The best thing about my work is that it gives me the freedom to give. Here are four brand new books I’m offering as gifts. Read the descriptions below and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you’d wish for. Winners will be drawn by random at the end of the day Wednesday, Sept. 26, so make a choice while you’re here.
Everything is the Way — These days, when Zen has become a kind of shorthand for anything that’s enigmatic or aesthetically spare, it’s refreshing be reminded that Zen is at heart a practice for waking up from the dream we inhabit—in order to free ourselves from the suffering the dream imposes on us. Elihu Genmyo Smith’s Zen teaching never loses sight of that central concern: Whether it takes the form of zazen (meditation), koan work, or just eating your breakfast, the aim of Zen practice is nothing other than intimacy with ourselves and everything around us.
Turning Dead Ends Into Doorways — Whether we like it or not, control is an illusion. God and the universe laugh when we make 
plans. We can try hard to materialize something—a new job, the perfect body, trust, our dream partner, inner peace—without success. And sometimes life deals unexpected blows: illness, divorce, or death. With practical honesty and humor, healing practitioner Staci Boden introduces eight teachers to help us navigate the unknown in daily life—fear, awareness, choice, body, intuition, energy, intention and surrender.
Growing Happy Kids—A book designed to help parents, teachers and adults cultivate a deeper sense of confidence and ultimately, happiness in their children. Maureen Healy brings together western science and eastern wisdom in a simple yet profound approach to cultivating confidence. It begins with the “Five Building Blocks of Confidence” supported by pediatricians, child psychiatrists, educational specialists and teachers across multiple spiritual traditions.
The Mindful Way through Pregnancy — Pregnancy is a time of wonder and of momentous change, both emotionally and physically, 
filled with excitement and awe but also with great uncertainty and vulnerability. This book-and-audio program brings together writings and simple daily practices for bringing the transformative power of mindfulness to this special time. This book includes a new essay from me on childbirth, so I will sign this book as a personal birthday gift from me.
Thank you so much, everyone, for reading this blog and being unafraid to ask for what you need. All winners have been notified.
I would love either the pregnancy book or growing happy kids. I’m 5 months along, expecting my first babies, I’m having twins, in February. Reading Mama Zen now and learning so much. Thanks for the offer.
Comment by Alison — September 22, 2012 @ 3:22 pm
“Everything is the Way” would be my choice. I’ve been struggling with a loss for several years; trying to accept it as part of the way. Thank you.
Comment by melody — September 22, 2012 @ 4:19 pm
I love all of these! (The pregnancy one would have done wonders during my own!)
I would love to be entered to win Everything is the Way, Growing Happy Kids, and Turning Dead Ends into Doorways!
Thank you so much for offering these gifts to us!
Comment by Sarah — September 22, 2012 @ 6:36 pm
Growing Happy Kids would be my first choice followed by The Mindful Way Through Pregnancy.
Comment by Amy Pertl-Clark — September 22, 2012 @ 7:11 pm
Thanks! All sound wonderful but growing happy kids and everything is th way would be my first choices.
Comment by Julie — September 22, 2012 @ 9:00 pm
Thank you for the opportunity. Everything is the Way and Growing Happy Kids sound wonderful.
Comment by Kelly — September 22, 2012 @ 9:58 pm
Growing Happy Kids! I am struggling to find ways, in our small town, to share eastern thought with my daughter. It has made such an impact on me but there is little support in our community. This would be a welcome addition to our little library at home!
Thanks for creating this opportunity.
Comment by Jodie — September 23, 2012 @ 4:29 am
What a lovely opportunity. Thank you. I would choose first Turning Dead Ends Into Doorways — I love this line “Whether we like it or not, control is an illusion.” It is so true and especially timely for me as the relationship I thought was ‘the one’ ends and we sell and move out of the home I’ve lived in and loved for so long. Second I would choose Mindful Pregnancy for the work I do with expectant parents – helping them navigate the journey of birth and parenting.
Comment by Susan — September 23, 2012 @ 4:42 am
Thank you so much for extending this opportunity. I am most interested in ‘Turning Deadends Into Doorways’ and ‘everything is the Way’.
Many blessings.
Comment by Katrina — September 23, 2012 @ 8:05 am
These all look so great, I’d love a chance at ‘Everything Is The Way”. Thanks for introducing these books, and for the chance to win one.
