Mindful Parenting is a contemplative practice through which we become more mindful of our children and, in doing so, experience a more joyful life.
The Mindful Parent is an organization devoted
to sharing with parents and other child caregivers ways in which to
enhance the many joys of parenting. By mindfully attending to
our children, both when we are physically present with them and when
we are physically separated from them, we can enhance our sense of
connection to them and, in turn, our connection to the cosmos.
This makes us a better parent, a happier person, and a more vital
human being.
To facilitate a more mindful approach to parenting,
The Mindful Parent publishes on its website, and in its bi-weekly
newsletter,
mindful parenting
verses and commentaries. The Mindful
Parent website also serves as a community forum that encourages and
supports a mindful parenting dialogue and the sharing of mindful parenting
experiences.
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We believe that through our collective experience, we can help
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The Morning Sip: Stay Awake While
Watching Television
The
practice of mindful parenting is about "waking up" to the presence
of your child in your life. The practice does not proscribe
or dictate conduct. Still, certain habits and behaviors,
due to their nature, challenge us to "awaken." An
example is the television.
I am engrossed in waves
of color and sound
Coming out of a little box
While
the waves of color and sound in front of me
My heart ignores
Today,
it you find yourself watching television, try to be mindful of the
fact that you are watching television. If your child is vying
for your attention, open awareness to this fact. If you are
intermittently doling out your attention as you flip through the channels
or focus on a show, simply be aware of what you are doing. Allow
your child’s words and actions to serve as a reminder to wake up. Breathe deeply and slowly. Open awareness to what you are seeing
with your miraculous eyes.
If your child becomes irritated because
you are not giving him or her sought after attention, be direct and
politely make clear that you are very interested in what they
have to say but are choosing to devote your attention at the moment
to the television.
You may find that by opening to the moment,
you choose to turn off the television and be more fully present with
your child. But even if you choose to watch television, you
are doing so more fully present and alive in the moment. You
can feel the difference.
