Beautiful scene
Many parents
Many children
Mindful Parenting is a contemplative practice through which we become more mindful of our children and, in doing so, experience a more joyful life.
Monday June 28, 2004
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.
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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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