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.
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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.
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The Daily Sip:
Open
Awareness To Old Routines
Our habits and routines direct our
actions and attitudes in ways of which we may have little insight.
One such habit relates to what we do when we return to our home.
Whether we have been out running errands or at the office, the
moment we walk in the front door is not necessarily a mindful
one.
It is not so important that you immediately drop everything
to be with your child (though that can be a source of great joy).
What is important is that you are mindful of your child's presence when
you walk in the door. With this awareness you may alter your
habitual routine, which in turn, opens you to greater happiness.
Today,
as you are approaching your front door, open awareness to the loving
child that awaits you inside. Simply bring your thoughts
to what your child might be doing inside. Breathe deeply and
stand still for a moment. Can you sense where your habit energy
is taking you?
Is it to the computer to check e-mails?
To the answering machine to listen to messages? To the refrigerator
or cupboard to grab something to eat? Of course, it is
fine to do all of these things. But do so with awareness of
whether it needs to be done right away and, most importantly, with
awareness of your child in the moment.
Even if you redirect your
habit onto only the slightest of detours, it will open to a surprisingly
beautiful path.
