Beginner’s mind means having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and freedom from preconceptions when approaching anything. Beginner’s mind is actually the space where the mind does not know what to do. It is that delicious state when you are sure of nothing, yet completely fearless, totally available to the moment. Nithyananda
When my son turned fourteen I was reminded of my own teenage years when I was sure that I knew everything! I thought my parents were unbelievably stupid and didn’t have a clue. As I watched my son go through that same phase, it made me smile to realize that the older I have become, the less I’m completely certain about. At fourteen I was freely dispensing advice; now I’m not always sure I have that kind of clarity for myself, let alone someone else. Sometimes, however, teenage arrogance can harden into a closed mind of certainty in adulthood. I’ve seen it when I’ve been afraid to experiment with ideas, or let things unfold without knowing where they’re leading. I much prefer to know for sure.
Yet what I have come to learn through my spiritual awakening is that Life is a series of opportunities that invite us to be present in each moment and accept the gift of possibility. There is something so profound when we savor the prospect of coming to each moment, each event, each person, completely fresh and new—when we allow ourselves to live in beginner’s mind without judgment or expertise. Let yourself be surprised as you discover how good life can be with an open mind as well as an open heart!
Spiritual Contemplation: In which areas of life are you closed to new ideas and possibilities? What do you want to bring your beginner’s mind to?
Affirmation: I see myself with beginner’s mind. I see my life with openness and eagerness, free of false perceptions and judgments.
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