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 Morning
Sip: In The Presence of Your Child
The practice of mindful parenting
opens awareness to your child's presence, regardless of where you
are or what you are doing. This results in a flood
of joyfulness pouring into and out of your heart. Given
the complexities and stresses associated with the moments of our lives,
this feeling is a much needed salve. The beautiful thing is
that this salve is all natural -- no chemicals added.
So often,
we draw dividing lines between those activities that we do with and
without our children. Many of these lines are wonderful and
needed. Some of them, however, grew out of a routine that
developed without mindful awareness. By opening awareness
to the gifted presence of your child, you may want to redraw
some of these lines.
Today, when you find yourself looking for
quiet or alone time and tending toward separating yourself from your
child, open awareness to the root of the need. Breathe deeply
and slowly, relax your shoulders, and allow your thoughts to float
away. Are you reacting against some anticipated anxiety
or frustration, out of simple routine, or do you genuinely need
to be separated. Honor the genuine need. If
you hesitate on the answer, consider inviting your child in, or entering
your child's space.
Your involvement with your child need
not involve talking or physical interaction -- perhaps just
the occasion smile or affirmation. Be sure to tell this to your
child if he or she wishes to talk, or otherwise interact.
My beautiful child
I want so much to be with you
I also need this time to . . . .
I would love to try to do both
The
practice of mindful parenting opens awareness to the extraordinary
bounty that resides in every moment.
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.
In
the spirit of developing a mindful parenting community, we encourage
you to
submit a mindful parenting experience through 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
and of changes to The Mindful Parent website. Please
contact
us with your questions about mindful parenting or to share a mindful
parenting experience. We are devoted to working with you to
enhance your ability to "be" with your children, and to experience
the bliss that awaits you.
