The Mindful Parent
sm
Experiencing the Joy of Connecting With Our Children
Forum
Home
Contact Us
FAQ
Resources
Current Events
Meditations
Verses
TMP Book Series
Beautiful scene
Many parents
Many children
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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Submissions
Your mindful parenting practice tip
of the day. 
Be sure to
sip slowly
The Morning Cup
Newsletter
The Morning Cup Archives
Sign up for The Mindful Parent newsletter and receive information and tips on mindful parenting. It's easy, free, and fulfilling.
(c) 2003-2004 Zen Health.  All rights reserved.
The Mindful Parent is a servicemark of Zen Health.
From the Archives
Friday July 2, 2004
Today's Sip:  Your Child And Your Heart
 
Happiness and joy can be influenced by whether we are open to what takes place around us or instead evaluate and judge it.  When we are open and non-judging, we absorb otherwise difficult and trying moments as a part of "what is."  When we evaluate and judge, we react again what is taking place.  We expend energy to try to control events and our hearts hunker down for the fight.
 
Our child, whether by birth or other blessed event, is a part of us and we are a part of them.  Their every action, expression, and thought resonates deep within us.  When we accept our child as a part of "what is" we grow spiritually and our hearts open wide to embrace a deeper reality.
 
Today, absorb your child's actions, and expressions into your heart.
 
When your child speaks, whether loving or hurtful words, visualize the words flowing into your heart.  When you observe your child engaged in activity, allow the essence of that activity to float above it and into your heart.  Breathe slowly, deeply, and smile. Open your heart to absorb it all.  The act of absorbing involves no thinking.
 
What floats into your heart is the pure nature and vitality of your child.  It is not the particular substance of what transpired.  As for the substance, which is a separate matter, you may feel the need to respond to hurtful words or deeds, or to words and deeds of lovingkindness.  Do so mindfully.
 
But what we absorb into our heart is the essence of our child's nature.  Try not to react against this nature.  By embracing it and drawing it into your heart, you expand your capacity for compassion and deep connection.
     -------------------------------------------
Please share your comments on today's column.  If you would like to receive a courtesy copy of The Morning Cup column e-mailed to you each morning, click here.
     -------------------------------------------