Mindfulness Is The New Mantra For Parents

Practising mindfulness is highly recommended to 21st century parents weighed down by the multifarious challenges of raising children in the age of ubiquitous social media.

- Aruna Raghuram

Mindfulness is more than a trendy buzzword in this age of high-stress lifestyles. It's being increasingly acknowledged by scientists, psychologists and wellness experts as the prerequisite of mental and emotional well-being. Defined as the art of "maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens" (Prof. on Kabat-Zinn, University of Massachusetts Medical School), mindfulness is rapidly evolving into a popular form of meditation practised by a growing number of adults. In particular, practising mindfulness is highly recommended to 21st century parents weighed down by the multifarious challenges of raising children in the age of ubiquitous social media.

"Mindfulness is a state of mind: one of calmness, gratitude, and compassion. For instance when you resolve to accept whatever comes your way without passing judgement, it's a mindful practice. While formal practices include focusing on regulating breathing and meditation, you can informally practise mindfulness in daily life. For example, you can eat, walk and cook mindfully. For parents in particular, practicing mindfulness has many benefits. It helps to slow and calm them, listen to and accept children's opinions without judgement and most importantly reduces anxiety and stress," says Subha Parthasarathy, a Bengaluru-based parents counsellor and trainer.