Why Approaching life with a Beginner's Mindset helps?
A while back, I came across a book - Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice by Shunryu Suzuki where I heard about this term.
Shoshin is a word from Zen Buddhism meaning "beginner's mind." It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner would.
It's not just that we must practice while learning something of an advance level with a beginner's mind. It is something we can practice for every single moment of the day. More on this later in the article.
But what’s wrong with an expert mindset?
Science says those who think they are experts are more likely to be close minded.
“If your mind is empty…it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.”
~ Shunryu Suzuki
What is a beginner's mind?
A beginner’s mind is leaving the expectation and pre assumed knowledge about something, and viewing things with a brand new perspective, fresh vision, just like a beginner. You are looking at everything with a curiosity and interest like a beginner.
Benefits of a Beginner’s Mind
The ability to see and experience each things/action around you with a fresh, brand new perspective contributes to:
Better experiences and deeper gratitude: When your head is not fogged with pre-assumptions, doubts and fantasies, you can’t be frustrated by the experience, as there are no pre-notions to compare to and you can appreciate what you might take for granted.
More creativity: Coming up with similar sets of problems while working in a particular niche can be obvious, and the ability to solve sometimes gets ingrained in our brain. Instead see and try to solve the same problem with a whole new perspective, you’ll find opportunities that you didn’t previously encountered.
More fun and wonder: You can playfully enjoy your work by being more curious and expansive. This also breaks the monotonous view of life “Ah! Here we go, same boring day as always.”
Less anxiety and stress: Let go of the preconceived thoughts about the outcome and embrace not knowing, be in the moment for what you’re doing.
Less procrastination: If you are working for your next big task, approach the same with a beginner's mind to eliminate the thought of How hard the task is? or Doubting yourself to complete and succeed or not, instead be curious about what the task will be like. This will make you indulge in the cracks of the problem, instead trying to get away and run from them.
Next write-up on How to practice a beginner’s mind? And let me know if you already practice this effective habit!