Sitting Like a Saint - by Gregory And Barbra Bottaro (Hardcover)

About the Book

Dear Parents, We've written this book for two reasons: to help you introduce your children to some of the great saints of our faith, and to help you and your children grow in the peace beyond all understanding that comes from being loved by a Father who takes care of us. Mindfulness may seem like a new concept, but as it is presented in this Catholic context, it is something that has been practiced since Jesus commanded us to "not be anxious" about our lives. These exercises are an effective way of teaching our children, through the bodies God gave us, how to accept our feelings without criticizing ourselves for having them, and at the same time how to control our expression of them. In our own family we've experienced that often when we devote time and energy to helping our kids, we end up helping ourselves as well. We can't give them what we don't have, so learning how to trust God and let go of our fears, worries, and frustrations is the best way to model that peace for our children. We pray that in teaching your children about God and the saints who have loved him in the past, you will also experience a bit of that peace. In Christ, Greg and Barbra

Book Synopsis

The married coauthors introduce 14 Catholic saints and urge readers to emulate their mindfulness through calming activities. Following an anecdote about Francis of Assisi calming the wolf of Gubbio, readers can try a breathing and body movement exercise: "Take three slow, deep breaths in and out. What a relaxed wolf you are!" In another exercise meant to conjure the strength of Joan of Arc, readers visualize "a soft, white heavenly light... covering you from your head all the way to your toes." Corsini illustrates in graceful art that expresses the kindness and dignity of the figures. An unconventional and inviting approach to mindfulness. Ages 2-12. (Apr.) - Publisher's Weekly