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 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.
Sign up for The Mindful
Parent newsletter and receive information and tips on mindful parenting.It's easy, free, and fulfilling.
The Morning Sip: Welcome Silence
When we observe our child
sleeping, feelings of warmth and joy fill our hearts. Moments later, we tell
ourselves what a wonderful feeling we felt. Oops! The
feeling is gone. We are now in the world of thoughts, where
joy is a noun. But that is a conscious act. We need not
scurry away from such precious moments so quickly.
Sometime today, welcome
silence into time you spend with your child, even if for only a few
seconds. Without announcing your intention, catch yourself
before you start making some point, or while in the middle of a statement,
and ease into silence. Let your thinking mind taper.
Breathe deeply and slowly. And smile. There is joy penetrating that
moment. Rejoice in the silence as you look deeply into your
child's eyes.