The other day, in a yoga class, I admit I was just so distracted. It was an online class and I wasn’t able to really be present. Distractions in the background didn’t help. But I admit that part of me had checked out. I had heard the same content before and was impatiently waiting for the new, juicy bits that would get me a step further. I thought I knew it anyway and was getting bored with the basic instructions.
Wait a moment, I thought. What about Beginner’s Mind? Isn’t that what I tell my students? – To come with an open mind and start every moment afresh. To not think, not another down dog. Not another sun salutation.
It was a trap. And I had stepped right in. I caught myself, though, and it brought a smile to my face. I took a moment, nodded an internal thanks to myself (I could have also patted myself on the shoulder) and started all over. Hello class, here I am, I told myself, and jumped right in. There I was, in a completely different state, and I enjoyed it so much more, too. Instead of being annoyed at the end, I had a good time and was energized for the rest of the day.
Beginner’s Mind – I find it such a helpful concept, and one of those that needs a constant reminder in order to settle. Especially when we think we already know something, it’s so much harder to be open. So, whether it’s yoga philosophy or practice, once we reach that threshold where we’re no longer a beginner, it’s much more important to be mindful of any know-it-all attitudes.
What is Beginner’s Mind
At its core, Beginner’s Mind—known as “Shoshin” in Zen Buddhism—is a state of mind characterized by openness, curiosity, and a lack of preconceptions. It’s the willingness to approach each moment, each experience, as if encountering it for the very first time, free from the weight of past experiences, judgments, and expectations.
Think about it this way: Where are there endless possibilities, in the beginner’s mind or in the expert’s mind?
In the context of yoga, Beginner’s Mind invites us to step onto the mat with a fresh perspective, ready to explore the depths of our practice with childlike wonder and curiosity. In the midst of all our mental chatter, Beginner’s Mind beckons us to return to a state of pure presence and openness, inviting us to come to the mat with no expectations, no comparisons, and no competition, but simply to be. It invites us to see the world with fresh eyes and a receptive heart, to cultivate a sense of wonder, exploration, and growth, fostering inner resilience and adaptability in the face of life’s challenges. And it allows us to start over—an often overlooked advantage, akin to having a trump card to play when all else fails.
Three steps to get into Beginner’s Mind
The way we show up on the yoga mat is a reflection of how we show up in the world—our attitudes, habits, and tendencies are mirrored in our practice. So, the next time you find yourself bored in your practice, try the following three practical steps to help you cultivate Beginner’s Mind:
- Exhale out slowly, at the end of the exhale, slowly count to three. Smile.
- Take a moment to remind yourself of your intention to practice.
- Ask yourself, is there something you could possibly discover in this very moment.
Whatever your intention was—whether it’s something you hope to gain from the practice, to cultivate mindfulness, release tension, build up strength, or simply enjoy—you will notice you’ll be able to continue your practice with more openness and curiosity when you pause to remind yourself to start over. Perhaps it helps you to think of awareness as a game and see if you can “beat” yourself to it. Beginner’s Mind isn’t meant to be stern and rigid; it’s the present moment that invites joy and lightness.
How to embrace Beginner’s Mind off the mat
And just like in yoga class, be ready to catch yourself off the mat, too, when you’re getting stuck in I-have-nothing-to-learn-here-territory. Are you willing to explore and let go of preconceived notions?
What if there is another layer of knowing that has yet to be revealed? If we close ourselves off right there, on the cusp of possibility, it’s gone. To recognize those moments and welcome them opens up possibilities, on and off the mat. So, the next time you come to a point where you heard it all before, I invite you to open up to Beginner’s Mind.
