! Following from Friday Follow! I hope you come visit us and do the same! :) Have a great weekend!
http://theartsymom.tk
Ah yes, I've seen Zen Mama's blog through Friday Follow too. Thanks for joining the celebration. I am now a follower.
Lynn
http://www.middayescapades.com
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