by Brian Leaf
New World Library
Having a child means that life as you know it is over. Or at least that is what parents tell expecting couples who nod politely, never really knowing what that means until they are knee deep in dirty diapers, breast milk, and burp cloths. Even the most conscious yogi is not immune to the trials of parenthood, least of all author Brian Leaf, who explores the ins and outs of co-sleeping, circumcision, and the art of discipline through unconditional love in his latest memoir Misadventures of a Parenting Yogi.
The book is as much a primer for new parents seeking alternatives to traditional parenting approaches as it is an amusing journey through mishaps and tiny victories that only a caregiver can experience. Leaf dives into the pros and cons of many decisions facing new parents. With humor and compassion he explains the choices he and his wife settle on, inserting insight from various experts.
Leaf explains it best when he says, “Parenting young children is not unlike serfdom. Except that you’re madly, wildly in love with your feudal lords.” Indeed, Misadventures of a Parenting Yogi is a chronicle of one man’s Bhakti yoga practice and the lessons learned along the way.
Reviewed by Jazmine Aluma, who writes, blogs, and practices yoga in Los Angeles.
