Mindful Parenting is a contemplative practice through which we become more mindful of our children and, in doing so, experience a more joyful life.
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The Morning Sip: School and
Life
The new school year is beginning. It may be your
child's first day of school. If not, then that day is quickly
approaching. If your child has not been to school before, then
the first day marks a touching milestone. If school
has become a part of the regular routine for your child, then,
while it is that time again, that time is bound to offer new
and exciting experiences and opportunities for growth.
Many of
us can remember our early school experiences. Because of
the excitement and uncertainties associated with these experiences,
we may have vivid memories, some of which proved transforming. While
you look back on these memories, your child is living them now,
in the present. The excitement and uncertainty is real.
And often, because the environment is new and the experiences powerful,
your child will not always be able to express and share emotions
and feelings with ease.
Today, you may be reminded of the approaching
school year. Perhaps you will kiss your child goodbye,
drop your child off at school, plan for the upcoming school
year, discuss homework, purchase school supplies, pay tuition,
talk about school over the phone or through e-mail,
or send or receive a letter in the mail.
When you
are reminded about school, open awareness to the awesomeness
of the experience. It is never just another day. When you are
with your child, look into your child's magical eyes. If you
are distant from your child, visualize them. Listen deeply
to what your child tells you. Listen deeply and you may
hear echoes of uncertainty and anxiety. You don't have to
solve every problem. You need only to listen, hug and kiss
your child. Open awareness and simply be present with
your child.
In school
My child learns
And experiences
Everything
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.
