“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.”
― Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
When was the last time you let something “wow” you? Beginner’s mind is the concept of innocence, openness and newness as opposed to expert, fully knowing, and ordinary. Most often we walk around with our experiences and knowledge and that is fine, but it can make us blind to the novelty, subtle beauty, or the miraculous nature of the world around us. Don’t let your experience in life rob you of the joy of finding something new and letting it bring you wonder.
If you were to look at the world with fresh eyes, what would you see? What could you learn? What would bring you a sense of amazement?
If you are looking for more guidance on how to activate your Beginner’s Mind, think of something that fascinates you, any topic, and begin to look into it. You might Google it, buy a book on it, learn more than you already know. You can enjoy being a novice, open, with nothing to prove or show, only seeking to absorb more wonder.
Another tip is to use your senses fully. Look around you carefully at every day objects indoors and outdoors to find something you have overlooked many times that you may inspect more carefully. You may find an interested looking insect you have never seen before or a flower that has intricacies previous lost to you. You may hear a sound you can’t place or notice that the cars passing by sound like waves in the ocean when you listen intently.
Look with new eyes and hear with new ears today, letting the life around you deliver joy!
“The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn
For more information about cultivating clarity, compassion, and contentment in your life, contact Kim at [email protected] or (518) 301-3593. Kim Perone is a Success, Bereavement, and Resilience Coach and Mindfulness Trainer offering 1:1 coaching, workshops, programs, retreats, workplace training and resources to support you on your life’s journey. Kim is the author of The Case For Clarity, Compassion, and Contentment: Finding Your Center available at www.center4c.com and Amazon.
