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Category: Spiritual Parenting

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January 14
2012

Sharing Spiritual Vibrations with a Newborn

Astrid
Germany

Question

Hello. I would like to ask a question about spiritual parenting.

I have a Newborn daughter and have been on the Spiritual path for some time now and I was wondering if there was anything I could do for her soul’s spiritual development even at this age.. All the books on Spiritual education don’t seem to say much about the first year of Life. Could you give me a list of ideas of what I can do together with her that can be of Spiritual Benefit to her even now? Thanks!

Nayaswami Nitai

Ananda Village

Answer

One of the best practices with a newborn is to meditate with them while holding them in your lap or arms. Since they are so sensitive to energy, you will need to consciously include them in your meditation, feeling God’s presence surrounding both of you.

Playing devotional music at different times during the day will also help. You could read spiritual books, again expanding the vibrations of the book to include your child. And, of course, there is always praying for them, as you probably already do.

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November 17
2011

Magnetizing a Healthy Pregnancy

Christina
USA

Question

My husband and I have been trying to have a second child since my miscarriage 10 months ago. When each month comes back unsuccessful, I get so sad and depressed. I have tried praying, meditating and giving this deep desire up to God to take care of but am becoming more obsessed with it as more time goes by. I am on a fertility diet and now am trying fertility yoga. I have done everything except going on fertility drugs, which I am against. Please, any advice on how to let go of this desire?

Kristy Fassler-Hecht

Ananda Maine

Answer

Dear Christina,

I apologize for the delay in responding to your question. I had a family emergency that required all of my attention for about two weeks.

As a naturopathic doctor, I have a couple of things to suggest about conception and maintaining a healthy pregnancy that you may never have considered before.

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September 17
2011

Songs and Prayers for Children

Amber
USA

Question

I am wondering if Master or Swamiji ever created or suggested a special song or prayer for children. Often when I start our nightly prayers with "Divine Mother, Heavenly Father, Friend Beloved God. . ." my two-year-old son asks for a song. Any suggestions? He loves the song "Receive, Lord, in Thy Light" song for meals and always joins in at the end for the "Aum" part.

Thank you.

David Eby

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Amber — yes, there are quite a few children’s songs that I think you would like. The first is Guide Me Lord:

1. Guide me, Lord, throughout this day; In all I do, in all I say. Tell me when I go astray; Hold me in Thy light. 2. Help me see that happiness Comes not with wanting more, but less. Teach me all my friends to bless, Hold them in Thy light.

And here is a link to a recording.

The other is Of His Dreams Our Love Was Made:

1. God is our father, our mother, too; God is our dearest treasure. God’s ever near, the one friend who Loves us without any measure. Of his dreams our love was made. Only from Him is love repaid. 2. Let us in gladness all live for Him; Serve Him in every season. Serve Him with thought, with hand and limb; Love Him without any reason. God befriends us as we are: Fools we, that hold his love afar!

And a recording of it in concert for you!

Some albums available on iTunes are All the World Is My Friend and I Came From Joy, published by Crystal Clarity Publishers.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance!

In joyful service,
David

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May 5
2011

My Child Doesn't Want to Meditate

Dp
USA

Question

What is the best way to teach a six year old to meditate.

I MAKE mine mentally chant a mantra for 15minutes followed by the AUM MEDITATION.

But he does not like to meditate and he keeps fidgeting.

Nayaswami Nitai

Ananda Village

Answer

Usually it’s counterproductive to force children to meditate or chant. It builds up a resistance that can take decades to break down.

It’s better to find ways of involving them that they like, for instance stories and games that have some spiritual overtone. The classic approach in India is tell young children stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

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November 1
2010

Stressed by Parenting and In-Laws

minismom
india

Question

dear expert,

i love your blogs.i am presently married into a family which so very different from mine. it stresses me out totally. i have a beautiful 2 yr old whom i love more than my own life. i take excellent care of her too.however when i get stressed out especially due to inlaws issues, i loose patience with my kid. she becomes the target of my weakness. the result,i feel guilty all the more and undeserving too h

Hassi Copley

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear One,

I understand how stress and impatience can surface, especially when children are young. It is important to make sure you have a way to nuture your inner life so you can ride the waves better. It is the best preventative for stress.

I know that is easier said than done with a husband, in-laws and a child and duties that are 24/7!

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June 24
2010

Marriage and family

Ravi
India

Question

I am a reasonably spiritual person & love humanity. I have been married for 20 yrs with a childhood friend of mine. I was highly satisfied with my life & career growth till 5 yrs back when I learnt that my wife had been cheating on me for a decade. I am devastated since then and survived solely due to my spiritual leanings & responsibilty for my kids. We are now separated for 2 years but I wish her to come back for kids sake as it’s none of their fault. Am I wrong & weak or right in my thinking?

Nayaswami Hriman

Ananda Seattle

Answer

Dear Ravi,

It is important that your wife agree with your proposal so that her returning is something you both feel is right.

I assume from your note that you have the children with you and that she left the home (perhaps at your insistence).

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January 22
2010

The Dharma (Spiritual Duty) of Having Children

Kaivalya
USA

Question

Should one give up having a child for the spiritual path OR can having a child be ones dharma, gods will, a part of the spiritual path? How do you know which path is for you? What path do you take in marriage if both people have differing viewpoints (desires)? What are Yogananda’s guidelines about having children?

with

Gratitude

Kaivalya~

Nayaswami Devi

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Kaivalya,

The paths to God are as varied as there are individuals. For some people, being a renunciate and withdrawing from all worldly involvement is the way to inner freedom. For others fulfilling one’s earthly responsibilities with non-attachment and with the thought of God brings realization.

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October 19
2009

My 4-year old likes to meditate

Craig
America

Question

Last Sunday I awoke later than normal. Usually I meditate when my family is sleeping When I announced that it was time for me to meditate, my 4 yr old said he wanted to also, he sees me do this in the evening.

I fixed him a place next to me and gave him basic instruction. Amazingly he sat quietly for the full 24 minutes.

All week long he has talked about when we meditate on Sat. & Sun.

I wonder how much is wanting to be like dad & how much is genuine spiritual need. How can I help him along?

Guest Minister

Answer

Meditation is a good habit, so I would let your son mediatate with you for as long as he wants to.

What a blessing that he is not only open to it at such a young age, but that he is self-motivated. My two children enjoyed sitting on our laps at the end of our meditations, but didn’t sit next to us (my husband and I) for any period of time. I would go with the child’s inclination, and share with him how you feel about your special meditation time together.

He may want to be like his dad, and what a great role model you are! Children learn by example, and you are giving him a wonderful tool for life. I would let him determine when and how long he meditates, and see what transpires...

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