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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contact us with your questions about mindful
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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: Rushing
Through A Meal,
Rushing Through Life
Our perception of the
passage of time is always in flux. Sometimes, time seems to
pass quickly. At other times, it appears to drag.
When we are mindful of the present moment, we appreciate
the passage of time as it is -- not too slow, not too fast.
Eating
presents a wonderful opportunity to be mindful, but because it derives
from such a primitive part of our brain, it is easy to get lost in
the process. As a result, before you know it, the meal or snack
has been scarfed down and time just zipped away.
Today, while
you are eating, attempt to slow down your chewing.
With every bite I take
My child's heart beats
You may find internal resistance to slowing
down your chewing. Or, after a few chews, you may simply
forget about it and return to your normal pace. With mindful
awareness to what you are doing, you will be able to slow it down.
In any case, while chewing recite the above verse. As you do,
relax your shoulders. Let the chewing sound bring to mind the
rhythm (and sound) of a beating heart. Open awareness to your
child, wherever she or he may be and sense the wonder and beauty of
your child's beating heart.
And, if you should find that you
are unable to slow down your chewing, then open awareness to
this simple fact and to the speed of your chewing. As you do,
consider both the "automatic" rushing through a meal and the
mindless rushing through life.
