Of Asanas and Sons: A Yogi Parenting Book

The memoir of yoga enthusiast Brian Leaf, "Misadventures of a Parenting Yogi," amusingly documents his quest to be a centered dad.

"Misadventures of a Parenting Yogi" by Brian Leaf

Now that he’s a father of two, yoga enthusiast Brian Leaf has less time to salute the sun. But at least he’s been able to improve his parenting skills.

Leaf scoured countless books on socially conscious child-rearing and shares the pearls in his witty Misadventures of a Parenting Yogi (New World Library), a combination memoir and how-to guide. He tries to find his own style, by taking a holistic, organic approach to tasks from birthing to potty training to vetting preschools.

Leaf succeeds—quelling his sons’ quarrels, for example—but also blunders. Operation Meditation, his attempt to carve out an island of calm in the wee hours, fails miserably. Tiptoeing through a jungle of squeaky toys and creaky floorboards, he reaches his meditation cushion only to decide to slink back to bed—waking everyone in the process.

Leaf finds humor in crawling around a public bathroom in search of a toy or explaining to young minds the difference between boys and girls. Sharing a special moment with one son, he is deflated when the boy declares his love, not for his father, but for goats.

Despite such foibles, Leaf finally manages to hit his parenting stride without losing his yogic sensibilities. He dishes out helpful tips in Misadventures—like making sure everyone in the family eats a good lunch—but his entertaining doses of humor are far more salutary.

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