As I review this chapter again…The chart on page 200 looks like an open slate to me, AN empty Round Circle, and I have to address it … i relate to THIS body of work from my Zen Practice again this week
Approaching Life with Beginner’s Mind
What is Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind ??
Dropping the “Expert’s Mind” and Seeing the Learning AS a Beginner is important
It’s something you can Practice Every Single moment of Everyday.
They say a child’s mind is like a sponge, The first 4 years of life are so crucial and WILL mold their Process for a lifetime.
Why is that SO….. In The Formation Of OUR Thought Process. This chapter so Eliquitly Uncovers The Why Of It !
What Is BEGINNERS Mind?
It’s Dropping our Expectations and Preconceived Ideas about something, Seeing things with an Open Mind, Fresh Eyes…. Just like a child or Beginner. Can you remember what that’s like? When you first learned something new. You were probably confused, because you didn’t know how to do whatever
the task or thing was, look at everything As If It’s Brand New, With Curiosity and Wonder. That’s Beginner’s Mind.
How to Practice
Beginner’s mind is what we practice in meditation. Instead of sitting in
meditation and thinking you know what your breath will be like, or the present moment in front of you will be like … you pay attention. See it with fresh eyes. Drop your preconceived ideas and just look clearly at what’s in front of you.
When you notice yourself having preconceived ideas, wandering from the present moment, thinking you know how it will be … just notice that.
See if you can drop the ideas and thoughts, fantasies and stories that are filling up your head. Empty yourself so you can see what’s actually in front of you. See what your breath is actually like, right now, instead of what you think it will be or what you’re thinking about.
You can practice whenever you do any activity, from brushing your teeth to washing the dishes to walking and driving and working out and using your phone.
You can practice whenever you talk to another human being, dropping your ideas of how they should be and instead emptying your mind and seeing them as they are. Notice their good heart, their difficulties, and be grateful for them as they are. Love them for who they are and find compassion for their struggles.
This is the practice. Do it with a smile, and with love, with fresh eyes and gratitude for the only universe we’ll ever get — the actual one in front of us.