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
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on mindful parenting. It's easy, free, and fulfilling.
Today's Sip: Join
Your Child's Journey
We are all on a journey. We
are explorers in this vast cosmos. And perhaps the deepest object
of exploration is ourselves. We are searching for "the
key to happiness," for "the meaning of life." The search
is a manifestation of the human condition. It has been ongoing
for millions of years.
Your child is on the same journey.
If your child is very young, this may not yet be apparent. If
your child is older, then it is likely that their search, the tools
they have to assist them, and their attitude, bear a strong
resemblance to yours. If your child is old enough to talk but
not yet an adult, then you may get glimpses of their searching. As parents, we have the wonderful opportunity to explore with our
child.
Today, with awareness, join in your child's journey.
Observe your child as he or she plays, interacts with others, or
shares with you. With each piece of information or feedback
your child receives, whether it is suspended in thought or emotion,
your child takes another step.
Mindfully open your awareness
to the heart of your child's experience. Breathe deeply
and slowly, soften your gaze, relax your body, and soak in your
child's extraordinary presence. Listen deeply. Respond
with as few words as possible, if at all. Be there. You
do not need to teach, or correct your child. You are joining
your child in their journey. Aware of the journey, every moment
is transformed.
One day your child will be exploring
without you physically present. It need not be now.
