Beginner’s Mind

"Beginner's Mind" is a Buddhist practice that encourages approaching activities and situations in our daily lives with an open, curious and non-judgemental mind, allowing us to more fully appreciate the present moment.

I love this quote by Rachel Carson:

“A child’s world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood. If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life.”

This makes me think of my own kids who are now 15 and 18. I miss those years when they asked a million questions about everything. When they were transfixed by what I saw as the mundane. Is this perspective something we can cultivate? Do you know someone in your life that seems as though they never lost it? I think about people like Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter and Bill Nye the Science Guy. They both have a childlike wonder and curiosity that is infectious to adults and kids alike. 

But perhaps my favorite person (okay, he’s not real, but humor me) that embodies the idea of Beginner’s Mind is Ted Lasso. Enjoy one of my favorite scenes from Ted Lasso about curiosity. Start at 2:47, unless you love Ted Lasso and want to relive the entire scene! (FYI, there is some bad language before 2:47)

How can you cultivate Beginner’s Mind in your own life? How do you think it will change your perspective on specific situations? Reflect on a situation in your life using Beginner’s Mind. Journal your thoughts.

With gratitude,

Kate