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.
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.
The Daily Sip:
Acceptance:
You Are A Wonderful Parent
Parenting is difficult and challenging.
One contributing factor is that the feedback you receive on how
good a job you are doing is delayed. Much of the time
you are left to your own devices, trying to do the best job you
can, and you can only guess how well you are doing. As a result,
it is easy to second guess your competence. You can be
very hard on yourself.
Today's verse is intended to open awareness
to the marvelous job you are doing. There is no denying it --
you are doing the best job you can. It isn't easy and you
may not always reflect fondly on your every action and word. But
the moment is always ripe for compassion and growth.
This moment offers me
The opportunity to become
An even more wonderful parent
Should you feel regret over some
past act, look to the present moment. In it, you'll always find
forgiveness. Should you second guess your instincts and intuition,
look to the present moment. In it, you'll find the depth of
your capacity to know and love your child. And should you feel
good about yourself as a parent, dwell in the present moment.
For it is there that you will find life's joy.
Recite today's
verse anytime you find yourself with or contemplating your child.
As you do, breathe deeply, expanding and relaxing your belly.
Allow your attention to float, without judgment, over imagery of you
and your child, together. Smile and embrace the miracle of your
parenthood.
