Wedding Zen: Calming Wisdom for the Bride

From Publishers Weekly
This little book wisely and warmly offers "a philosophy of wedding planning, loosely based on... Zen Buddhism." The basic rule, says MacNeal, is to stay in the present moment and not obsess about the future, "giving up the illusion of control." Staying in the present moment also means truly enjoying the engagement without dreaming unduly about the "perfect" wedding day, and then being frustrated or disappointed with things (and people) as they are. While the book draws upon Buddhism broadly defined, MacNeal applies specific Buddhist precepts successfully and creatively to the particular preoccupations of a bride planning her wedding. For example, women hoping to shed pounds before the big event are encouraged to adopt "the middle weigh," emphasizing mindfulness and moderation in both eating and exercise; brides can make wedding decisions using the "right effort" provision of the Eightfold Path. With MacNeal's sensible and witty advice and artist Rachell Sumpter's hip, arresting illustrations, this small book will make a perfect gift for the bride in the lotus. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Book Description
For stressed-out brides-to-be, finally there's an alternative to last-minute elopement: Wedding Zen is an oasis of calm amidst the chaos of planning a wedding. By applying the classic teachings of Zen to time-honored nuptial traditions, this darling book shows that a little namaste can improve The Big Day in a dramatic way. Drawn from Zen teachings such as staying mindful of worldly attachments (remember: it's the thought, not the gift, that counts!) and surrendering the ego (but she's your mother, and you love her), here are dozens of tips for warding off trouble in nirvana. Wedding Zen packs a bouquet of wisdom into a charming, beautifully illustrated volume, making this a perfect bridal shower gift. So when preparations get a little crazy -- or a lot crazy -- relief for the bride, and good karma for the giver, is close at hand.


About the Author
Susan Elia MacNeal has been a bridesmaid in too many weddings to count. A writer and editor, she lives with her husband in New York City. Rachell Sumpter is a California-based illustrator whose work has graced many publications, including Budget Living, Bust, and The Boston Globe.


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Author Biography: Susan Elia MacNeal has been a bridesmaid in too many weddings to count. A writer and editor, she lives with her husband in New York City. Rachell Sumpter is a California-based illustrator whose work has graced many publications, including Budget Living, Bust, and The Boston Globe.


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