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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
Wednesday July 7, 2004
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.
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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.
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