Beginner's Mind

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities. In the expert’s mind there are few.” -Shunryu Suzuki

Shoshin is a concept in Zen Buddhism meaning Beginner’s Mind. It refers to the openness, eagerness, and lack of preconception a beginner brings to their study of a subject.

When we practice Shoshin, we can experience learning just as a beginner would, even when studying at an advanced level.

For me Beginner’s Mind means allowing new experiences to unfold without grand expectations; to be immersed in the experience, rather than in my thoughts about what the experience should be.

This openness allows me to indulge my curiosity, jump into uncharted waters, and remain a dedicated and interested student of life for the rest of my days on this planet.

As the mother of a young daughter, I witness Beginner’s Mind every day.

This maternal observation, coupled with the fact that I am an experiential learner, supports a natural state of wonderment—a way to squeeze even more sweetness out of my life.

Beginner’s Mind is nourished by being open, curious, and (to a degree) fearless. When you have no preconceptions, there is no room for internal competition or an overactive ego, and no need to be fully proficient. It’s more about showing up and seeing what happens next.

In this podcast I will be sharing some examples of how Shoshin shows up in my life...

photo by pedrobonatto