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: Your Child Knows You
Much
of our behavior is driven by our perceptions of ourselves. We
believe we are a certain way, or that others believe us to be a certain
way, and if we find those perceptions satisfying, we act so as to
maintain them. But, because we are in charge of these perceptions,
they may be erroneous.
To be present in the moment is
to see with clarity, and to know with clarity. It
is to soak in the stillness and embrace the cosmos. As
we come to know ourselves with greater clarity and honesty, our
relationship with our child reaches even greater heights.
Through
the practice of mindful parenting, our child can help us to see
ourselves more clearly. Today, if you have the opportunity to
interact with your child, open awareness to your true self.
You may be in the middle of a game, or a conversation, or reading
a book or reviewing homework. Whatever you may be doing, take
a moment and see yourself from the perspective of your child.
I am who I think I am
But my child
Knows
me
Like
a flower knows the rain
As you recite the verse, breathe deeply
and relax your shoulders. Soften your belly. As you open
awareness to your child's perceptions, don't judge yourself.
Just absorb the feeling. Smile at whatever insight might
emerge.
