The Beginner's Mind
A new approach to learning and teaching.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
What is Beginner's Mind?
The Beginner's Mind is an approach of withholding our expectations, judgments, and preconceived ideas about something.
Having a Beginner's Mind means being willing to see everything as though it is for the first time with an open mind and fresh eyes, just like a beginner.
It represents humility in learning as well as leading.
Helping people approach things with a beginner's mind is critical, whether we are trying to improve our current state or make a change and innovate.
The challenge is twofold. As you gain experience, you must maintain a level of beginner's mind both in your life and in relating to those who are beginning their journey.
Leading from a beginner's mind means having openness, enthusiasm, and a lack of predetermination when approaching anything, whether entirely new or something familiar.
"In the mind of the expert there are a few possibilities. In the mind of the beginner, there are endless possibilities."
Shunryu Suzuki-roshi
C.S. Lewis details both the advantage of a beginner's mind and the potential pitfalls for an experienced leader.
"The fellow-pupil can help more than the master because he knows less. The difficulty we want him to explain is one he has recently met.
The expert met it so long ago that he has forgotten.He sees the whole subject by now, in such a different light that he cannot conceive what is really troubling the pupil; he sees a dozen other difficulties which ought to be troubling him but aren't.
Great topic David and one that reflects a reading of IHS today. That of a perspective of a child (not being childlike) in which a child has not learned the influences of the world in consequences to watch out for but for new adventures to learn from. Like finding the purpose of ones being with Ikigai a beginner's perspective is fresh each day to seek clarify towards the truth and oneness with self and I would always add with others in harmony. "When we take a deep breath we center and focus on what’s really important....it gives us a moment of peace to let emotions out and the intellect of the soul in" – Joe Iannone Enjoy this Mardi Gras as is said> Fat Tuesday... as many prepare for Lent and being truly one with oneself and our creator! Giving out of the needless in receiving in the useful! Pax, Lux et Amor! Veritas IHS
Is it really a new approach though? Or have we just forgotten how?
Every day I try to go back to the source of whatever belief I am functioning inside of that day and re-examine - Why do I believe what I do? Has my experienced perspective changed my assumption?