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.
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Today's Sip: Breathing
into your Child
Breathing is a miraculous act. It is one
of the few things our body does automatically which we can also engage
voluntarily. If we don't think about it, we breathe. If
we so choose, we can decide when to breathe. Of course,
if you have ever tried, it is a good thing the body is there as back
up; try as you may, it is difficult to maintain awareness
on the breath.
Training awareness on the breath has very
powerful effects on the body and mind. It forms the basis for
a great many meditation and calming traditions. It also is the
foundation for the practice of mindfulness. When you are
aware of your inbreath and outbreath ("I am now breathing in; I am
now breathing out") you become aware of the present moment.
At
this moment you are breathing. At this moment, your living child
is breathing. The practice of mindful parenting deepens
your connection to your child.
Today, when you become aware
of your breathing (you may want to write yourself a note to remind
yourself to be aware), visualize your inbreath filling your child's
lungs. Close your eyes and breathe slowly. Feel your chest
and belly expand -- open. Imagine your child's chest and belly
opening.
With this breath
I give my child
What she needs
Recite this verse and remind yourself that you
provide your child with what he or she needs (not necessarily what
your child wants). The practice of mindful parenting opens awareness
to understanding deeply your child's needs. As a parent, there
is no greater expression of love.
