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
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Experiencing the Joy of Connecting With Our Children
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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.
TMP Book Series
Tuesday October 5, 2004
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The Daily Sip: Your Child Knows You
 
Much of our behavior is driven by our perceptions of ourselves.  We believe we are a certain way, or that others believe us to be a certain way, and if we find those perceptions satisfying, we act so as to maintain them.  But, because we are in charge of these perceptions, they may be erroneous. 
 
To be present in the moment is to see with clarity, and to know with clarity.  It is to soak in the stillness and embrace the cosmos.  As we come to know ourselves with greater clarity and honesty, our relationship with our child reaches even greater heights.
 
Through the practice of mindful parenting, our child can help us to see ourselves more clearly.  Today, if you have the opportunity to interact with your child, open awareness to your true self.  You may be in the middle of a game, or a conversation, or reading a book or reviewing homework.  Whatever you may be doing, take a moment and see yourself from the perspective of your child.
 
               I am who I think I am
               But my child
               Knows me
               Like a flower knows the rain
 
As you recite the verse, breathe deeply and relax your shoulders.  Soften your belly.  As you open awareness to your child's perceptions, don't judge yourself.  Just absorb the feeling.  Smile at whatever insight might emerge.   
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A complete archive of "The Morning Cup" colums can be found here.
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