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Experiencing the Joy of Connecting With Our Children
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Mindful Parenting is a contemplative practice through which we become more mindful of our children and, in doing so, experience a more joyful life.
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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 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 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.  Please contact us with your questions about mindful parenting or to share a mindful parenting experience.  The Mindful Parent conducts mindful parenting  workshops and seminars.  We are 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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Thursday May 12, 2005
The Daily Sip:  Breathe And Open
Awareness to Your Child's Presence
 
Our breath is the great connector.  When we inhale, we bring into our bodies a sampling of the cosmos.  Breathing connects us to each other.  It connects us to our ancestors.  It connects us to those who will follow us.
 
Wherever you are in relation to your child, you are both breathing.  While your breathing proceeds involuntarily, it is one of the few involuntary acts that you can engage in voluntarily.
 
Today, allow the voluntary character of  your breathing to connect you more deeply to your child, ideally at a time when you are not together.  Do this with deliberation.  If it would be helpful, set the alarm on your watch or clock or make a note on your calendar for a specific time today when you will take a few minutes and use your breathing to connect to your child.
 
When the time arrives, become conscious of your breathing.  Exhale fully and then await your body's deliberate drawing in of air.  Allow your belly to expand.  Do this several times, relaxing muscles, especially in the shoulders and face.
 
Now, imagine your child appearing next to you.  Notice that your child is not breathing.  He or she is not starving for air, just not breathing.  With your next inhalation, place the palm of your hand on your child's belly.  As you do this, you notice your child beginning to inhale along with you.  As you reach the pause between inhalation and exhalation, your child looks to you and smiles.  Together, you both exhale.  Repeat this several times or as often as you like.