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: Open To The Distraction
And Find Your Child
Sometimes, despite our good intentions and
desire, worries and anticipations lurk in the back of our minds and
it is difficult for us to be fully present when we are with our child.
The
practice of mindful parenting is not about eliminating the source
of these worries or anticipations -- in some cases they are very positive
events, and in all cases they are a part of life. But by opening
awareness to these worries and anticipations, we open a door
to the present moment.
Sometimes life hands us the beautiful
opportunity to spend a lot of time with our child. This can
be among the most joyful times in our life. It can be among
the most joyful times in our child's life. If a worry or anticipation
is lurking somewhere inside us, then we may find ourselves antsy --
we have trouble sitting still. We may even attribute the feeling
to our skills as a parent.
If today you experience this (perhaps
your child is talking to you or playing a game and you are having
difficulty giving them your full attention), even if for a few seconds,
use it as an opportunity to enhance the practice of mindful parenting.
Take
a deep breath, become still, and open your awareness to whether
there is something tugging you in another direction. If so,
simply open awareness to that simple fact. "I am distracted
because . . . . " The source of distraction
won't vanish. But your ability to be present with your child
may flourish.
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.
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