Comment by dave — September 23, 2012 @ 8:38 am
I always love to have good resource books in my collection as a social worker and zen practitioner. Thank you Karen for your beautiful writing that reminds me (and friends as I often forward my favorites) to return to the present moment.
Comment by Amy Robertson — September 23, 2012 @ 8:39 am
I would love to read Everything is the Way.
Comment by Mama Zen — September 23, 2012 @ 9:13 am
The first three interest me. I’m past having babies! Thank you, Sharon
Comment by sharon moncada — September 23, 2012 @ 7:34 pm
I love the sound of Turning Deadends into Doorways”. Thank you for the opportunity!
Comment by Viv — September 24, 2012 @ 12:23 am
Hello Karen! Wow! I’d love reading “Turning dead ends”! Thank you ever so much for your sharing your experiences with us. I’m reading “Momma Zen” and loving it! Thank you Karen!
Comment by Lazia — September 24, 2012 @ 3:39 am
I would love to read “Growing Happy Kids”. Thank you!
Comment by Marjorie — September 24, 2012 @ 8:02 am
I love your writing. It is vivid, intelligent, clear, and moving. Thank you. I am sharing your work in the groups I lead. They are attended by Moms new to motherhood and looking for a community. I would love to give them the books on mindful pregnancy and How to Raise Happy Kids.
Blessings,
Jan
Comment by Jan — September 24, 2012 @ 12:26 pm
Any of the books except for the Pregnancy one sounded delightful. I would actually love a recommendation on how to feel confident in your parenting.
Comment by Erin Wheatley — September 24, 2012 @ 3:47 pm
Your interest in Turning Dead Ends into Doorways warms my heart. In case you’d like another chance at a giveaway, visit:
http://upyourimpactfactor.com/turning-dead-ends-into-doorways-and-giveaway/
http://balanceinme.com/balanced-mind-and-soul/8-teachers-for-juggling-life/
I’ll be sharing other opportunities next week as well: http://www.dancing-tree.com/blog.
Thanks,
Staci Boden
staci@dancing-tree.com
Comment by Staci Boden — September 25, 2012 @ 2:42 pm
Wow, this is a hard choice for sure! I’d be happy with any of them, but Everything is the Way sounds like just what I’ve been looking for. Thank you for including me in the drawing!! Good luck to all.
Comment by Ashley — September 26, 2012 @ 6:12 am
Turning Dead Ends into Doorways is my desire for today. I’m due with my first in 4 weeks, so the Pregnancy book sounds great, but it’s coming late.
I’m a walking magnet for unsolicited motherhood/pregnancy advice, people just start telling you things about their kids and/or labor/ delivery…actually, I don’t mind. I quite like it. I realize, I NOW have things in common with people I never did before and there’s much to talk about in regards to children. i.e. today a lady goes “once you have your kid, you won’t be able to imagine what your life was like before it”… what IS my life like before I have this child? I guess whatever my life already IS, will just be enhanced by one more fantastic element. Random strangers passing by give you “the look” the all knowing-you’re about to enter the craziest ride of your life-but it’s a blessing-I know what you’re going through LOOK. I just smile back and they see the questions in my head. I feel like I’ve entered another dimension of life.
Comment by Denise Espinosa — September 26, 2012 @ 6:22 am
Oooh thanks for this opportunity to win – I would love to read Growing Happy Kids, Turning Dead Ends into Doorways and/or Everything is the Way!!
Comment by Jill — September 26, 2012 @ 6:42 am
The Mindful Way through Pregnancy and/or Growing Happy Kids
Comment by Kimberly — September 26, 2012 @ 7:00 am
Oh, I would love The Mindful Way through Pregnancy! Thank you so much for the opportunity.
Comment by jennie — September 26, 2012 @ 7:30 am
I would love to win! Your words inspire, move and enlighten me…so happy to have found you 🙂
Comment by jenn strilchuk — September 27, 2012 @ 8:48 am
the title “giving a way” has really played in my mind since you posted this. Today I realized that all the clearing I’ve done, the donating of stuff, creating space in our home is truly giving a way, not just for myself but for the recipient of that which has been given. I love the concept that my “giving away” is actually “giving a way”. One more time, thank you.
Comment by MJ — September 29, 2012 @ 7:46 pm