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 up for The
Mindful Parent newsletter and receive information and tips on mindful
parenting. It's easy, free, and fulfilling.
Today's Sip: Your Child's Beating Heart
Throughout
the day we drink. This sometimes regular, oftentimes, spontaneous
act can serve as a wonderful cue to open awareness to our child.
If
you drink coffee or tea, the cup or mug may feel warm to your touch --
that can be a helpful reminder. If the beverage is cold or there
is ice in it, the feel of cold against your fingers, palms or lips
serves as a faithful cue.
With every sip I take
My child's heart beats.
Today, when you become aware that you
are taking a sip of some beverage -- perhaps it is now, perhaps it
is at a luncheon with friends or a business meeting -- perhaps it
is when you are sitting along in an office or surrounded with children
-- wake up! Take a slow, deep breath and fill your belly
with air. Feel the space at your core. Relax.
(If it is difficult to relax, focus attention on your heartbeat.
Try to feel the rhythm. If you can't feel it, imagine
a rhythm; listen for it). Continue to breathe deeply.
Then, become very aware of your actions as you slowly raise the
glass or cup to your mouth. Sense the skeletal movement
involved in that seemingly simple act. Anticipate the flow of
the liquid into your mouth. Feel the liquid as it
washes over your tongue and flushes down your throat.
At
the moment you swallow, open awareness to your child's beating heart. Wherever
your child may be on this planet, a miracle is taking place --
the miracle of your child's beating heart. Every second, it
beats. With or without your attention, it beats.
Its rhythm emerged before your child was born into this world
and it will continue until the moment before your child leaves this
world. It serves as a precious reminder of the gift of your
child's presence on this Earth.
Opening awareness to your child's
beautiful beating heart deepens your connection to your child.
It opens your connection to the vast cosmos which will reverberate
forever with echoes of every heart beat. Smile.
