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.
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and of changes to The Mindful Parent website. Please
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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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The Daily Sip: Writing
Your Child a Note
The practice of mindful parenting deepens the
connection between us and our child. It serves to awaken us
to the always present flow of joy that can become obscured.
A beautiful way to deepen the connection is to engage in loving and
compassionate action at a time when the flow of joy may be partially
disrupted.
Set aside a time today to spend about five minutes
when you will open awareness to the presence of your child in your
life and deepen the connection you share. Pick a time in advance
and commit to taking the few minutes time out of your usual schedule.
When
that time comes, sit at a desk or table with a piece of paper and
writing utensil, or sit at a computer prepared to write
a note or e-mail. (A hand written or typed note is preferable
to preparing an e-mail.) The note you write will be for your
child. Take a deep full breath, expanding your belly and gently
exhale.
Begin the note with: "You are loved because
. . . ."
Don't think too hard as your continue to write.
And don't censor yourself. Also, don't feel the need to explain
why you are writing the note. If you find yourself
stuck, return awareness to your breath; the thoughts will come.
Don't rush. When you believe you are done, sit for a few moments
with awareness on your breathing. Should another thought arise,
add to the letter.
Then, place the note in an envelope addressed
to your child and plan to send it or give it to him or her.
If you composed an e-mail, send the e-mail. If your child is
too young to read, plan to read it to your child and then save
the letter.
The process of writing the letter will bring a smile,
and perhaps tears, to your face and open your heart even more fully
to your profound love.
