Mindful Parenting is a contemplative practice through which we become more mindful of our children and, in doing so, experience a more joyful life.
Your mindful parenting practice tip of
the day. Be sure to sip slowly
Experiencing the Joy of Connecting With Our Children
The
Mindful Parent
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.
(c)
2003-2004 Zen Health. All rights reserved.
The Mindful Parent is
a servicemark of Zen Health.
Sign up for The Mindful
Parent newsletter and receive information and tips on mindful parenting.It's easy, free, and fulfilling.
-------------------------------------------
Please
share your comments on today's column. If you would
like to receive a courtesy copy of The Morning Cup column e-mailed
to you each morning, click here.
A complete archive of "The
Morning Cup" columns can be found here.
-------------------------------------------
The Morning Sip: Bending
Down and Hugging Your Child
Each day we bend down. We may
tie or untie shoelaces, pick up something that dropped,
and maybe even pick up litter to throw in the garbage. Each time
we do so, we have the opportunity to deepen our connection to our
child.
Regardless of your child's age, you probably remember
reaching down to hug your child. Perhaps you do it now.
Perhaps you haven't done it for many years. The practice of
mindful parenting is about opening awareness to the presence of your
child in your life. Whatever may be going on at the time you
bend down today, your precious child is somewhere, and the opportunity
to connect more deeply with your child presents itself.
I bend down
And my child looks up
With
arms outstretched
And a big smile
Today, when you bend down, visualize your
child sitting on the ground, arms outstretched -- waiting to hug you.
Breathe deeply and relax. Calm your thoughts and imagine embracing
your child. Sense your child's hands wrapped around you.
Take a moment to consider where your child is at that moment.
Direct loving thoughts toward your beautiful child.
