Mindful Parenting is a contemplative practice through which we become more mindful of our children and, in doing so, experience a more joyful life.
Your mindful parenting practice tip of the day.  Be sure to sip slowly
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The Mindful Parent 
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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
TMP Book Series
Thursday December 16, 2004
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The Daily Sip:  Gazing at Clouds and Your Child
 
Clouds surround us as they pass across the sky.  They are a beautiful part of the natural world.
 
We all know the malleability of clouds in our minds.  They can take the form of animals, people, and inanimate objects.  Clouds can take whatever form our imagination permits.
 
Today, look to the sky and allow your eyes to rest on a cloud that possesses characteristics that make you think of your child -- perhaps it will be something that resembles your child, or a toy, animal or character your child adores.
 
Look to the cloud and observe the sky.  Is the cloud floating stationary, slowly making its way across the sky, or moving swiftly?  Is it changing form?
 
No matter, the cloud will change shape, it will cross and pass out of your view, it will eventually change form as it turns to rain, snow, or otherwise dissipates into the atmosphere. 
 
And so it is with all nature.  And so it is with our child.  We've already observed great transformation within our child.  There is more to come.
 
Reflect on the cloud and open your awareness to the natural changes taking place with your child.
 
When you next see you child, imagine their feet floating a few inches off the ground.  Imagine your child as a cloud.      
 
Today's Morning Sip originally appeared June 1, 2004, and can be found, along with others, in the Morning Cup Archives.
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A complete archive of "The Morning Cup" columns can be found here.
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The Mindful Parent is a servicemark of Zen Health.