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
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.
In
the spirit of developing a mindful parenting community, we encourage
you to
submit a mindful parenting verse, commentary, and
imagery to share with others. We believe that through our collective experience,
we can help each other develop a deeper and more meaningful mindful
parenting practice.
Click here to learn more about making a
submssion. We thank everyone who has contributed or is considering
making this very compassionate contribution.
Click
here to learn what
recent events are taking place. Please
contact us with your
questions about mindful parenting or to share a mindful parenting
experience. The Mindful Parent conducts mindful parenting
workshops and seminars. We are devoted to working with
you to enhance your ability to "be" with your children, and to experience
the bliss that awaits you.
Sign up for The Mindful
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The Daily Sip: Play The Fool
Today
is April Fool's Day. The history of this holiday relates
back to about 1582 when the Gregorian calendar was adopted shifting
the celebration of the New Year to January 1. Those who
didn't receive this news were regarded as fools for continuing
to celebrate the new year on April 1.
The practice
of mindful parenting is not knowledge oriented -- it is experiential.
Mindful parenting verses, exercises, and meditations are designed
to deepen the connection one feels to their children, their families,
to the community and to the cosmos. This connection deepens
when we are fools, that is, when we allow ourselves to be guided by
our internal intuition and spirit.
Today, when you are with your
child, allow yourself to play the fool. If your child tries
to trick you with an April Fool's gag, rather than correct your
child or play along only half-hearted, relax your internal vigilance
and go with the gag. Listen deeply to your child's request and
comply with all your heart. When the gag is revealed, laugh
deeply with your child. Joyfulness emerges when you experience
the moment, rather than observe or assess it as it happens.
In
this regard, try to play the fool today as often as you
can. Many spiritual traditions appreciate the value of a fresh
and open mind, one not expecting and defending against attack or deception.
As the fool, open to whatever the moment brings. Breathe deeply
and fully. Relax the need to correct anyone or express your
judgment over a matter for which such commentary is gratuitous. As is so often the case, the fool lives a joyous life.
