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: Moving
With Your Child Into The Present Moment
Our journey through
life brings us to many places. Some we label good; others
we label bad. The practice of mindful parenting invites us to
accept where we are for what it is -- the present moment.
Whether we choose to try to change our circumstance or not, we do
not resist what is. After all, it is already happening.
Resisting can only bring distress, drain energy, and distract us.
When we accept and look deeply into the present moment, we come
to know ourselves better and are better equipped to take the next
step into the next doorway life presents.
Throughout the day
we walk through many doors. We move from room to room, office
to office, and building to building. Each time we do so, the
present moment invites us in.
Reaching for the door
I reach for my child's hand
Together we enter the present moment
Today, when you reach for
a door knob or handle, sense reaching for and touching your child's
hand. Visualize your child with you. If your child is
physically present with you, then open deeply to your child's presence.
As
you open the door, take a full deep breath. Fill the belly.
As you walk through, open awareness to the presence of your child
walking with you. Together you enter the present moment, with
what it brings.