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The Morning Sip: Let Your
Child In
We can expand our connection to our child in many ways. A
common element to them all is that we are mindful of the present moment
and the presence of our child in our lives.
While
you may assume it is easier to be mindful when you are with
your child, oftentimes the wonderful opportunity that being together
presents is neglected. The practice of mindful parenting
opens awareness to these moments -- moments that pass all
too quickly and, at the same time, are forever waiting for us to jump
in.
Today, create mindful space with your child when you are
working on a project or thinking through an issue. Perhaps your
child is watching you. Perhaps they are elsewhere. Plan
to take a few minutes to be really prsent with your
child. Ask your child if they would give you their thoughts
on something you are working on. Make sure it is a good time for
them. Let them know they can help you. While you are talking
to your child, look deeply into their eyes -- visualize the
sun, moon or earth in their beautiful round eyes. Lose
yourself in the cosmos.
Take a slow deep breath and relax.
Let go of the day's stress and turmoil -- what a wonderful moment
to be spending with your child. It will be over shortly. Tell
your child about the project and ask them for their thoughts.
Listen deeply to them. Listen with your whole body, not just
your ears. Listen with your hands and your heart. Smile.
This
is not a time to "teach" your child or re-explain something if they
don't get it just right. It is a time to listen and to let go,
mindful of your child's extraordinary presence in your life.
Every word they utter is the most beautiful music you have ever heard.
Every facial gesture and mannerism pours out from the depths of the
cosmos. Appreciate the gift each moment brings when you are
present with your child.
After a short while, thank your child
for listening to you and sharing their wonderful thoughts. As
you do so, hold your child's hand and feel their warmth.
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.
