Mindful Parenting is a contemplative practice through which we become more mindful of our children and, in doing so, experience a more joyful life.
Today's Sip:
Listen To Your Child With One Ear
When our child is speaking,
we listen automatically, almost without intention. The
practice of mindful parenting involves deep listening. When
we listen deeply, we are present in the moment and truly hear what
our child is saying -- what our child needs, and we listen with
deep compassion.
It is possible, with a little effort, to have
one ear become dominant. By focusing awareness on a particular
ear, say the right ear, you will sense it paying a little more attention
to what you are hearing. If it is helpful, place your hand over
the left ear to muffle the sound, or cup your right ear to direct
the flow of sound waves.
Today, when you are talking with your
child, especially if you are having difficulty understanding what
your child is saying, or if you are getting frustrated, try to listen
from your right ear. In doing so, you may find that you hear
your child's words and understand your child's intent differently,
that you are listening a little more deeply.
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.
