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
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Today's Sip: Traffic
Lights and Your Child
You probably find yourself stopped at a
traffic light several times a day. While stopped, or even passing
through, you see the red, amber, and green lights. These lights
are constantly shifting from green to amber to red and then back to
green. These colors shift very much like the emotions that pass
through your child. In this way, the lights cue an opportunity
to engage in mindful parenting.
Whatever your child's general
demeanor may be, it is likely that your child's behavior fluctuates
during the day.
Today, when you see a traffic light, breathe
deeply and open your awareness to your wonderful child and the breadth
of their expressive states.
When you see the red traffic light,
consider your child's more volatile or emotionally agitated states.
When you see the amber light, think of the times your child is
calmer, transitioning from one state to another. And when you
see the green light, bring to mind those times when your child
is easygoing and fun loving.
By opening awareness to your
child, even if for a flicker of an instance while passing under a
traffic light, you deepen your connection to your child. As
your awareness opens and you smile, notice how your body feels.
With practice, this exercise can offer a moment to feel deep
joy.
