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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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(c) 2003-2004 Zen Health.  All rights reserved.
The Mindful Parent is a servicemark of Zen Health.
From the Archives
Saturday July 3, 2004
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.
 
 
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