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: Water
and Your Joyful Child
The ecstatic joy life offers is found
in the non-thinking moments, during those times when we find
ourselves deeply present and absorbed in the moment. This can
be readily observed in young children at play -- their smiles
and laughter naturally flow from a well of deep connection to
the cosmos.
Water has a similar quality. Whether falling
from atop a beautiful mountain, flowing down a babbling brook,
cresting in waves along an ocean shore, quietly lapping against
the shore of a lake, or even flowing down a shower or basin faucet,
water sparkles and dances. You don't have to listen too deeply
to hear its laughter.
Today, when you see or hear water,
recollect a time your child was running or playing and filled
with laughter. Perhaps it was five minutes ago. Perhaps
it was 30 years ago. Breathe deeply and relax as you ponder
the water.
Open awareness to your child in the moment, wherever
he or she may be. Sense the joyful part of them today.
Look deeply into who they are for that childlike bliss. Then,
look deeply into yourself and find that same bliss.
Water
Sparkles and dances
Like my beautiful child
Like myself
