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.
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The Daily Sip:
Washing Hands To
"Happy Birthday"
and Slowing Down Time, Part 1 of 4
A popular
Morning Cup involved the Mindful Parenting exercise of singing "Happy
Birthday" to your child when you wash your hands. The Morning
Cup columns for the remainder of this week will deal with slight variations
on this powerful theme. Today's column reintroduces this simple
exercise.
You can slow down time, expand your awareness
to your child's presence, and feel deep joy with the mindful
parenting exercise of singing "Happy Birthday," aloud or to yourself, each
time you wash your hands.
Often, we wash our hands in a hurry
and rarely even remember doing so. Instead, bring time to a
near halt as you sing or hum "Happy Birthday" to your child.
As you do, relax. Breathe a deep sigh as you break
up your day by transforming this otherwise trivial event into a sacred
moment.
Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday Dear _________
Happy Birthday To You
When you get to your child's name, imagine
your child's smiling face. But instead of reflecting on some
past event, open awareness to your child in the present moment.
Let the image you visualize be that of your child in the here and
now, wherever they may be.
As you visualize or sense your smiling
child, breathe deeply and smile.
Tomorrow's column will examine
the role that awareness of the hands can play in elevating the
joy that this exercise will, especially over time, bring to you.
