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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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The Morning Cup Archives
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(c) 2003-2004 Zen Health.
From the Archives
Friday July 16, 2004
       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.  
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