I separated from my husband nearly two years ago now.  It has been a roller coaster ride that was made more difficult by the fact we have two young boys.  Kids are amazing in how quickly they can adapt to situations but Mothers guilt is a shocking thing that attacks us all.

At Christmas my brother bought me Buddhism for Break-Ups by Mishel Laurie as a bit of a light hearted gift to go with my other present.  He thought I might be interested or at least read that instead of falling asleep on the couch in front of the TV.

I am not sure that he knew that I have read books previously on Buddhism as it is a topic that interests me given that I believe and agree with many Buddhist principles and beliefs.  When I started reading this book I was unsure what to expect having listened to Mishel Laurie on the radio and knowing her as a comedian.  Would this book be a comedy full of laughs or a serious look at Buddhism?

What I found the book to be was an interesting, amusing and informative account of the end of Mishel’s 19 year marriage and how she looked to Buddhism for answers.  How she applied Buddhist philosophy to her situation and used it to navigate the minefield that separation can be.

What I really liked about this book is that each chapter covers a different philosophy or component of Buddhism.  each chapter covers what the philosophy is and means, how Mishel applied it to her situation and, what I really liked, a self reflection section at the end.  I found it therapeutic at the end of each chapter to ask myself the questions and think how it applied to me.

Like Mishel I had been married for a long time, had two young children and questioned for a long time whether I was doing the right thing.  Probably the biggest difference was I believe in many ways my relationship was the role reversal where I was more like her ex-husband.

It is definitely a book that I recommend for people going through a separation or who are struggling accepting a separation that has already occurred.

I am now reading Mishel’s next book – Buddhism for the Unbelievably Busy, so I wil give you my thoughts on that once I have finished it.

 

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