#21 Buddha Board

Momma Told Me: Letting go is one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do.

I watch these shows on A&E or Lifetime, one in particular stands out, Hoarders. If you've never seen the show it begins with a staggering statistic that somewhere near 40,000 Americans suffer from this psychological disease. Watching a single episode is enough to get me out of my seat and cleaning, though the underlying issue really isn't about being messy. As humans, we suffer from a condition called 'materialism', and it effects nearly all of us. Hoarders are just those unlucky enough to have found events in their life that trigger a never ending cycle of collecting things that are most often otherwise meaningless.

In reviewing the Buddha Board, and delving into the product's concept I found myself reflecting on this. Whether it's a living person, a relationship, a high school trophy, or child's first tooth, humans find solace in keeping remnants around long after these times and people are gone. It's as if by saving something tangible we can in turn feel more accomplished, even when surrounded by what (looking in) seems like a bunch of rubbish.

And therein lies but a tiny piece of the human condition. As an artist, or I should say as someone who once considered art for a career, I know this feeling all too well. Whenever I would show a new partner, or friend one of my portfolios they would insist the art held value. "What don't you sell your art?" they'd ask, and I'd shrug dismissively knowing I could never part with the part of my past I felt defined me. Parting with just one sketch meant giving up something uniquely mine that I would never get back, no matter how I tried to replicate it. A scary feeling.

And how wonderfully this all ties in! It's essentially the same thing, manifesting itself here and there. I'm no different than 'those people' on TV. We are all creatures of habit who feel the need to justify our life through trinkets, photos, and pieces of times past. I'm not suggesting you box up your wedding photos and throw your kid's teddy to the curb. But practicing the art of letting go in small movements here and there, and learning to carry your accomplishments with you spiritually, rather than physically may help lead to a less stressful and more balanced life.

It's in this spirit the Buddha Board serves as both a fun, never ending, artistic outlet for kids, as well as a meditative exercise for adults. Based on the Zen concept of living in the moment, this unique and eco-friendly tool features the craft of water painting. Water painting as in water based paints? Well, yes, and no. Your 'paint' is water-based, in fact, it's actually water!

I can see mothers at their PC taking interest now, after all, how much damage can water do? And there's no messy paints or staining supplies to tote! Even better, you'll never have to buy refills or replacements. A Buddha Board can last for years when properly card for, and never features more then 3 pieces! The smaller mini and laptop varieties have a built in easel, which minimizes the pieces to 2; the brush and board!

I was sent a mini Buddha Board, also called the gift card model for review here on Momma Told Me. While the original and laptop varieties make for great professional and artistic gifts the mini is an on the go, zen in your pocket sort of deal. It's the perfect size for a purse, backpack, lunch pail, or desk! Essentially, the mini board comes with 12 occasion stickers for event personalization. Select one, and apply it to the front, then use the included message space inside to write a permanent sentiment to the giftee.

Using the Buddha Board is incredibly simply, and there's only one rule; don't touch the drawing surface! Oils from your hands can cause the 'magic' to be less effective. The mini pops open like an easal and features a small built in 'tray' where water can be placed. The included brush was a little stiff at first, but under running water softened up just fine. All that was left to do was to paint! My initial experiences have been documented in the included photos. Depending on the amount of moisture an average 'masterpiece' will take anywhere from 3-5 minutes to fully disappear.

The user can experience with pressure and angles to create various designs, practice calligraphy, or simply bask in the serene calm that is a brush meeting paper. There's no pressure regarding 'mistakes' as the canvas will be blank again in a few minutes! What a wonderful philosophy and exercise!

What Daughter Says: Without any waste, the Buddha Board provides a creative canvas for free expression.

I have (2) Buddha Board Minis to give away, a $19.99 value! There will be (2) winners!

Mandatory Entry: You must be a Momma Told Me follower, then visit Buddha Board and tell me what you learn!

Extra Entries:
*Follow Buddha Board on Facebook +1
*Follow Buddha Board on Twitter +1
*Tell me where the nearest Buddha Board retailer is to you +2
*Make a Buddha Board purchase +10
*Blog about this giveaway +4
*Grab our Winter Wonderland button and link it here: http://bit.ly/aZ2rDw +4
*Follow Confessions of An Overworked Mom +2
*Vote for Momma Told Me on Top Mommy Blogs +2 (can be daily)
*Subscribe to Momma Told Me via email +2
*'Like' Momma Told Me on Facebook AND leave a comment on the wall with something you have a hard tim letting go of +2
*Follow Momma Told Me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway +2
*Enter another Momma Told Me giveaway +1 each

Giveaway begins November 2, 2010 and ends 12:01 AM PST on November 13, 2010. Winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Entries valid INTERNATIONALLY . Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Prize will be transferred via blog owner within 2 weeks of contest close.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this review. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.